Where Is My Procedure?
Dr. Innes performs procedures at three locations. We will have confirmed your specific location verbally at your appointment. If you're unsure, text us before you come.
Location 1
Tanner Clinic
Come to the exact same office where you had your consultation. No new directions needed.
Same place as your visit
Location 2
Transcend Total Body Rejuvenation
1649 Antelope Dr., Suite 200
Layton, UT 84041
In Katie's Place, directly across from Holy Cross Hospital (Davis Hospital) on Antelope Drive.
2nd floor — Suite 200
Location 3
Vive Wellness & Aesthetics
836 S. Angel Street, Suite 100
Layton, UT 84041
Corner of Layton Parkway & Angel Street. Enter Central Davis Dental, tell them you're here for Vive, and they'll direct you downstairs.
Basement level — Suite 100
Not sure which location? Text 801-776-7129 and we'll confirm. If you're running late or can't find us, call or text the same number.
Before Your Procedure
Stop Active Skincare Products — 7 Days Before
- Retin-A / Tretinoin / Retinol / Adapalene (Differin)
- Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, or any exfoliating AHAs/BHAs
- Vitamin C serums
- Any prescription topical that causes irritation or peeling
If you're reading this within 7 days of your procedure, don't panic — 7 days is the "better safe than sorry" side. You'll do fine, but may notice slightly more irritation than average.
Avoid Sun Exposure
- Avoid deliberate sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before your appointment
- Arrive without a tan or sunburn — tanned skin is more reactive and may heal unevenly
- Apply SPF 30+ daily in the weeks leading up to treatment
- If you arrive with a fresh tan or sunburn, we may need to reschedule
Arrive with Clean Skin
- Come with a freshly washed face — no makeup, lotion, sunscreen, or perfume on the treatment area
- Do not apply any topical products on the morning of your appointment
Cold Sore History — Important
⚠ Please Read If You Have Any History of Cold Sores
If you have ANY history of cold sores — even years ago — please let us know before your appointment. Ablative resurfacing disrupts the skin barrier across a large area, which can trigger an outbreak and allow the virus to spread rapidly across healing skin. This is a serious complication that is entirely preventable with antiviral prophylaxis.
We will prescribe Valacyclovir (Valtrex) for you to take around the time of your procedure. Take it exactly as prescribed.
Arrange Your Recovery
- Avoid scheduling this procedure before major social events, travel, or work obligations
- You are welcome to go out in public, but you may not want to — plan your schedule so you can stay home for 7–10 days if needed
- Consider arranging help at home for the first 1–3 days — the first 24–48 hours are the most intense
- Have your supplies ready at home before your appointment (see Products section)
Supplies to Have at Home Before Your Appointment
📦 Have These Ready Before You Come In
- Vaseline or Aquaphor (large tube — you will use a lot)
- White vinegar (for vinegar soaks)
- Clean gauze or soft washcloths
- Tylenol or Ibuprofen for pain as needed
- Medi Grade Cooling Ice Face Mask & La Roche-Posay or Avène Thermal Spring Water — optional but helpful; available at our office
- Avène Cicalfate Intensive Restorative Serum — available at our office
- EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 — available at our office
What to Expect: The Recovery Timeline
This is an intense procedure with meaningful downtime. What follows is an honest account of what to expect so nothing surprises you.
Sensation: Intense heat like a severe sunburn for the first 12–24 hours. Gradually improves.
Appearance: Red, raw, possibly oozing clear or slightly yellowish serum. Completely normal.
Swelling: Significant, especially around the eyes. Sleep with head elevated on 2 pillows.
Care: Ice packs 15 min/hour for the first day. Keep skin covered in ointment at all times. Spray Thermal Spring Water on skin as often as you'd like for comfort.
Texture: Old skin sloughs off — may look dark, slimy, or peel in sheets. Do not pull it unless it is absolutely ready to come off.
Sensation: Itching is very common. Do not scratch. Benadryl at night helps with itching and sleep.
Transition: Around Day 4, begin applying Avène Cicalfate Serum under your ointment to support barrier repair.
Appearance: Once peeling finishes, new skin will be smooth but bright pink or red. Healthy new skin — treat it gently.
Redness can persist for weeks to months — this is collagen actively remodeling, not a problem.
Transition: Once fully re-epithelialized (no raw or weeping areas), stop ointment, continue Cicalfate Serum, start Toleriane cleanser twice daily and EltaMD sunscreen every morning.
Makeup: Day 10–14 minimum, once only a little pink. Mineral-based preferred.
🔑 The Golden Rule of Recovery
Moisture is everything. Your skin must remain covered in a thick layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor at all times during the first week. If a dry crust forms, it slows healing and can lead to scarring. If your skin looks matte or dry at any point — add more ointment immediately. Your skin should look shiny and greasy at all times. This moist environment allows epidermal cells to migrate more quickly, which means faster healing.
How to Care for Your Skin
Vinegar Soaks — Days 1 through 7
This is the cornerstone of wound care during the first week.
