Vasculaze is a vascular laser by InMode, performed at Vessel by a licensed RN. Preparing your skin ahead of time and caring for it gently afterward help your skin heal smoothly as treated vessels fade.
Keep this guide close in the weeks around your appointment, and reach out anytime with questions.
I — Pre-care
Before Your Treatment
Begin preparing two to four weeks before your appointment, with a few steps closer to the day.
6 to 12 months before
Isotretinoin
- Treatment cannot be performed if you have been on isotretinoin (Accutane) within the last 6 to 12 months.
2 to 4 weeks before
Protect your skin
- Sun: Avoid all sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning products on the treatment area for at least 2 to 4 weeks. Sunburned or tanned skin cannot be treated and raises the risk of darkening of the skin.
- SPF: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily when outdoors.
- Injectables: Avoid dermal fillers or Botox in the treatment area for the time your provider advises, typically at least 2 weeks for fillers.
7 to 14 days before
Blood thinners
- If your primary care physician approves, stop blood-thinning medications and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen, high-dose vitamin E, fish oil, and ginkgo biloba for 7 to 14 days to minimize bruising. Never stop a prescription medication without your prescribing doctor's approval.
1 week before
Pause irritants
- Stop prescription-strength retinoids (such as Retin-A or tretinoin), high-strength retinol, acne medications, and harsh exfoliating products (AHAs and BHAs, scrubs) for 1 week.
48 hours before
Hair removal
- Waxing: Avoid waxing or depilatory creams on the treatment area for at least 48 hours.
- Shaving: If applicable, shave the treatment area the day before your appointment.
Day of treatment
Arrive with clean skin
- The treatment area should be clean and completely free of makeup, lotions, oils, and perfumes.
Please Tell Us Before Your Appointment
Let us know if any of the following apply, so your provider can confirm Vasculaze is right for you:
- Oral antibiotics. You may need to wait at least 10 days after completing the course before treatment.
- A history of cold sores (herpes simplex) in the treatment area, so a preventive antiviral can be started a few days before treatment
- Isotretinoin (Accutane) within the last 6 to 12 months
- Recent dermal fillers or Botox in the treatment area
- All current medications and supplements
II — Post-care
After Your Treatment
Treated vessels fade gradually as your body clears them. Gentle care in the first days and steady sun protection afterward keep your skin even.
Right after
What you may notice
- Treated vessels may look darker, bruised, or like faint cat scratches. Mild to moderate swelling and redness are common and usually subside within 1 to 3 days.
First 24 to 48 hours
Cool and rest
- Cooling: Apply a cool compress or cold pack wrapped in a towel for 10-minute intervals as needed. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
- Pain relief: Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be used for discomfort. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen for the first 24 hours.
- Heat and activity: Avoid hot tubs, saunas, hot baths and showers, and vigorous exercise that raises your body temperature or blood pressure for at least 24 to 48 hours.
- Cleansing: Gently cleanse with a mild, non-irritating soap (such as Cetaphil) and pat dry with a soft cloth.
- Compression: If your provider recommends it, wear compression stockings during the day, typically for 1 to 3 days.
As you heal
Let skin heal naturally
- Hands off: Do not rub, scratch, pick, or peel the treated area. If a blister or crust forms, let it fall off on its own. Picking can lead to scarring and pigment changes.
- Makeup: Makeup may be applied right after treatment unless there is blistering or scabbing. Use clean applicators.
Weeks 1 to 2
Ease back into routine
- Skincare: Wait at least 1 to 2 weeks before resuming prescription-strength retinoids, strong exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs), or abrasive scrubs, or until all redness has subsided.
- Other treatments: Avoid facial waxing, chemical peels, and laser treatments on the area for at least 7 days, or until cleared by your provider.
The months after
Protect your skin
- Sun: Continue avoiding direct sun and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, preferably zinc oxide, daily for several months to prevent darkening of the skin.
Your Treatment Series
FadingThe full effect of treatment may not be visible for 4 to 6 weeks as your body naturally clears treated vessels.
Your seriesFollow your provider's recommendation for follow-up sessions, typically spaced 3 to 5 weeks apart depending on your healing.
IV — At a Glance
Quick Do & Don't
Do
- Use a wrapped cool compress in 10-minute intervals
- Use Tylenol (acetaminophen) for discomfort if needed
- Wear compression stockings if recommended
- Apply zinc oxide SPF 30 or higher daily for several months
Don't
- No ice directly on the skin
- No ibuprofen or other NSAIDs for the first 24 hours
- No hot baths, saunas, or vigorous exercise for 24 to 48 hours
- No picking, peeling, or scratching
Questions About Your Care?
We are here for you before and after every treatment. Reach out anytime, or learn more about Vasculaze at Vessel.