The Down Low On Downtime

When deciding whether or not to undergo a voluntary medical procedure, downtime is generally high on the list of a potential patient’s concerns. Today, there are many non-invasive aesthetic procedures which require no downtime at all. When a client undergoes a procedure such as body contouring with Reaction or microdermabrasion with Pristine, they are able to return to their routine immediately after as there are no adverse, external effects.

With treatments that are even somewhat invasive there tends to be two kinds of downtime, doctor-mandated downtime and social downtime. When a doctor tells a patient to stay inside after an invasive procedure like a CO2 laser peel it is for medical reasons. While your appearance may leave what to desire, this is not the physician’s concern. Exposure to the sun and the elements could cause infection, burns and a prolonged healing process. Whether you like it or not you are stuck missing work, your friend’s party or any other activities planned.

Social downtime is downtime a patient elects to undergo him or herself. After a minimally invasive procedure such as skin resurfacing with the V-FR, the client may return to their normal routine immediately after. The procedure has somewhat of a visible effect on the client’s appearance but it is safe to cover the treatment area with makeup after 24 hours. If a slightly red visage doesn’t bother you though, it is perfectly safe to return to your routine immediately after the procedure as long as you remember to cover up when going into the sun.

V-FR Fractional RF Device by Viora

It is important to keep in mind that, generally speaking, when a doctor discusses the downtime after a procedure he or she is referring only to the mandatory downtime. The one to two weeks you must remain inside after a laser peel does not include the social downtime you may elect to take upon yourself because of any remaining swelling or redness.

So whatever type of procedure you choose to undergo make sure you have a proper understanding of what your physician means when saying “downtime” and what that will ultimately mean to your daily routine.