Recipe & Method
Recipe: Mix 1 teaspoon of white vinegar into 2 cups of cool water. Store in the refrigerator.
Method: Soak clean gauze in the solution. Lay it gently over your face for 5–10 minutes. Afterward, gently wipe away loose debris or crusting. Immediately apply a thick layer of Aquaphor or Vaseline while skin is still damp.
Why it works: The mild acidity kills bacteria and yeast, and the moisture dissolves crusting without scrubbing. If a crust doesn't come off gently — leave it for the next soak. Never force it.
Frequency: Twice daily during the first week.
Ointment — Days 1 through 3
- Apply immediately after each vinegar soak while skin is still damp
- Skin should look shiny and greasy at all times — this is correct
- Apply a thick, generous layer — do not be conservative
Day 4 Onward — Adding Cicalfate
- Once the raw/oozing phase passes (around Day 4), apply Avène Cicalfate Intensive Restorative Serum before each application of ointment
- Continue ointment over any areas still raw
Day 7–10 Onward — Once Re-Epithelialized
- Stop ointment once skin is fully healed (no raw or weeping areas)
- Continue Avène Cicalfate Serum as your daily moisturizer
- Begin La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser — twice daily
- Begin EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 — every morning without exception
Cleansing During Recovery
- Cool or lukewarm water only — hot water increases swelling and discomfort
- Hands only — no washcloths, brushes, or sonic devices
- Pat dry gently — never rub
Medications
- Antiviral (Valacyclovir/Valtrex): Take exactly as prescribed. Prevents cold sores, which can spread rapidly across resurfaced skin and cause serious complications.
- Pain relief: Tylenol or Ibuprofen as needed.
- Antibiotics: If prescribed, finish the full course.
- Benadryl: May be taken at night during the itching phase (Days 4–7) to improve sleep.
Products We Recommend
We sell post-procedure kits with all of the products below for your convenience. Ask at the front desk or purchase them on Amazon.
- Vaseline or Aquaphor — primary ointment; apply constantly and generously
- La Roche-Posay or Avène Thermal Spring Water — spray on treated skin as often as you'd like for comfort; keep in the refrigerator
- Medi Grade Cooling Ice Face Mask — optional but helpful for comfort on Day 1
- No other products on the skin during this phase
- Avène Cicalfate Intensive Restorative Serum — apply under ointment at every application to support barrier repair. Available at our office.
- Continue ointment over any areas still raw or slow to heal
- EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 — start immediately once healed; iron oxides block visible light which helps prevent hyperpigmentation in new skin. Available at our office.
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser — twice daily once fully healed
- Continue Avène Cicalfate Serum as your daily moisturizer
What to Avoid During Recovery
Retin-A, retinol, tretinoin, adapalene
Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or any exfoliating acids
Vitamin C serums
Physical exfoliants or scrubs of any kind
Makeup until fully healed and only a little pink (Day 10–14)
Sun exposure — even brief outdoor exposure can cause permanent hyperpigmentation
Strict Precautions
These Apply for the Full Recovery Period
- No sun. Your new skin has zero UV protection. Even a few minutes of sun exposure can cause permanent dark spots. Stay indoors. If you must go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and cover the treated area completely.
- No makeup until the skin is fully healed — Day 10–14 minimum.
- No picking. Picking at peeling skin or crusts can cause permanent indented scars. Let everything come off on its own.
- No hot water. Use only cool or lukewarm water on the treated area throughout recovery.
Things You May Notice
✓ Normal — Expected
- Intense redness and heat on Day 1
- Clear or slightly yellowish oozing during Days 1–3
- Significant swelling, especially around the eyes
- Dark, slimy, or peeling skin during Days 4–6
- Intense itching as new skin forms
- Bright pink or red color after peeling — can persist for weeks to months
- Skin that looks dramatically different from normal for several weeks
! Contact Us If You Notice
- Pain worsening after Day 2–3 rather than improving
- Any sign of a cold sore: tingling, blistering, or small clustered sores
- Green or foul-smelling discharge
- Honey-colored crusting (sign of bacterial infection)
- Fever over 100.4°F
- Any area not healing as expected or looking significantly different from the rest
Follow-Up Appointment
🩺
Please plan to see Dr. Innes approximately 1 week after your procedure
This appointment will always be at Tanner Clinic, even if your procedure was performed at one of the med spas. We'll assess how your skin is healing, confirm you're cleared to transition to sunscreen and makeup, and answer any questions about your recovery.
If you are not already scheduled, please text 801-776-7129 and ask for a 1-week post-procedure follow-up appointment.
When to Contact Us
Thank you for trusting us with your care. We sincerely want you to feel comfortable reaching out any time — especially with this procedure.
💬 Routine Questions
Text 801-776-7129 during business hours. We check this line regularly.
⚠ After-Hours Concerns
Text Dr. Innes directly: 801-414-8443. Please don't hesitate — this procedure warrants it.
🚨 Seek Emergency Care Immediately If You Experience:
- Fever over 103°F with rapidly spreading redness
- Signs of systemic infection or sepsis
- Severe difficulty breathing (rare allergic reaction)