Pre-care and aftercare for Opus Plasma

Pre-care instructions

1. Hydration: Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily and avoid alcohol for 3 days before your treatment.
2. Antiviral Medication: Start prophylactic antiviral medication 24 hours prior to treatment to prevent HSV-1 reactivation, if recommended.
3. Avoid Accutane: Discontinue Accutane for at least 6 months before treatment.
4. No Recent Treatments: Avoid laser treatments, facials, or chemical peels for 2-⁠3 weeks prior.
5. Stop Retinoids: Discontinue retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, and exfoliants 1 week prior.
6. No Self-Tanner: Avoid self-tanner for 2 weeks before treatment.
7. Alcohol Intake: Minimize alcohol consumption.
8. Eat Before Treatment: Eat a meal and drink water 2 hours before your appointment.
9. Clean Skin: Arrive with a clean face, free of makeup, lotions, or other products. Contact lenses must be removed.
10. Darker Skin Types: Use hydroquinone, tretinoin, or glycolic acid preparations for 2-⁠3 weeks prior, if recommended, to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.

Post-care instructions

1. Immediate Care:
   • Cool compresses may be applied to reduce redness and discomfort.
   • Use Hale Derma recovery spray twice daily for 5 days.
   • Your clinician will recommend appropriate post-treatment skincare.
2. Sunscreen: Use a medical-grade, non-chemical SPF 40+ sunscreen daily starting 24 hours post-treatment, even indoors.
3. Avoid Irritants: Discontinue retinoids, exfoliants, AHAs/BHAs, and benzoyl peroxide for 7 days.
4. Gentle Products Only: Use only the provided aftercare products for 2 weeks.
5. Avoid Picking: Do not pick, scratch, or rub the treated area. Let any dry or flaky skin exfoliate naturally between days 5-⁠7.
6. Makeup: Avoid makeup for 24-⁠48 hours or until ablative areas have healed.
7. Avoid Heat: Refrain from strenuous exercise, saunas, or hot showers for 72 hours.
8. Moisturize: Use a gentle moisturizer and cleanser daily.
9. Hydration: Stay hydrated to promote optimal healing.
10. Monitor Symptoms: Contact your provider immediately if you notice excessive redness, swelling, pain, or discharge.

What to expect

• Redness & Swelling: Common. Plan for 3 to 5 days of recovery. Redness and swelling vary with treatment intensity and individual healing.
• Warmth or Tightness: The skin may feel warm or tight for a day or two.
• Dryness & Flaking: A sandpaper-like texture or minor flaking may occur around days 5-⁠7.
• Temporary Sensation Changes: Some numbness, tingling, or minor bruising may occur but resolves on its own.

Tips for pain and swelling

• Drink plenty of water daily to stay hydrated.
• Apply cool packs or chilled Hale Derma spray to soothe the skin.
• Avoid alcohol and salty foods to minimize swelling.
• Use a vinegar-water solution (1 part vinegar, 2 parts water) on gauze to cool the skin.
• Take Diphenhydramine (25 mg) at bedtime for the first 2-⁠3 nights to reduce swelling if needed (consult your provider first).

Contact your provider

Call (587) 355-⁠3304 or email info@dermnurse.ca if you experience:

• Persistent redness, swelling, or discomfort beyond about five days.
• Signs of infection (e.g., pus, excessive pain).
• Any concerns about your healing process.