To ensure a safe treatment and the best possible outcomes, please review the following guidelines before your Nouvaderm resurfacing appointment.

Cold Sore (Herpes Simplex) Notice

If you have a personal history of cold sores, please contact the clinic prior to your appointment. Lip filler can trigger a flare, and you may need preventative antiviral medication to ensure a safe, comfortable treatment.

7–10 Days Before Treatment

• Avoid retinoids and tretinoin.

• Limit sun exposure and avoid tanning beds; treatment cannot be performed on sunburned or recently tanned skin.

• Discontinue self-tanner on the face and neck.

• Avoid aesthetic treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, waxing, laser hair removal, or any procedure that disrupts the skin barrier.

• If you have a history of melasma, please inform the clinic so we can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Day of Treatment

• If possible, arrive with clean skin.

• Ensure there are no open wounds, active HSV infections, or irritated areas in the treatment zone.

• If anything feels off with your skin (sunburn, new sensitivity, or recent unintentional sun exposure), please let us know prior to treatment.

Reminders

• Please remember that redness, swelling, and rough sandpaper-like skin are likely and may last up to 7-10 days. Plan accordingly for any special occasions, vacations, family pictures, and events you may have coming up to ensure you look your best.

• While your skin is healing, please pause any products containing retinol, AHAs/BHAs, or other active ingredients, and be diligent with daily SPF. You’ll receive a recovery care set with a gentle wash, serum, and moisturizer, but if you anticipate needing additional products, please plan ahead.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your visit will be approximately 75 minutes, including about 45 minutes of numbing before treatment. We’ll begin with a brief consultation to review your goals, assess your skin, and ensure it’s safe to proceed. After cleansing and preparing the skin, the laser portion takes about 10–15 minutes and may feel similar to a warm, sunburn-like sensation. A cooling mask will be applied immediately afterward to soothe the skin, and we also offer optional upgrades—such as the CO₂Lift Pro carboxytherapy mask or exosomes—to further support healing and maximize results. You’ll leave with detailed post-care instructions and a clear understanding of what to expect in the days ahead, including redness, darkening of MENDS, and visible shedding as your skin renews.