Pre and Post Care Instructions

These pre & post care instructions are intended to guide you through the treatment process and get you on your way to gorgeous! Other concerns, issues or needs may arise so please keep in touch. Moxi can be done any time of year on any skin color or type but there are some precautions. Avoid tan or sunburn 1-2 weeks before and after treatment. Discuss skin sensitivities, history of irritations, allergies, cold sores etc. with your provider prior to any treatment. Moxi is a Nonablative fractional laser, meaning it does not burn contacted tissue to destruction and it is scattered into tiny columns of treatment rather than the complete surface area so it will cause temporary speckles of controlled injury on the skin.

After Your Treatment:

CLEANSING:

Cleanse the skin two times a day with plain, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, beginning the morning after the treatment. Use your hands and gentle patting motions. DO NOT rub, scrub, use an exfoliant or skin care brush such as a Clarisonic on the treated area.

MOISTURIZER:

Moisturizer should be applied generously with clean hands over treated area and reapplied whenever your skin feels dry (but note, the dry and sandpapery feeling is going to persist for several days to a week or so for face and neck, weeks for body areas). DO NOT apply any other products that were not instructed by your doctor for the first 24 hours – eg. essential oils, scented lotions etc. After that, test a small area first so you know it to be safe, appropriate and well tolerated (some options are aloe vera, Obagi Rebalance, Obagi Hydrate). My private label Recovering Cream or aquaphor on its own or in layer over other moisturizer twice a day will help reduce water loss from treated skin in the first few days but these occlusive ointments are usually too heavy for more prolonged use on the face.

SUNSCREEN:

Sunscreen is a MUST and should be used daily beginning the day after treatment and used consistently post procedure. Use a physical sunscreen with Broadband UVA and UVB protection and a SPF of at least 30. Ensure to reapply during sun exposure and activity, even if inside.  I prefer and recommend all mineral spf from Colorescience.

WATCH-OUTS For general post-treatment discomfort, an over-the counter oral pain reliever, i.e. Extra Strength Tylenol or ibuprofen might be helpful. If you ever have had a cold sore, get an anti-viral ahead of treatment (500mg by mouth daily L lysine is a good over the counter preventative aid and up to 100mg 3x/d for treatment, prescribed Valacyclovir 500mg daily to prevent if prone to them or 2gm and again 12 hours later for treatment), continue to take as directed. Avoid scratching and itching, as scarring and pigmentation complications can occur. Itching and swelling can be reduced by oral Benadryl, but can cause drowsiness. Topical over the counter Arnica Montana applications or under the tongue dissolving tablets used 2-4 times a day help with bruising, swelling, inflammation and soreness. Some arnica topicals have menthol for muscle aches so you may want to avoid those formulations for your face or try a small area to test tolerance before full application.

TIPS & TRICKS:

WARNING:

• Use soft cloth and soft towels to avoid any scrubbing • Make-up can typically be worn once the peeling process is complete • Wear a wide-brimmed hat or protective clothing for 2 months post treatment to avoid blistering, scarring, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation • When showering, avoid getting shampoo directly on the treated area • Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating until after skin has healed

There may be some degree of swelling immediately post-treatment, however if you experience excessive swelling or develop any of the following signs of infection, you should contact the office immediately. Signs of infection include: – Drainage – looks like pus – Increased warmth or rash at or around the treated area – Fever – Extreme itching

What to Expect & What You Should Do:
Feeling of Warmth
What to Expect	The treated area may be extremely warm for 1-2 hours after the treatment. Warmth like a sunburn may continue for around 48 hours after the treatment.
What to Do	Cold compresses may provide comfort during this time. Also, a mineral water spray might provide some relief and much needed moisture to the skin.
Redness (Erythema)
What to Expect	Redness is normal and expected. Redness generally increases in intensity for the first few days after treatment with day 3 usually being the most intense. Redness can persist for up to 7 days depending on the intensity treatment.
What to Do	Use gentle cleansers and keep your skin moisturized and out of the sun which will allow your skin time to heal and limit further stress on your skin.
MENDs
What to Expect	MENDs (microscopic epidermal necrotic debris) will appear on the 2nd or 3rd day after treatment as tiny dark spots and bronzed appearance to the treated skin.
What to Do	MENDs are part of the healing process where treated tissue is working its way out of your body as new fresh skin is regenerated. During this time, your skin will be very dry and feel like sandpaper before flaking and peeling off. Keep your skin well moisturized to support the healing process. Do not pick at your skin.
Possible Side Effects
Swelling (Edema)
What to Expect	Swelling is common and expected immediately after treatment. Once in a while, swelling is more severe, especially with combination treatment.
What to Do	Use of a cold compress will help the swelling. You may choose to sleep in an upright position the first 2-3 nights after the treatment. The first or 2nd morning post treatment is when swelling is most prevalent, especially under the eyes and at cheeks. Swelling may last 2-4 days, occasionally longer if more severe. Antihistamines over the counter help but a short steroid prescription can be used for more severe cases.