By Suresh Kumar, CFT
One of the things I get the most text messages about after doing a Fibroblast facial skin tightening treatment on one of my clients is aftercare. Although each client gets a complete package of information outlining aftercare guidelines prior to their treatment, many still have questions in the days following treatment. So in this blog I’m going to outline some of the key aspects of aftercare and give you all the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. Let’s get right to it!
One of the most common side effects of Fibroblast is redness and swelling in the treated areas. Clients typically experience this the day after treatment. This is not uncommon and can be expected. Fortunately, the majority of my clients have not experienced this. But many who get Fibroblast will. For those that do, I would recommend dipping a soft cloth in a bowl of ice water, wringing it out and gently applying the cloth to the treated areas. Be sure not to wipe, pull or drag the cloth on the treated areas. Do this every few hours for 10-15 minutes as needed during the first 24-72 hours following treatment. Most report redness and swelling typically subsides within 24-72 hours post treatment. This varies from client to client.
Now, some mild redness (light pink/rosy color) may be present for up to 7-14 days post treatment. Depending on your health, age, lifestyle, medications, etc, you may notice a very light rosy coloring in the treated area(s) for several weeks post treatment. This is absolutely normal and not a cause for concern. Every body heals differently.
In the days and weeks following your Fibroblast treatment you may experience dry and/or rough skin in and around the treated areas. Once again, this is completely normal. Those with very healthy, moisture-rich skin may not experience this at all. But for those who do, simply follow the aftercare moisturizing protocol set forth by your Certified Fibroblast Technician. Be sure to keep yourself hydrated during this time. I recommend drinking 100-120 ounces of water daily for 10-12 weeks post treatment.
The most recognizable aspect of Fibroblast plasma skin tightening are the visible “dots” on your skin. These “dots” are in fact carbon deposits caused by the plasma pen during the Fibroblast skin tightening treatment. (For the sake of this article, I’ll refer to them as “dots”) I tell all of my clients “these dots are your friends.” As much as you can’t wait for them to be gone, the longer they remain on your face, the better your results. That is why I can’t emphasize enough the importance of being careful not to have any of the dots come off prematurely.
The “dots” should never be picked at, scratched, rubbed or pulled off prematurely. A question I often get is, “what happens if one of the dots accidentally gets knocked off?” This can happen while getting dressed or undressed, putting on or removing sunglasses, in the shower or a myriad of other situations. If this happens it is 100% ok. Don’t get upset. It happens. If one of the “dots” comes off while getting dressed, it was probably about to come off anyway. You just want to make sure it doesn’t keep happening or that it doesn’t happen on acci-purpose. You know exactly what I’m talking about! Another reason to be extremely careful with the “dots” is to avoid possible scarring, hypo-pigmentation or hyper-pigmentation.
Listen, I get it…the “dots” are not flattering and you can’t wait for them to be gone. I take extra time to create beautiful patterns with all my clients so the end result is aesthetically pleasing. Many of my clients say my work looks artistic and precise. This is one of the best compliments I can receive. Look, if you took the time and spent the money to get the Fibroblast done, why wouldn’t you do what needs to be done to experience the maximum results? Be careful. Baby your treated areas. And let the “dots” shed naturally. You’ll be so happy you did in just a few short weeks and you’ll enjoy the results for years to come.
Can I wear makeup after my Fibroblast treatment? NO! Listen, beauty takes time and isn’t always easy. Do not put makeup on the carbon crust “dots” at any time. Not only could this inhibit the healing process, the application of the makeup and/or removal of the makeup could potentially prematurely dislodge the “dots.” Also, makeup can be dirty and could easily lead to infection. So when it comes to wearing makeup, don’t do it. Wait until all the “dots” are off before using any makeup. The dots will typically fall off naturally within 5-10 days post treatment. The makeup can wait. And this includes mineral makeup. Just think…with plastic surgery you wouldn’t even be able to leave the house for weeks, let alone put makeup on.
The main things to avoid post treatment are the sun, sweat and water. Sunscreen should not be used until all the “dots” fall off. Therefore I highly recommend making like Dracula and avoiding the sun at all costs. If you must go out, wear a big hat (think Kentucky Derby), big sunglasses (think Elton John) and/or use an umbrella (think Mary Poppins). Once all the “dots” fall off, I recommend using SPF 50 on the treated area(s) for no less than 8 weeks. This will ensure proper healing and maximum skin tightening benefits.
Any activities that would trigger sweat should be avoided until all the “dots” fall off naturally. Yes ALL activities during which you might sweat. This includes saunas, steam rooms and hot weather. If you must exercise, do so lightly; do not break a sweat. I cannot stress this enough. It’s only for a few days…you can do it.
I give all my clients a moisturizer in their aftercare package. This should be used liberally for the first 7 days. Should you run out of the moisturizer, Aquaphor (available at most any drug store or pharmacy) can be lightly applied to the treated areas. Don’t go too heavy; a thin layer on the treated area is all you need.
As for face washing, I recommend Dove soap or Cetaphil. Both are extremely gentle on skin. Remember, do not rub the treated area. Lightly wet your face or the treated areas, lather soap in your hands and gently dab the treated areas with your soapy fingers. To rinse, simply wet your hands and gently dab the treated areas with wet fingers. You can allow your skin to air dry or very gently dab your skin with a soft cloth. Once again, no rubbing. Always apply a thin layer of moisturizer after each wash. NOTE: This is the only time your face should get wet. Do not get your face wet in the shower and avoid pools, hot tubs, etc.
How are you supposed to sleep following a Fibroblast facial treatment? On your back! Yes, sleeping on your back (and staying on your back all night long) is not easy if you are not used to it. I get it. But do your best. I recommend putting pillows alongside your body to prevent rolling on to your sides. Do the same for your head if possible. This is only important until all the “dots” naturally fall off. After that, roll over and sleep however you’d like. However, there are many who believe sleeping flat on your back is one of the secrets to younger looking skin. What do I tell my clients? It surely can’t hurt.
Bonus Tip: To optimize healing, I highly recommend supplementing with Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin D. Make this a daily ritual along with drinking 100-120 ounces of water a day and you will be blown away with your Fibroblast results. Once again, you get out what you put in. If you can’t be bothered with drinking water and taking some vitamins for 90 days you clearly aren’t that serious about getting the best results and looking your absolute best. Once again, this is easy stuff you can do to maximize your results. Just do it. You’ll thank me in 12 weeks.
P.S. It won’t kill you to continue taking these vitamins and drinking plenty of water after the 12 weeks are up. Most of my clients opt for Vitamin C IV infusions before, during and after their Fibroblast skin tightening treatment. We offer these IVs in house. Research has proven high dose Vitamin C IV infusions helps accelerate healing in a multitude of situations.
I hope this helped answer some of your Fibroblast aftercare, post treatment questions. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, send me an email at info@coastallongevity.com
Thanks and remember… Just because you’re a work in progress it doesn’t mean you’re not already a work of art!
