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Patient Care & Information

New Patients: Please fill out the New Online Medical History Form HERE.

Need immediate assistance, have a question regarding pre- or post-care or additional questions not covered below?
Please call our office at: 716-712-1050
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Patient Instructions for Chemical Peels

For more details on how to prepare for your chemical peel and what to expect, download our Patient Instructions for Chemical Peels.

Before your chemical peel treatment at The Skin Center, it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure the best possible results and a smooth treatment experience. Here’s what you need to know:

Pre-treatment Care

  • Avoid Sun Exposure: Minimize sun exposure for at least two weeks prior to your treatment to prevent sunburns, which can affect your skin’s healing process and increase the risk of unnecessary skin irritation after the peel.
  • Stop Using Certain Skincare Products: Discontinue the use of retinoids, exfoliating agents, and any products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or benzoyl peroxide at least one week before your appointment.
  • Do Not Wax or Use Depilatory Creams: Avoid waxing, depilatory creams, or any other hair removal methods that affect the skin’s surface in the treated area for at least a week before your peel.
  • Inform Your Specialist About Your Medications: Some medications can impact the peeling process. Share your current medication list with your specialist, especially if you’re taking any acne medications.
  • Hydrate Your Skin: Ensure your skin is well-hydrated by using a gentle moisturizer leading up to your appointment. Well-hydrated skin can handle the peel better and recover more smoothly.
  • Postpone If You Have Active Skin Issues: If you have any active skin infections, or cold sores, please call us to reschedule your appointment until after they have fully healed: 716-712-1050.

Patient Instructions for Laser Hair Removal

For more details on how to prepare for your laser hair removal session and what to expect, download our Patient Instructions for Laser Hair Removal.

Before undergoing laser hair removal at The Skin Center, it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure the best possible results and a smooth treatment experience. Here’s what you need to know:

Preparing for Your Treatment

  • Avoid Tanning: Refrain from tanning for two weeks prior to your treatment. This helps in minimizing skin sensitivity and ensures the effectiveness of the laser treatment.
  • Avoid Waxing, Bleaching, Tweezing: Avoid waxing, bleaching, and tweezing in the treatment area for at least four to six weeks before your session. This ensures that the hair follicles are intact and can be effectively targeted by the laser.
  • Shave 24 Hours Prior to Session: Shave the area to be treated 24 hours prior to your session. This step is crucial for a more effective treatment, as it allows the laser to focus on the hair roots beneath the skin surface. Too much hair on the surface of the skin decreases the effectiveness of the hair removal and increases the risk of singed hair burning your skin.

Post-Treatment Care:

  • Skin Care: After treatment, you may notice some redness and swelling, similar to mild sunburn. These symptoms typically subside within a few hours. If needed you can apply cold compresses, ice packs or aloe vera gel to cool the treated skin post-treatment.
  • Avoid Heat: For 24 hours post-treatment, avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise as heat can irritate the treated area.
  • Sun Protection: Protect the treated area from sun exposure between sessions and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to maintain skin health and prevent changes in skin pigmentation.

Patient Instructions for Spider Vein Removal

For more details on how to prepare for your spider vein treatment session and what to expect, download our Patient Instructions for Laser Spider Vein Removal.

To ensure the best possible results from your laser spider vein treatment, it’s important to properly prepare your skin for your appointment and to follow some simple guidelines after each session. Follow these key steps to help enhance the effectiveness of the procedure and minimize any potential discomfort:

Before Your Appointment:

  • Avoid Tanning: Avoid sun exposure and tanning products for at least two weeks before treatment.
  • Refrain From Skin Products: Do not apply any lotions, creams, or makeup on the treatment area on the day of the procedure.
  • Wear Loose Clothing: Opt for loose, comfortable clothing on the day of your appointment.

Post-Treatment Care:

  • Forgo Hot Baths: Hot baths can cause the treated veins to dilate, potentially diminishing the effectiveness of the treatment and delaying the healing process.
  • Avoid Strenuous Exercises: Engaging in strenuous exercises can increase blood flow and pressure in the veins, which may interfere with the healing of the treated areas and could lead to swelling or discomfort. Hot tubs/baths and strenuous exercise should be avoided for 1-2 weeks post treatments.
  • Apply Cool Compresses: Apply a cool compress to soothe any mild swelling or redness.

Patient Instructions for Laser Tattoo Removal

For more details on how to prepare for your laser tattoo removal session and what to expect, download our Patient Instructions for Tattoo Removal.

