Aftercare for Cutera Pearl Treatment?

Question

I just had this done yesterday, and I was told to wash my face with Cepaphil 3 times a day, apply the vinegar soak with a washcloth, and then apply vaseline. That made sense until I tried it. Do I actually rub and completely cleanse the vaseline off every time?

	It takes a lot of rubbing to get all that vaseline off. Am I supposed to get it 100% clean or is that irritating my skin too much? Plus, how do I apply the vinegar soak afterwards?

	Do I simply soak a washcloth with the vinegar/water solution and then lay it on my face for a minute or two? Please help me understand these specifics. I've searched all over on line and my doctor's office is closed. I don't want to be washing and soaking the wrong way. Thanks so much.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

We instruct all of our patients in this manner:

Prepare a bowl of water and mix in your vinegar. Put a wash cloth in the bowl. Set bowl aside.  
Then wash your face with the Cetaphil cleanser, but do not scrub your face.  Get as much of the Vaseline off as possible. 
Then wring out the wash cloth in your vinegar and water bowl and  apply the wash cloth to your face. Once again do not scrub with the wash cloth. Go over your face gently. We suggest going over the face for about 20 minutes. 
When finished immediately reapply your Vaseline.

We tell our patients once they peel they can discontinue the Vaseline and then go in to Cetaphil moisturizing cream. Then the patient (if female) can apply their makeup.

William J. Hedden, MD · Answer

W have found found the entire Avene line made especially for post-procedure skin or sensitive skin very effective. A majority of our post Pearl and Pearl Fractional patients have used the Avene line vs. Aquaphor and Cetaphil. A week post laser and using the Avene products, patients have much less redness and healing time is much quicker. Plus you don't have the texture of the Aquaphor that is so thick and difficult to wash off. Avene allows your skin to breathe, and doesn't clog the pores or cause breakouts. Vinegar soaks also increase healing time and take out redness. Mix 1 cup water with 3 tsp. distilled vinegar. These soaks may be done several times a day for the first week of healing.

Flora Levin, MD, FACS · Answer

think of the soak as more of a compress - take a few soaked gauze and lay them over your face for about 20 minutes. In the first few days i suggest doing so every 2-3 hours. then apply a thin layer of aquaphor or another healing cream your provider may have given you. When you are ready for the next compress, gently wash the face, do NOT scrub it or you will irritate the skin.

Douglass W. Forsha, MD · Answer

Hello. You are soon on your way to great results. I suggest to wash the ointment off completely through out the day. The vinegar will reduce redness and inflammation and actually speed up the healing process in some cases. I realize this process is tiresome, however it is just needed for 24 hours following the treatment. After the first day you can return to your normal skin care routine.

Kindly,
Doug Forsha, MD

Kindly,
Doug Forsha, MD

Mary P. Lupo, MD · Answer

Pearl is an excellent option for hyperpigmented skin and for early photoaging. Because it is ablative, the wounded skin must be kept moist to prevent crusting. Prophylaxis against herpes activation is also important. All this should be explained by your doctor before you leave the office. The doctor likely would want to be accessible to you and has an answering service.
Do NOT rub the skin when cleansing. Just do frequent cool vinegar soaks with a clean wash cloth and very clean hands to apply and soak the area. Do this every 2 hours. It is not important to remove all the vaseline as this would be too irritating to the skin and may delay healing.
Good luck.

Aftercare for Cutera Pearl Treatment?

Answers (5)