NouvaDerm Care Instructions

1927 nm thulium resurfacing. Everything you need to know before and after your treatment.

Before your treatment

Starting 5–7 days before

  • Stop retinoids and retinol, acids, and exfoliants.
  • Continue or pause hydroquinone and other pigment correctors exactly as we directed — this differs by patient.
  • Keep skin well moisturized and the routine simple.

In the 2–4 weeks before

  • No sun exposure, tanning beds, or self-tanner. This is the single most important preparation step for a pigment treatment.
  • Wear SPF 30+ daily in the lead-up.

The day before

  • If you have any history of cold sores, your antiviral starts the day before — not the day of. Let us know in advance so we can send it.
  • No alcohol for 24 hours.

On the day

  • Arrive with completely clean skin — every trace of makeup, sunscreen, and skincare removed.
  • Plan for about 30 minutes of numbing before we begin.
  • Eat beforehand and come well hydrated.

Please tell us before we begin

  • A history of melasma, and especially any previous flare after a laser, peel, or sun exposure.
  • Cold sores or fever blisters, even years ago.
  • Isotretinoin (Accutane) within the last 6 months.
  • Any photosensitizing medication — some antibiotics, diuretics, and acne medications.
  • Pregnancy, or if you may be pregnant.
  • Recent sun exposure, however minor.

Plan your downtime. Expect redness and swelling for 1–2 days, tiny scabs appearing around days 2–3, and shedding through days 3–5. Most patients feel presentable by day 5–7. Higher-intensity settings sit at the longer end.

After your treatment

Before you leave the office

  • We apply EXO|E Skin Revitalizing Complex immediately after treatment.
  • A cooling mask or ice pack goes on only after the EXO|E has fully absorbed — never before.
  • You will be with us about 10 minutes for this step.

No Vitamin C after treatment. Vitamin C serums are excellent for you generally, but not after this treatment. Leave yours in the cabinet until we clear you to restart it.

At home

  • RE|PAIR serum twice daily for 7 days, and more often if your skin feels dry or tight.
  • After a higher-intensity treatment, add a moderate layer of occlusive cream once the RE|PAIR or EXO|E has absorbed.
  • Daily SPF throughout recovery and for the whole downtime period.
  • Gentle cleansing only. No actives, acids, retinoids, or exfoliants until we clear you.

For about 7 days

  • No heavy exercise, hot saunas, steam rooms, or hot baths.
  • No alcohol and no smoking — both slow healing measurably.
  • Increase your water intake. Hydration shows in how this treatment recovers.

Your recovery, day by day

  • Days 1–2 — Redness and swelling, warm and tight. This is the peak.
  • Days 2–3 — Tiny dark scabs or specks appear across the treated area.
  • Days 3–5 — Shedding. Skin sloughs in fine flakes. Do not help it.
  • Days 5–7 — Fresh skin, still pink. Keep it protected and moisturized.

Do not pick. Those small scabs are protecting new skin underneath. Picking them off early is the most reliable way to trade a good result for a mark that lasts.

Call us right away if you develop blistering, patches that darken rather than clearing, a cold sore outbreak, pain that escalates instead of settling, or any sign of infection.

Aurora MD Aesthetics & Head Spa 21224 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (949) 998-5501 · hello@auroramdspa.com

Questions or concerns at any point in your recovery? Call us. We would always rather hear from you early.