To ensure the best possible outcome from your laser tattoo removal sessions, following our preparation and aftercare guidelines is crucial.

Before Your Appointment:

  • Avoid sun exposure to the tattoo area for at least two weeks prior.
  • Do not apply lotions or perfumes on the tattoo on the day of treatment.

Post-Treatment Care:

  • Apply a cool compress to alleviate any discomfort immediately after the session.
  • Keep the treated area clean and dry; gently wash with mild soap and water 1-2 times per day.
  • Apply Aquaphor and a bandage to protect the area as needed.
  • Avoid sun exposure to the treated area for at least two weeks after treatment, after this period use SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect the treated area.
  • Refrain from swimming, soaking in a bath, or using hot tubs until the area is fully healed.

Patient Care for Microdermabrasion Treatments

For more details on how to prepare for your microdermabrasion session and what to expect, download our Patient Instructions for Microdermabrasion.

For the best possible results, please carefully review the following pre and post care instructions. 

Pre-Treatment Care:

  • Avoid Sun Exposure: Minimize sun exposure to the treatment area for at least one week before your appointment. Sunburned or tanned skin can alter the effectiveness of the treatment and increase the risk of complications.
  • Discontinue Harsh Skincare Products: Stop using exfoliating creams, retinoids, and any other potentially irritating skin products at least three days before your session. These products may sensitize your skin, leading to increased discomfort during the treatment and unnecessary irritation afterwards.
  • Keep Skin Clean: Arrive at your appointment with clean skin, free of makeup, lotions, and other products. This ensures that the microdermabrasion device can work effectively without any barriers. We can also clean the skin in the office if needed.
  • Stay Hydrated: Hydration is key for healthy skin, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to and after your treatment.

Post-Treatment Care:

  • Moisturize and Protect: Your skin may feel drier than usual after microdermabrasion. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Additionally, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun.
  • Avoid Harsh Products: For at least one week post-treatment, steer clear of harsh chemical products, including retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and any products containing alcohol.
  • Resist Touching or Picking: Your skin will be sensitive and may peel slightly. It’s crucial not to pick at or peel off any flaking skin to avoid scarring.
  • Stay Hydrated and Follow a Gentle Skin Care Routine: Continue to drink plenty of water and follow a gentle skincare routine. Avoid exfoliating your skin for at least one week after treatment to allow your skin to heal properly.

Patient Instructions for Microneedling

For more details on how to prepare for your microneedling session and what to expect, download our Patient Instructions for Microneedling.

Optimal preparation is key to maximizing the effectiveness of your microneedling treatment and ensuring a successful outcome. Here’s how to prepare:

Preparing for Your Treatment

  • Shield Your Skin from the Sun: Keep your skin safe from the sun’s rays. Avoid tanning and sunbathing for one week prior to your treatment to ensure a smooth recovery post-treatment.
  • Pause Exfoliants and Harsh Products: A week before your appointment, it’s time to say a temporary goodbye to your chemical peels and abrasive exfoliants. Topical retinoids need to be avoided for at least 24 hours prior to each treatment. This will help keep your skin calm and collected for what’s ahead.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment to ensure your skin is well-hydrated.

Patient Instructions for PICO Genesis Treatment

For more details on how to prepare for your PICO Genesis procedure and what to expect, download our Patient Instructions for PICO Genesis Treatment

Ensuring you’re well-prepared before and properly cared for after your PICO Genesis treatment is key to maximizing its benefits and enjoying a smooth recovery.

Preparing for Your Treatment

  • Avoid Sun Exposure: Minimize sun exposure to the treatment area for at least 2 weeks prior. Sunburned or tanned skin can affect the treatment’s effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects.
  • Skin Care Products: Discontinue the use of retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and any exfoliating products 1 week before treatment to reduce skin sensitivity.
  • Stay Hydrated: Increase your water intake in the days leading up to your treatment to ensure your skin is well-hydrated. Inform Your Specialist: Provide a complete list of any medications and supplements you are taking, as some may need to be paused before the treatment.

