Pre-treatment

Downtime: Typically, you will look like you have a sunburn for a few hours after then turn slightly pink for the remainder of your treatment day and
the next day. Skin may be slightly pink, swollen, flaky and dry for up to 1 week but you can increase your moisturizer use to help.  You may wear
makeup the next day and you must wear sunscreen, minimum 30 SPF, and physical blocker only (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide)  for the first few days.
If you have rosacea, or if we are trying to erase deep wrinkles or acne scars, the redness may persist for longer than 1 day. (Please see skincare
section for more information.)

Tanning: No tanning cream or spray tans 4 weeks before treatment. If you are actively using a tanning bed, then you are making your skin look old
and will likely need more treatments than the average person.
Time in clinic: We usually numb you for 1 hour and then perform the procedure. Plan on 1.5-2 hours depending on how many areas are  being
treated.

Skin preparation : Please make sure face is cleanly shaven (men) and come without makeup or jewelry if possible to the appointment. Inform us beforehand: If you have n allergy to gold or metal or to topical numbing medications; a history of an autoimmune disorder; cardiac devices such as AICD’s (auxiliary internal cardiac devices), defibrillator, mechanical valves, pacemakers, or neurological stimulating device; metal implants in the treatment area including a Paragard/Copper IUD.

Bruising: Medications and supplements must be stopped 2 weeks before your intended visit to make a difference. If “no bruising” is important to you, please stop the following products: Aspirin, NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, etc.), Fish oil, Vitamin E, garlic supplements (garlic in food is OK), ginkgo, ginseng, ginger, and St. John’s Wort. You may resume these products 24 hours after your treatment. If you require blood thinners for a medical reason like a history of a stroke, heart attack, or clot, then DO NOT STOP your blood thinners.  If you take aspirin for general health benefits, then it is your choice to stop and reduce your risk of bruising.

Pregnancy/ Breastfeeding: We do not Secret RF pregnant patients. Please cancel your appointment if you believe you may be pregnant. The topical anesthetic we used during treatment would be cleared from the body about 4 hours after application. Therefore, if you can pump and discard (“pump and dump”) for the next 5 hours, or your next milk production if feeding more than 5 hours later, then you are eligible to have micropen.

Cold sores/ infection: If you have a history of herpes, cold sores, staph, or other infection occurring anywhere on the face, please let us know before your Secret RF appointment. Continue your prevention medication until swelling is gone (3-5 days). If you get an outbreak, your dose needs to be  increased so please call the office.

Post-treatment

Skincare: Day of treatment, apply either nothing or a serum will be provided at the office. (Defenage 8-in-1 BioSerum or TNS Advanced
Serum) These contain active growth factors and signals to help the skin hydrate itself and look young.

Next day: You must reapply sunscreen with minimum 30 SPF, and physical blocker only (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) for the first few days. It is
OK to apply makeup the next day. Keep in mind that sun gets through the windows of your house and car. Use a gentle face wash like Vanicream,
Avene HYDRA Cleanser, Dove or Cetaphil. You may need to moisturize more than usual, and a thick, gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer is
recommended like Vanicream. Some people may need to moisturize 5-6 times per day, especially if you are pink. Revision Vitamin C is OK to use
because it has a neutral pH, but other Vitamin C products should be avoided until skin is completely back to normal.
Downtime: Typically, you look like you have a sunburn for a few hours after and then turn slightly pink the remainder of your treatment day and for
up to 3 days, with the most significant being the first few hours after treatment. Skin may be slightly pink, swollen, flaky and dry for up to 7 days but
you can increase your moisturizer use to help reduce downtime.1 in 25 patients may have severe swelling. Call the office at 504-226-7873 if this
happens.

Heat: Avoid hot tubs, saunas, facials, waxing for at least 1 week after your Secret RF treatment.

Shaving: You may shave 3 days after Secret RF.

Avoid: Retinols, Retin A, Tazorac, acid-based washes, face scrubs and Vitamin C products that you are not sure of the PH for at least 5 days, until
skin is back to normal. Avoid SkinMedica HA5 for 3-5 days after your procedure because you will be wasting it. These do not need to be stopped
before treatment.
DO NOT PICK AT DRY SKIN.

Tanning: Please no tan of any type for at least 4 weeks before or after treatment. Tanning beds and lying in the sun increase aging and lessen your
chance of success with this procedure.


PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS AT (504) 226-7873.