1385 Grant Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Acupulse™ Treatment Care
Pre-Treatment Care Instructions
Acupulse™ is a wonderful procedure, but it does involve some "down-time." In order to increase the effects of the treatment without adding to discomfort and irritation, we advise the following:
- Start both prescription medications (anti-viral, anti-bacterial) the day before your treatment.
- Do not over-expose your skin to the sun two weeks before the procedure. Tanning is not advised at least 2 weeks before the procedure.
- Do not consume alcohol the day of the procedure. It will increase inflammation and possibly increase discomfort.
- Come to the office with a totally clean face, no eye make-up, no sunscreen, no lotion.
- Be sure to be on time-at least one hour before your procedure is scheduled to have a topical anesthetic applied. If you are just having a spot procedure this may not be necessary, but check with your clinician to be sure.
- Your face will have a numbing cream applied 45 to 60 minutes before the procedure.
- Be prepared for swollen eyes, crustiness, peeling and itching for several days after the procedure. Day by day improvement is exciting, but the first 4-5 days are a bit disconcerting. Be sure you read the post-procedure care and can comply with all the instructions before you commit to the treatment.
- You will be advised on the products to use on your skin after the Acupulse™ treatment. Do not use any active or harsh products for at least 14-21 days after this treatment. The surface skin is brand new and needs to totally normalize before using most products you may be currently using. Sunblock should be used after the first 7 days to protect the new skin. Sun exposure should be avoided until sunblock can be used.
- Any other directions specifically related to your individual skin conditions will be given to you at the time of treatment.
Supplies needed
- Clean Vaseline Petroleum Jelly or Aquaphor
- Your prescription medications
- Vinegar - Vinegar soaks (2 tsp white vinegar with 2 cups water)
- Gentle cleanser
- Some patients may want to use Tylenol, Advil, or Benadryl (Tylenol and Advil can be taken together before the treatment begins).
Post-Treatment Care Instructions
Do not use contact lenses until eye swelling is TOTALLY resolved.
Immediately after treatment
Pinpoint bleeding and oozing may occur. You may notice small brown spots on your skin which may turn darker. After 1-2 hours hot feeling will decrease and a "sunburned" feeling will remain. Continue cool compresses until comfortable. Apply Vaseline or Aquaphor to face as needed. Don't itch or pick. Protect your pillow the first nights with an old clean pillow case or use a clean garbage bag. Swelling is normal. Sleep on 2 pillows so your head is more upright. Redness is normal.
Next Day (Day 1)
Cleanse with tepid water and gentle cleanser in the AM and PM and keep skin moist with Vaseline or Aquaphor. Do vinegar and water soaks 4 times a day. Reapply Vaseline after the soak. Keep skin hydrated with Vaseline and reapply as needed.
Day 2
Cleanse with mild cleanser AM and PM, gently wipe off LOOSE crusty debris. DO NOT PICK AT SKIN! This is how scarring may occur. Keep moist with Vaseline or Aquaphor. Do vinegar and water soaks 2-4 time a day. You can use the cleanser or Vinegar and water soaks, but both is optimal.
Day 3
Continue to cleanse AM/PM and gently wipe off loose debris. DO NOT PICK AT SKIN! Keep moist with Vaseline or Aquaphor.
Day 4
Continue to cleanse and gently wipe off loose debris. Keep moist with Vaseline or Aquaphor. On this day a Bland moisturizer and mineral make-up can be applied. DO NOT PICK AT SKIN OR ATTEMPT HOME PEELS. Swelling and redness will start to decrease.
Day 5
Continue light moisturizing as crusting flakes off. 1% hydrocortisone cream may be used for pinkness, discontinue after 1 week. Make-up may be used as tolerated.
