Palomar Icon Laser Skin Resurfacing

The Palomar Icon Aesthetic System is the most advanced laser and pulsed-light system available redefining the standard of care for laser treatments of the skin. The Palomar Icon system redefines the standard of light-based cosmetic and dermatologic care to improve patient outcomes and treatment satisfaction. With the Palomar Icon system, we can provide the most popular treatments including laser skin resurfacing, laser wrinkle reduction and laser scar treatment.

Pre-Treatment Instructions for the new Icon Laser Treatments:

Wear sunblock and avoid excessive sun exposure. Discontinue the use of Rx skin products such as Retin A, Hydroquinone, higher strength glycolic acids, and any acne products such as those containing Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide, for 3 days prior to the procedure.

If you have a tendency to develop cold sores, report this to us so that we can treat you prophylactically to prevent an outbreak.

In most cases, particularly for a full face treatment, expect that there will be a topical numbing agent applied. You will sit with this cream on the treatment area for approximately 30 minutes prior to treatment and it may produce a tingling sensation

Be sure to have any of your questions answered regarding post treatment expectations and skin care before you leave. Check your supply of post treatment skincare products to be sure you have enough to get you through the recovery phase. Purchase a tube of Aquaphor healing ointment at a local store or pharmacy to have on hand for any excessive dryness.

Photos will be taken before your first session to document the condition of your skin and pigment prior to treatment. They may be repeated in between treatments and at the end of treatment and are available for you to review with Dr. Espinoza at any time. Although the photos are required, they will not be used in a way which would reveal your identity, without your expressed consent.

Post-Treatment Advice for Icon Treatments:

Wear sunblock and avoid excessive sun exposure. Do not resume the use of Rx skin products such as Retin A, Hydroquinone, higher strength glycolic acids, and any acne products such as those containing Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide, until advised to do so. Most clients will resume their prior skincare regimen sometime during the second week post procedure.

If you have a tendency to develop cold sores, report this to us so that we can treat you prophylactically to prevent an outbreak.

Only Pure mineral makeup (such as Jane Iredale) should be used days 3 to 7 post procedure. Not all mineral makeups are created equal. Some do contain talc or other impurities which could cause a skin reaction, yet market themselves as mineral makeup. Discuss your usual makeup with Dr. Espinoza or the esthetician for further guidance. Be sure to have any of your questions answered regarding post treatment expectations and skin care before you leave. Have a tube of Aquaphor healing ointment at on hand for any excessive dryness that is not responding to the usual post procedure skin care regimen recommended.

The duration of swelling and redness will vary according to individual variations but also according to the settings used. On average swelling lasts 1 to 2 days and redness may persist for another 5 days. However, most clients having the procedure performed on a Friday afternoon feel quite comfortable returning to work on the following Monday morning.
Although the skin appears to be intact, microscopically there are tiny ‘holes’ present which increase the risk of infection.

Wash your hands frequently and/or use alcohol based hand gels. Avoid touching your face as much as possible. Anything which touches the skin, particularly in the first 3 to 5 days post-procedure, must be clean. This is why we recommend only the use of mineral makeup powder (which does not support the growth of bacteria that can contaminate makeup) during this time. Use disposable makeup sponges for application, or be sure to thoroughly wash your makeup brushes with brush cleaner prior to using them in your recovery phase.

Redness or swelling that gets progressively worse is not expected. If this occurs you must notify us immediately or, if need be, go to an emergency room. This has not happened to any of our clients but does remain a theoretical concern and potential treatment complication.

Although improvement can be seen even after 1 treatment, expect multiple treatments will be needed for maximum results Collagen building will continue to occur even in the 3 months after your final treatment.