Advice before and after a non-ablative laser procedure
This page is for patients undergoing non-ablative laser treatment at Midland Skin
At Midland Skin we offer advice before and after a non-ablative laser procedure for patients in Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Worcester and the Midlands.
Non-ablative laser treatment
This information applies if you are having any of the following treatments:
- Laser pigment reduction programme
- Laser rejuvenation programme
- Laser redness reduction programme
- BBL, Forever Young BBL
- Laser genesis
- Laser toning
- Excel V+ Vascular laser
- Acne laser programme
- AviClear acne laser
- Hollywood spectra laser
- Other laser treatments where the skin barrier has not been breached
Preparing for treatment
- The most important consideration is to avoid a tan. You should attend laser treatment sessions tan free. Laser treatment cannot be carried out if you have a tan. For 4 weeks before a laser treatment make sure you are avoiding the sun, wearing a hat and applying factor 50 sunscreen regularly.
- You should also not have any fake tan on your skin before a laser treatment. Stop using fake tan products for 4 weeks before a laser treatment session.
- Stop topical retinoids, exfoliants, salicylic acid, glycolic acid and any other strong skin care 3 days before laser treatment. You can continue with other skin care products.
- Attend your appointment make up free. This includes eye make up (even if you are not having your eyes treated).
- Use a gentle foaming cleanser at home before attending and thoroughly remove make up and skin care products.
- Bring a hat with you if it is sunny.
- Let the staff know if you have any facial tattoos or if you are prone to cold sores.
What to expect during laser treatment
- Your skin will be cleansed and a hair net will be used to cover your hair. You can bring a hair tie or bobble with you if you have long hair.
- For some treatments, a clear gel will be applied on your skin.
- Your eyes will be covered with protective eyewear.
- If you have planned treatment involving the eyelids, then anaesthetic eyedrops and an eye shield will be inserted and you should not drive following your treatment.
Laser treatment will feel like a hot flick of a rubber band. There is momentary discomfort with each shot which then settles. There may be slightly more discomfort in areas where there are more concerns such as areas with more thread veins. Treatment takes 10 to 30 minutes.
Skin care and general advice after laser treatment
When you get home
- When you get home, wash off any residual treatment gel with water and then apply a lightweight moisturiser such as CeraVe Lotion or Avène Hydrance Light.
- Make-up and sunscreen can be applied immediately unless there is an area of crusting or broken skin.
- Make-up can be used to cover redness and bruising.
Returning to normal activities
- Most people can resume their normal activities, such as work, straight after a laser treatment.
- Exercise can be resumed as soon as the redness and warmth has settled. If you are receiving treatment for rosacea or thread veins then avoid strenuous exercise, prolonged hot showers, saunas and steam rooms for 3 days to prevent vessels from reopening.
- You can drive straight after treatment. If you have received eyelid laser treatment requiring eye shields then you should not drive after treatment.
Skin care for the first few days
- Laser treatment can leave your skin feeling dry for 3 to 5 days. You should moisturise regularly and avoid harsh skin care during this period such as exfoliants, scrubs and toners.
- You can go back to your usual skincare products as soon as the swelling, redness and any dryness have settled which can be 2 to 5 days after your treatment. Until then use a light moisturiser twice a day and a gentle cleanser such as CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Avène Cleanance.
- Avoid strong treatments like scrubs, microdermabrasion, waxing, or chemical peels for a week.
- If any areas appear to crust or scab, then apply Vaseline to the area twice a day until healed. Any unexpected areas of crusting or scabbing should be reported to the office.
Sun protection and your next treatment
- You must avoid a tan 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after any laser treatment. Ensure you are protecting your skin from the sun by wearing a wide brimmed hat and Factor 50 sunscreen before and between laser treatments. Take extra precautions if you are going on holiday.
- Call the office to book your next laser treatment.
Contact details for emergency advice
If you need advice following your skin procedure please contact us on 0121 285 4540 between 9 am to 5pm on weekdays.
If you need emergency advice outside these hours, or on public holidays, then please dial NHS 111/999 or go to your local A&E department
About the Author
This page has been written and/or medically reviewed by Dr Sajjad Rajpar, Consultant Dermatologist and Medical Director of Midland Skin, Birmingham.
Dr Rajpar is on the GMC Specialist Register in Dermatology and has over 20 years’ experience in clinical dermatology. He provides clinical oversight to ensure the information on this page is accurate, balanced and consistent with current dermatology practice.
Dr Sajjad Rajpar
Date last updated: 24th Sep 2026
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Disclaimer
The content on this website is provided for general information only. It is not, and must not be treated as, medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation for any particular treatment. We make reasonable efforts to keep information accurate and up to date, but medicine and technology change, and content may not reflect the most current evidence, guidance, product information, or individual practice. You should not rely on this website to make decisions about your health or treatment. Always seek personalised advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Any examples, images, testimonials, and outcome descriptions are illustrative only. Results vary between individuals and no outcome can be guaranteed.
