Keep the area clean to avoid infections until the scabs have formed and exfoliated on their own. Follow the aftercare instructions exactly as written to ensure the best possible healed outcome.
First and second day of treatment apply ice to the treated area (use a clean tea towel to cover the ice pack) alternating 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off, for up to one hour. The treated area will feel warm and using a fan may bring comfort. Gently apply the aftercare product provided by Bell House Beauty (using only clean hands) to the treated area as needed to relieve pain/itching. Wear loose clothing and avoid covering the treated area so you do not stick to your clothing.
Third day to seventh day keep the treated area clean using a mild unscented glycerin (Cetaphil) or Dove unscented soap daily. Gently splash the area with cool water and very gently clean with soap and rinse very thoroughly. Use very mild gentle pressure to clean skin using finger tips not nails.
Remember it’s best to use the aftercare ointment only day 1 and day 2 to allow the area treated to begin to dry out completely.
IMPORTANT!!! Allow the scabs to come off on their own. This will ensure the best possible healed result and avoid scarring and infection. Do not pick the scabs, let them fall off on their own or you risk scarring.
If any part of the face was treated, Do not apply any makeup (even mineral) until the scabbing or peeling is complete (about 4-7 or 7-10 days depending on the area treated).
Be patient with the process and allow yourself time to rest and heal!
Please refrain from applying any moisturizer to the area treated. Keeping moisture in the area that has been treated will prolong the carbon crusts from drying up and will ultimately take them longer to shed.
Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds – Once the scabbing / peeling process is complete, always apply a broad spectrum sunblock to the treated area for up to a minimum of 3 months after your last treatment. The skin is still healing and can become damaged by the UV rays causing hyperpigmentation.
Do not apply any plasters (liquid bandaid) on the treated areas as doing so can delay the natural healing process.
Don’t work out, swim, hot tub or steam bath (avoid sweating and soaking scabs).
Please stop the use of any Retin A topical treatments until the area treated is fully healed. You may begin use again at 8 weeks.
Once the Carbon crusts fall off it is recommended to begin using Bio-oil and use for the duration of 8 weeks. Bio oil helps to put the moisture back into the skin, aids in healing, brightening and helps to prevent any hyperpigmentation. (Bio-Oil can be purchased on Amazon, Ulta, or at Walmart)
Swelling
Swelling is to be expected after this type of treatment. This is due to the fact that the area will be recovering from a deliberate controlled burn, therefore the natural side effect is swelling. There are steps you can take to minimize the swelling but it cannot be avoided. You can’t avoid or cure the swelling – it is a response to the trauma. The swelling will subside in a matter of days.
*Arnica in pill form can be purchased but is not mandatory. Arnica is an all natural homeopathic herb that helps to promote faster healing within the body, aids in inflammation and repair. Drs often suggest it prior to surgeries. Suggested intake is 3 tabs dissolved under the tongue 3x per day. (Arnica can be purchased on Amazon or Walmart)
Stages of Healing
Day of Procedure: Please take a shower before appointment to avoid having to take one after. You can take a bath to avoid wetting the treated area until day 3, you might experience discomfort otherwise.
Day 1: Weeping from the treated area is normal as well as some pain and discomfort. The swelling will likely be worse in the mornings and lessen towards the evening. The treated area will feel warm and my throb like a bad sun burn. You may take Ibuprofen to help relieve the discomfort. The treated area will feel tight due to the actual skin tightening treatment.
If treatment was around your eyes, you may find it difficult to open your eyes in the morning following the treatment however, it will subside throughout the day. Try to lay propped up with pillows, do not lay completely horizontal. The treated skin will feel like a bad sun burn.
Day 2: The Swelling typically peaks by day 2. Do not be surprised if the swelling is worse on the 2nd day. Remember: swelling is worse in the mornings and lessens throughout the day. Discomfort and pain are still present and to be expected on the second day. You may take Ibuprofen which may help reduce skin inflammation. The treated area might continue to feel tight due to the swelling.
If treatment was around the eyes consider the following. Swelling can also spread to the under eye area DON’T PANIC this is perfectly normal. The upper and lower eye are all connected therefore the fluids from the upper eye will drain to the lower eye area.
Day 3: You will notice an improvement in the swelling and the “dots” will start to crust/scab over. The scabs must not be picked, allow them to fall off on their own. Your level of discomfort will have subsided dramatically. Minimal pain expected but treated area may feel tender. If treated area was on a joint or area of high movement the skin will continue to feel tight.
For those who experienced the under eye swelling, this will still be present.
Day 4: No more pain or discomfort should be felt. The crusts will feel raised and dry, be gentle and cautious not to pull them off. Picking or pulling the crust off prematurely might cause bleeding and leave the skin RAW, susceptible to infection!
Some mild residual swelling may still be present on the upper eyelids if that was the area treated.
Day 5 & 6: Swelling should be complete and scabs may still be present. The skin at the treated area will feel tight and very dry. If itchy, do not scratch, gently pat to alleviate the sensation. Do not moisturize the area or you will prolong the healing process and the dots will take longer to fall off.
The under eye swelling should be almost completely resolved by this point if not gone.
Day 7 to 10: Complete flaking off of carbon dots vary by age, skin type, and how well you followed the aftercare instructions. Once all dots have fallen skin my be dry and appear pink in color. This is normal and will subside over time, start Bio oil as previously explained.
8 to 12 Weeks: The positive effects of treatment will be noticeable immediately after the first treatment which provides instant gratification but the best results are seen by the 8-12th week as the skin has had time to go through a full regenerative cycle. Times may vary depending on the health and age of the client. Monthly Complementary LED Light Treatment available, just ask!
After 12 Weeks: For some, an additional treatment may be required after 12 weeks for maximum results. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and prolonged sun exposure can hinder the results from lasting as long as they can. Clients should be aware that race and genetics also play a role in the length of beneficial effects.
3 to 5 Years: Plasma treatments are not entirely permanent as it does not stop any further aging. The positive results can last 3-5 years depending on the area treated and how the client cares for their skin.