What must I do Before & After OPL Photo-Rejuvenation? 

You have been advised that the treatment of OPL (optimised pulsed light) is suitable to treat your skin to help improve the appearance of sun spots, pigmentation, redness and vascularity on your skin. The treatment is done using a laser device . It is only possible to treat skin of light to moderate darkness with this laser. Your therapist will have done a skin analysis to confirm this treatment will be effective and safe for you.

INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPL LASER
  • Discontinue any strong creams like retinoids and Divine Glow about 4 days before your treatment.
  • If you have any infection or irritation on your skin, please call the clinic before your treatment – it may have to be delayed. We cannot treat close to or over an active cold sore. Please call us to reschedule your laser if you have one close to the area to be treated.
  • Make sure you are in good general health. The result of the treatment relies on your capacity to heal to give the desired result. This can also be affected by being on chemotherapy, radiation, immune suppressive drugs and corticosteroids.
  • Inform us if you are on any strong medications or if you have any new medical concerns
  • DO NOT have excessive sun exposure before OPL Laser. Do not come to the treatment sunburned. This increases the risk of the laser burning you, and decreases the effectiveness of the laser.
  • DO NOT apply self tan to the area for at least 1 week before the OPL Laser. This increases the risk of a burn, and decreases effectiveness.
AFTER YOUR OPL LASER YOU CAN EXPECT:
  • A mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually lasts 2-24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours.
  • Mild swelling and/or redness may accompany this, but it usually resolves in 2-3 days.
  • Apply ice or gel packs to the treatment area for 10-15 minutes every hour for the next four hours, as needed.
  • An oral, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication may be taken to reduce discomfort.
  • Pigment lesions may initially look raised and/or darker with a reddened perimeter.
  • Pigment lesions will gradually turn darker over the next 24-48 hours. They may turn dark brown or even black.
  • Pigment lesions will progress to scabs and/or crusting and will start flaking off in an average 0f 7-14 days.
  • Do not pick, scratch or remove scabs.
  • Pigment lesions are usually healed in 21-30 days. They will continue to fade over the next 6-8 weeks.
  • Blood vessels may undergo immediate graying or blanching, or they may exhibit a slight purple or red color change. The vessels will fully or partially fade in about 10-14 days.
Until redness has resolved, it is highly recommended to avoid the following:
  • Swimming, especially in pools with chemicals, such as chlorine.
  • Hot tubs, Jacuzzis, and saunas.
  • Activities that causes excessive perspiration.
  • Sun exposure and tanning to treated areas. Apply a SPF daily.
  • Aggressive scrubbing and use of exfoliants on the treated area.

Bath or shower as usual. Treated areas may be temperature-sensitive. Apply cosmetics as normal afterwards.

Possible Side Effects:
  • A low risk of prolonged itching, redness and blistering.
  • Risk of hair removal in the area treated with OPL Laser. This Laser cannot be done over the beard area of a male patient.
  • A very low risk of bruising, peeling, rash, lightning or darkening on the skin color, ingrown hair, removal of freckles, crusting swelling and infection.
  • Scarring.

Treatments may be repeated every 4-6 weeks. Speak to your therapist for advice on this.

Please call our rooms immediately if you are concerned on (011) 783-8289.

After hours, please call Dr. Melanie Lambrechts directly on 082 331 3939