Inkless Revision
Expectations, Before/Aftercare, + Healing
Inkless Stretch Mark Camouflage/Revision (ISR) creates better tone, texture, & color - and with the procedure we typically see really good results just after 1 treatment but typically we can see people up to 5 times. We won't know what that might look like for YOU until we actually start seeing the progress. We will monitor the progress on a case by case basis and we do that through photo. You and I will always be in communication about your healing progress and if we'll be needling additional appointments.
Quick Links
1. Contraindications
2. Prepare for Your Appointment (Pre-Care)
3. During Appointment
4. Aftercare
Before you come in
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Refrain from using Accutane for 6-12 months
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Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil for 3 days prior to treatment. These agents will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation.
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Avoidance of IPL/Laser procedures, unprotected sun exposure or sunburn for 2-4 weeks prior. We want to prevent a sun burn. We cannot work on burned, irritated skin.
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No shaving the day of the procedure to avoid skin irritation to the area being treated. If there is dense hair present in the treatment area, closely shave the area the day before you arrive to your appointment.
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Avoid blood thinning agents (aspirin, fish oil, Omega-3, Vitamin E, medications, etc) for 1 week prior.
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Avoid caffeine 48 hours prior to the appointment.
During your appointment
I am going to prep your skin with alcohol and take before/after photos. This is a really great way to monitor and manage the progress that we're seeing. I'm going to be using a rotary machine, so we're actually going to be "tattooing" specialized serums into the skin right in the stretch marks so we can get that regeneration of collagen, elastin, and melanocytes in there. You will be red, the area will look angry to start with and takes a 45-90 days to heal - in which we'll determine if you're ready for another appointment. If so it will be between the 6-12 week mark (depending on how your body is healing).
Aftercare
Immediately after treatment your stretch marks or scars will have redness, swelling, and look angry for about 2-4 wks. THIS IS NORMAL!
Avoid wearing tight clothing for the next 2 - 3 days.
Avoid scratching or peeling to prevent infection or discoloration.
Avoid excessive sweating for 7 days. Light exercise is fine after 2 days of the treatment.
Avoid exposing the area to the full water pressure of the shower for 7 days.
Avoid tanning and swimming (beach, pool, Jacuzzi, bath, etc.) for 40 days.
Avoid sunscreen, self-tanning or any cream that contains Vitamin D for 40 days.
Avoid perfume and deodorant near or in the treated area.
Day 1-4
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Do not take Advil after the procedure (next 24 hours)
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Redness, swelling, tightness, feeling of being sunburned is a normal reaction
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Avoid all things hot: sauna, hot tub, sweating etc.
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You can shower 12 hrs after procedure
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Use a gentle cleanser to cleanse the area
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Do not rub aggressively
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Apply aftercare 2 x day or as required to keep area hydrated
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Recommended aftercare is Cereve OR Coconut oil (if natural option is preferred)
Day 3-7
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Area will become dry, flakey and possibly a small amount of scabbing (DO NOT PICK)
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Apply aftercare 2 x day
ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN WHEN THE TREATED AREAS ARE EXPOSED TO THE SUN!
WEEK ONE
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The skin may be dry and flakey and angry looking
WEEK TWO
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The skin will be less angry, less swollen, and a little more flat
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OPT: Use Cicaplast 2xs a day and massage thoroughly into the treated area. If the area still feels a bit dry you may apply the Cereve/Coconut Oil.
After 2 weeks,
Even though you may still be seeing your skin returning to normal it's not uncommon to see redness and/or post-hyperpigmentation.
Send photos in 4-6 wks so we can follow up to see if you're ready for the next session or if your body needs more time to heal. Some people heal faster/slower depending on your individual body health, metabolism, and lifestyle. If you're healing slowly, your next session will be around the 90 day mark. Do not be put off on this, if that's the case, it's okay! We need to make sure your body is healing to its full potential before continuing treatment. Be patient. Please note that darker skin types may need 3 to 6 months between treatments to completely heal and encourage proper healing to reduce the risk of strong hyperpigmentation.
If you need more than 6 sessions and your stretch marks qualify for inked camouflage, it can then be considered to conceal any remaining signs of scarring.