Palomar fractional resurfacing is a treatment that may be applied on the face to treat wrinkles and other skin imperfections. If you are considering this type of treatment, you need to be informed on how to prepare for it. Knowing what to expect during the treatment is part of the preparation.
Prepare for Palomar Fractional Resurfacing
Before the Palomar fractional resurfacing, your doctor may advise you to take Retin-A or other retinoids, which will prepare the skin for the procedure. Some specialists also recommend the oral administration of hydroquinone for three to four weeks prior to the procedure.
In some cases, the doctor will recommend a microdermabrasion treatment prior to the resurfacing, to enhance the results. The microdermabrasion involves sanding the superficial layer of skin and can be performed two to four weeks before the Palomar fractional resurfacing treatment.
If you smoke, discontinue this habit four weeks before the procedure. If you smoke before and after the procedure, your recovery will be slower and you are exposed to more risks and complications. Avoid natural or artificial tanning at least four weeks before the treatment. If you tend to develop cold sores, the doctor will prescribe some antiviral medication, to prevent cold sore outbreaks following the procedure.
Learn about the Procedure
Learning about the procedure and getting your questions answered are part of the preparation for Palomar fractional resurfacing. The downtime for this type of procedure is between three to five days. You may experience bleeding, so it would be advisable to take time off work.
