MOXI Laser Patient Instructions
Extra pigment in the skin will always negatively impact the success of laser treatments and light based treatments. It is important to be at your lightest skin color possible to ensure the most success during the course of your sessions.
Who should NOT have MOXI?
- If you have taken Accutane (Isotretinoin) in the past 6 months
- History of adverse reaction to laser treatments
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- If your skin is tan, via the sun or sunless tanning products
- If you have had filler or Botox (or other neuromodulator) within the last 2 weeks or plan to have it within 1 month post treatment.
Pre-treatment instructions:
2 weeks prior to treatment discontinue the following:
- Sunless tanners
- Sun exposure
- Tanning beds
10 days prior to treatment discontinue the following:
- Waxing
- Chemical Peels of any type
- Sun sensitizing medications including high dose antibiotics
5 days prior to treatment discontinue the following:
- Vitamin C topicals
- Anti-Aging Topicals
- Alpha Hydroxy (Glycolic or Lactic Acid)
- Beta Hydroxy (Salicylic Acid)
- Hydroquinone/Skin Bleaching Agents -including any laser pre-treat compound creams,
Obagi Clear or Blender - Retinol Products – including Retin-A, Tretinoin Cream, laser pre-treat compound creams
Day of Treatment:
- If possible, come to your appointment with clean skin.
- Shave any hair-bearing areas the day before treatment.
- Let your provider know if you have a history of cold sores prior to treatment, as they may prescribe an antiviral to help prevent a breakout which can occur post laser treatment.
*Consuming alcohol 24 hours before or 24 hours after a laser skin treatment can cause excess swelling in the treatment area and the areas surrounding. It is not recommended that you consume any alcoholic beverages in this time frame.
PRETREAT PROTOCOL
If your provider instructed you to pre-treat with a topical prior to treatment, please follow this protocol:
- Pre-treat for the prescribed number of weeks prior to the 1st session
- Discontinue 1 week prior to treatment
- Resume once all of the sandpaper is gone
- Discontinue 1 week prior to next treatment
*Repeat this between each session
Post-treatment Instructions:
** POST MOXI, YOUR FACE IS CONCIDERED AN OPEN WOUND UNTIL COMPLETELY HEALED. WASH HANDS BEFORE TOUCHING AND AVOID TOUCHING WITH CELL PHONE, UNCLEAN TOWELS OR OTHER THINGS THAT COULD CONTAIMINATE THE SKIN AND RISK CAUSING AN INFECTION **
USE ONLY THESE APPROVED PRODUCTS FOR POST CARE
Wash – Cetaphil, Vanicream or Obagi Gentle Cleanser (available in office)
Moisturizer – Cetaphil, Vanicream or Obagi Hydrate or Restoraderm Moisturizer (available in office)
*Use only Zinc based sunscreen when outside as needed.
Following treatment, please do the following for 7 days (or until the sandpaper-like texture is gone):
-
- Wash your hands with an antibacterial hand soap prior to any performing any aftercare
- Cleanse twice daily, using your hands in a gentle patting motion
- DO NOT rub, scrub, use an exfoliant or skin care brush or wash cloth on the treated area.
- A gentle unscented moisturizer should be applied generously, multiple times daily, with clean hands over treated
area and reapplied whenever your skin feels dry. - DO NOT apply any other products – eg. AVOID essential oils, coconut oil, etc.
- Avoid sunscreen unless going out. Use only Zinc based sunscreen when needed in the first week.
1-2 months following treatment:
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds
- Always using an SPF of 30 or higher, reapplying throughout the day if needed
- Your skin will be more light sensitive
Expected Downtime:
- Redness, sunburn-like sensation, and sandpaper texture may last 2-7 days post-treatment, longer on the body or extremities.
- Warmth: The treated area may feel warm for 1-2 hours, with warmth lingering for up to 24 hours. Cold compresses or
mineral water spray can provide relief. Avoid ice. - Redness (Erythema): Redness is expected and will peak around day 3, potentially lasting up to 7 days.
- MENDs: Tiny dark spots or bronzed skin (MENDs) will appear on day 2-3, feeling like sandpaper. This is part of the
healing process as the old skin flakes off. Keep skin moisturized and avoid picking. - Swelling: Swelling is common right after treatment and may last 2-4 days. Use a cold compress as needed. If swelling
is excessive or signs of infection appear (e.g., drainage, warmth, fever, severe itching), contact the office.
For best results and efficacy, we recommend a series of 3 treatments administered at 4 week intervals and maintenance sessions in the future as needed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at 941.264.1161 and one of our nurses will be glad to assist you.