When considering a laser procedure or other aesthetic option at LeBeau Clinic, it’s important to coordinate your schedule with your treatment. One of the most common questions we hear is, “How much downtime will I have?” Although different procedures affect everyone in different ways, we find it helpful to provide a guideline of your expected downtime.
What is downtime?
Downtime is not necessarily time you need to spend at home in bed. Instead, it is typically the time that you should avoid sun exposure and take extra care of your skin (moisturize, use a gentle cleanser, vinegar water soaks, no strenuous activity). Usually you won’t want to attend an upcoming event or special occasion during this time.
Downtime can involve anything from redness, to swelling to peeling and may range from one day to two weeks, depending on your treatment. Downtime is essential for the healing process after certain treatments because you produce more blood flow and more collagen to improve your results.
“I always say that downtime is really subjective. Are you comfortable running errands slightly red or puffy? If you prefer to be at home while your skin heals or if you are comfortable maintaining your usual routine while you heal is up to you. It just depends on your comfort level,” Julie Peters, R.N.
Take a look at this guideline for your expected downtime after a treatment at LeBeau Clinic:
Injectables: No downtime
What to expect: possible mild swelling around the injection site
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BroadBand Light: No downtime
What to expect: mild redness after treatment similar to a sunburn
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SkinTyte: No downtime
What to expect: mild redness after treatment similar to a sunburn
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MicroLaserPeel: Depending on the depth of your peel, you can expect downtime.
A 4-8 level peel should result in little to no downtime.
What to expect: mild redness after treatment similar to a sunburn and possible swelling the following day. Skin tightness and peeling is expected a few days after your treatment and can last 3-5 days.
A 10-40 level peel will result in downtime of about 5 days that you should plan for in your schedule
What to expect: Redness with a feeling similar to a sunburn and swelling for the following few days. Skin tightness and peeling is expected a few days after your treatment and can last up to a week.
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ProFractional Resurfacing: Depending on the depth of your treatment, you can expect downtime of 3-10 days.
What to expect: You may experience mild redness after treatment similar to a sunburn and possible swelling for the next few days.
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Contour TRL: You expect downtime of up to 2 weeks
What to expect:Redness with a feeling similar to a sunburn and swelling for the following few days or up to a few weeks depending on the depth of resurfacing.  Skin tightness and peeling is expected a few days after your treatment and can last up to a week.
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At LeBeau Clinic, we make it our priority to minimize any discomfort during and after your laser treatment. As the only office in Northwest Florida to offer the advantage of the Zimmer Chiller to our patients for unparalleled comfort, you can feel at ease at our clinic.  If you are interested in your aesthetic options, contact us for more information.