Post-Treatment Care

After undergoing a PICO Genesis treatment, it’s crucial to follow specific care guidelines to ensure the best possible results and minimize any potential side effects. Here’s how you should care for your skin post-treatment:

  • Avoid Direct Sunlight and Apply Sunscreen: Protect your skin from direct sunlight and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.
  • Use Gentle Skin Care Products: Stick to gentle, non-irritating skincare products and avoid makeup for the first 24 hours post-treatment.
  • Limit Physical Activity: Refrain from strenuous exercise and activities that cause excessive sweating for 24-48 hours to prevent irritation.
  • Apply Cold Compresses if Needed: Use cold compresses for any swelling, applying for 10-15 minutes at a time.
  • Do Not Pick at the Skin: Allow any peeling or flaking skin to shed naturally, avoiding picking to ensure optimal healing.

Patient Instructions for Plasma Pen Treatments

For more details on how to prepare for your plasma pen treatment session and what to expect, download our Patient Instructions for Plasma Pen Treatments.

To ensure you achieve the best possible results from your Plasma Pen treatment, it’s important to follow specific guidelines before and after your session. The following instructions are designed to prepare your skin for the procedure and help it recover effectively, maximizing the benefits of your treatment. 

Before Your Appointment:

  • Avoid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen) can thin your blood, increasing the risk of bruising during and after the treatment.
  • Remove Makeup Before Appointment: Keeping the treatment area free of makeup ensures the Plasma Pen can work directly on clean skin, which reduces the risk of infection and improves treatment efficacy.
  • Hydrate Properly: Well-hydrated skin can better tolerate the procedure and heal more efficiently, contributing to more effective and even results.

Post-Treatment Care:

  • Apply Aftercare Products: We give patients their aftercare products, which consist of Subnovii Recovery Cream and Recovery Powder. These specially formulated aftercare products contain ingredients that promote healing and protect the treatment area from unwanted side effects and sun exposure.
  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Post-treatment skin is more sensitive to UV rays, which can lead to sunburn or pigmentation issues. High SPF protects the skin while it heals and helps maintain treatment results. While the skin is healing from treatment we want people to avoid sun exposure all together as well as sweating, saunas, and steam rooms. We do not want the treated skin to get wet. After initial healing 50 SPF should be used and patients should avoid extreme sun exposure for 3 months.
  • Follow a Gentle Skincare Routine: Gentle skincare products and avoiding mechanical irritation help to prevent any damage to the healing skin, ensuring that the treatment area recovers smoothly without complications. During the initial healing only the given Subnovii aftercare products should be used, after this they can slowly start to resume their usual skincare routine.

Patient Instructions for Sofwave Facial

For more details on how to prepare for your Sofwave session and what to expect, download our Sofwave Patient Brochure.

Following the right preparation steps and post-treatment care instructions are crucial to enhance the effectiveness of your Sofwave treatment and ensure optimal healing.

Before Your Scheduled Appointment:

  • Limit Sun Exposure: Use sun protection while outdoors for at least two weeks prior to your treatment to prevent any skin irritation or damage.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment to keep your skin hydrated.
  • Pain Relief Medications: You may take acetaminophen or ibuprofen prior to coming into the office, at least 30 minutes prior to treatment, to help reduce discomfort.
  • Contact us if you have a cystic acne breakout, open wounds in the treatment area. Electronic implants in the treatment area (pacemaker, defibrillator, etc.) may also cause complications. Please notify us if any of these apply to you.

Pre-Treatment Care:

  • You may take acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen before coming into the office, at least 30 minutes before treatment, to help reduce discomfort.
  • At your appointment, the nurse will cleanse your skin to remove makeup, lotions etc.
  • The nurse will make available distraction techniques for you during treatment such as stress balls or Zimmer Cooler.
  • The nurse will apply ultrasound gel to the treatment area.

Post-Treatment Care:

  • Redness/Swelling: There may be some redness and/or swelling for a few hours after treatment.
  • Pain or Discomfort: There should be no pain when the treatment is complete, but discomfort or tenderness is possible.
  • Post-Treatment Care: There is no post-treatment care needed, resume normal activities and normal skin care routine.
  • Sun Protection: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect the treated area from sun exposure
  • Stay Hydrated: Continue to drink plenty of water to aid in the healing process and keep your skin hydrated.

Patient Instructions for Bliss MAX

Before your appointment, review the following patient instruction documents:

Patient Instructions for Venus Bliss MAX Laser

Patient Instructions for Venus FlexMAX

Patient Instrusctions for Venus MP2

Being ‘comfortable in your own skin’ is a phrase often used to describe someone’s self-confidence when they carry themselves with an air of contentment and vitality. 

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Hours

Monday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
 
Wednesday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
 
Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
 
Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
 
Sunday Closed

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