Preparing for your surgery is just as important as following the post-operative instructions. Recovery varies from no downtime (Botox, Collagen, Laser, Restylane) to a few weeks for more invasive surgeries. Prior to your surgery, Dr. Mukerji and his staff will give you instructions to prepare for surgery including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed. As with any other surgical care, post-operative care is imperative in the case of plastic surgery as well. We encourage you to follow the instructions provided to you and to call our clinic with any questions.

After the peel, you can shower and bathe normally.  Avoid having shampoo or run water onto the peeled area(s).  Excessive facial expressions should be avoided as well as unnecessary touching, picking, scratching, or peeling of the peeled areas.  Men can shave gently in one direction, daily if desired.

We recommend that you sleep on your back.  You may return to work as soon as you feel you are able to.  There are no limitations other than avoiding the sun during the healing stage.  A sunscreen with at least a SPF 30 should be used after this stage as your skin will still be sensitive.

If excessive swelling occurs, please contact our office as a steroid may be prescribed.

Continuation of antiviral treatment to prevent herpes simplex (cold sores) in susceptible patients is essential.

You should wash your face twice daily with your Nu-Derm foaming (or gentle) cleanser with a clean washcloth or your fingertips.  Do not rub or scrub your face vigorously. Blot your skin dry with a clean dry towel.  Apply the Tolereen cream two (2) to four (4) times daily.  Tolereen is 0.5% hydrocortisone cream that provides temporary relief of itching, inflammation and rashes associated with minor skin irritations due to the chemical peel.  In highly dry areas, such as the eyelids, lips, and mouth, a heavier ointment such as Bacitracin or Aquaphor may be used.  Do not overapply the Tolereen or heavier ointment.  If a thick scab develops after your Blue Peel, do not remove it as it may leave a scar or cause hyperpigmentation.

Morning	Mid-morning	Mid-afternoon	Evening
	(4 hours later)	(4 hours later)
Wash Face			Wash Face
Apply heavier ointment, if needed, and Tolereen	Apply heavier ointment, if needed, and Tolereen	Apply heavier ointment, if needed, and Tolereen	Apply heavier ointment, if needed, and Tolereen

Healing Stage (3 to 10 days post peel)

• Home care instructions to be followed
• Blue Color washes away.  There is a blue peel cleanser to purchase if you would like the color to wash away faster.
• Swelling expected for 2 to 3 days.
• Skin will appear as a tight, dark mask
• Skin will start to peel off in 2 to 3 days.
• No pain will occur with normal healing.  If you feel pain, please contact our office as it may be an infection.
• Keep hair spray, colognes, perfumes and any other substance with a fragrance away from treated areas at all times.
• Do not use cotton balls or Q-tips on the treated areas.

Recovery Stage (2 to 6 weeks post peel)

• Makeup may be worn after 2 weeks post peel
• Skin reconditioning with your Nu-Derm system should be started.  This is the maintenance schedule outlined n page 6 in “Your Personal Guide to Transformation”  booklet.
• Do not use any skin care products with glycolic acid, retinoids, astringents, including your Nu-Derm system until pinkness subsides.
 
• When you are outside, use at least a SPF 30 sunscreen on your treated areas.  You may find the sun irritating and excessively warm.

Return to Normal (6 to 8 weeks post peel)

• Results of the peel can be evaluated at this point
• Remember your new skin is sensitive and delicate as a newborn baby’s.  Treat it as such and lease use good judgement.  As healing progresses, your new skin will become more resilient but this may take up to three months.

Blue Peel is a program of gradual correction designed to provide maximal improvement with minimal risks.  It is ideal for exfoliation, skin tightening, and mild to moderate leveling action.  It is not intended to replace the effects obtainable with a deeper peel or CO2 laser resurfacing.  Two or three Blue Peels may be required for maximum benefit.