Treatment Guidelines

Pre/Post Treatment Guideline: Spectra Laser

Spectra Laser is most effective on Sunspots, Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), Melasma, and Tattoo Removal. According to protocols taken from Lutronic USA, the makers of Spectra Laser, studies show that adding topical creams to laser treatments leads to better results.

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Skin Type 1 & 2 (Caucasian)
IPL works great for this skin type.
Skin Type 3, 4 & 5 (Ethnic)
IPL will provide moderate results but not great for this skin type.
Skin Type 6 (Ethnic)
IPL will not show any results for this skin type.

Key concept: inflammation triggers melanocytes
Inflammation makes melanocytes angry and they pump out more melanin in the brown spots. Our protocol is designed to reduce inflammation under the skin.
Allow time after initial improvement
Take a few months to 12 months before the deeper pigmentation surfaces to the top after IPL treatment of melasma.
Education on suppression therapy
For IPL patients with sun spot and melasma combination, everyone receives education about suppression therapy — medicated and cosmeceutical topical products that calm the melanocytes (the brown spot-producing cells under the skin).
Use hydrating antioxidants
These are natural tyrosinase inhibitors that calm the skin and reduce inflammation from within.
Use topical prescriptions to suppress melanocytes
Apply topical prescription creams to suppress melanocyte activity and reduce pigmentation over time.
Start with light IPL settings
Strong IPL settings will start to cause hyperpigmentation after a few months down the road. Begin conservatively and adjust based on skin response.
Educate and advance care
Guide the patient to the next level of service as their skin responds and improves.

Key concept: hyperpigmentation risk remains
There is still a chance of hyperpigmentation if a patient is exposed to the sun often, is under an increased amount of stress, or has a previous hormonal or genetic predisposition. Results can be anywhere from 30% to 60%. There is a good chance that pigmentation may return. Some patients are advised to do laser treatments during winter.
Consider FDA-approved melasma laser: Spectral Laser
The FDA-approved Spectral Laser is a primary recommendation for targeted melasma treatment.
Consider IV infusion therapy
IV infusion therapy helps detox and calm inflammation. Glutathione and Vitamin C are among the main ingredients.
Consider skin lightening VIP facials
Skin lightening VIP facials with skin lightening infusion using light RF or laser genesis.
Consider Fraxel Dual Laser Peel
Recommended for Skin Type 1 & 2 patients with good skin condition, no underlying or past medical history, and who can wait until winter for treatment.
Consider 6 months of topical therapy
Six months of consistent topical therapy using PerfectionsMD products. Clients should expect to see 30–40% results.
Consider Potenza RF Microneedling with tranexamic acid
Potenza RF Microneedling infusion with tranexamic acid. Oral forms are available for severe melasma patients.
Combination treatment is best
These are our protocols. Combination treatment is the best approach to ensure optimal, long-lasting results.

Stop irritating products
Stop all irritating products such as acids, retinas, peels, or any exfoliation devices. This means 2 weeks before and after treatment.
Hydrate well
Drink plenty of water 1 week before and after treatment.
Use a light moisturizer
Start using a light, oil-free moisturizer such as the PerfectionsMD Super Hydrator Serum 5x a day for 1 week before treatment. This will speed the recovery process afterward.
Protect from the sun
Avoid sun for 2 weeks to prevent collagen breakdown and pigmentation. Always apply sunscreen such as PerfectionsMD UV Defense every 2–3 hours.

Super Hydrator Serum

Use 5x daily for 1 week before and after treatment to accelerate recovery.

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UV Defense SPF 45

Apply every 2–3 hours to protect skin from sun exposure before and after treatment.

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Super Hydrator — Key Ingredients
Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Collagen, Licorice Extract, Glycerine, D-Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Octoxynol-11 (AND) Polysorbate 20, Sodium Carboxymethyl, Beta-Glucan, Deionized Water.

Titanium
Blocks cancer-causing rays and prevents hyperpigmentation.
Acetyl Hexapeptide
Gives skin a wrinkle-free and smooth appearance.
Radish Roots
Rich in antioxidants that fight inflammation.
Ceramide
Restores moisture and helps with eczema.

PerfectionsMD • Spectra Laser

Take Care of Yourself and Your Health with PerfectionsMD + Spectra Laser

Our trusted product line and clinical laser treatments work together for the best results.

Use skin-lightening agents
Use skin-lightening agents as prescribed. Most patients with ethnic skin will need a 6-week prep to greatly decrease the chance of hyperpigmentation.
Hydroquinone brightening pads
4%–10% Hydroquinone brightening pads may be prescribed for use twice a day. Swipe over affected area 3–5 times. If persistent redness occurs, skip a day and apply PerfectionsMD Super Hydrator until it subsides. Use for 4 months, then rest 1 month before restarting.
Anti-inflammatory cream
Clobetasol or another anti-inflammatory cream may be prescribed for use twice a day. Apply to affected area after brightening pads. Watch for redness.
Hydrating mask
Use the PerfectionsMD Hydrating Mask for 2 days before treatment. Leave on for a minimum of 35 minutes. After removing, apply the remaining serum from the package to your face — no rinsing needed.
Arrive early for numbing
Arrive 1 hour before treatment for numbing cream application.
Pain management
You may take Tylenol or Xanax. Make sure someone can drive you home if needed. Do NOT take Motrin or Advil.

Avoid sunlight
Avoid sunlight for the next two weeks. Use our Sun Visors available at our clinic.
Gentle cleansing only
Wash with water or a non-irritating cleanser such as PerfectionsMD Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
Use hydrating mask
Use PerfectionsMD Hydrating Mask for 3 days after treatment. Follow the same instructions as listed in the Pre-Treatment section.
Let skin heal naturally
If you see a thin layer of crusted skin, do not rub it off. Let it fall off by itself.
No exfoliation
Do not use a scrub or any irritating exfoliant on the treated area for 2 weeks.
Follow-up appointment
After 1 week, return to the clinic for evaluation. Once cleared, restart PerfectionsMD Trinity Line daily.
Results timeline
Some patients see results after their first Spectra Laser Treatment. The best results are typically seen 4 months after the last treatment.

Better results are typically seen when patients receive Spectra Laser Treatment combined with Hydroquinone. The laser helps the topical agents work more effectively.

Consider using a smaller amount twice a week, combined with a moisturizer, before giving up on treatment altogether.

PerfectionsMD Skin Brightening Series is an all-natural treatment line made from natural ingredients including Arbutin, Green Tea extract, Mulberry extract, Licorice, Vitamin C, and potent antioxidants.

Melasma and Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) are long-term inflammatory processes. Inflammation causes further pigmentation. These creams help suppress inflammation and decrease pigmentation over time.

Yes. Laser treatments heat the skin and cause inflammation. Icing for at least ten minutes helps decrease this effect and speed recovery. Stay away from hot environments for the first few months after treatment.