Contour TRL

Fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and other facial irregularities can often arrive as tell-tale signs that the aging process has begun to set in. If you’re looking for a non-surgical solution to these facial issues, the Contour TRL treatment is here for you. With laser resurfacing, Dr. Karam can turn back the clock and bring out your youthful qualities once more.

What Is Contour TRL?

The Contour TRL is an Erbium Yag laser that resurfaces the skin by removing a variable depth of damaged and aging skin. This treatment is a great way to non-surgically eliminate problematic lines, wrinkles, and pigment irregularities by stimulating the growth of new collagen, improving your skin’s overall volume and resilience. Your skin will be encouraged to regenerate new, healthy cells, giving your complexion a younger and more rejuvenated appearance. The depth of the treatment is customized according to each individual’s unique skin conditions, desired outcomes, and expectations of downtime.

The procedure is performed in the office and will be customized to your specific skin goals. Contour TRL is highly effective when it’s performed on its own, and it’s also a great way to truly complete our Vertical Restore treatment. This proprietary procedure is highly customizable and was developed by Dr. Karam over the course of many years. To learn more about the comprehensive facial rejuvenation offered by Vertical Restore, reach out and set up your consultation with a member of Dr. Karam’s team today.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Contour TRL?

During your consultation, Dr. Karam will get to know everything there is to know about the issues that brought you through his doors. He’ll get to know your cosmetic concerns, learn everything he can about your skin’s unique qualities, and will use all of this information to guide you to the treatment that is right for you. You’re likely a great candidate for Contour TRL if you’re interested in addressing:

Deep wrinkles
Deep lip lines
Fine lines
Scars
Solar spots
Pigment irregularities
Actinic keratosis
Poor skin tone
Uneven texture

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Most patients only need one treatment, but this varies from patient to patient. A personalized plan will be created for your specific needs, to give you the best overall results. This plan may include (but is not limited to) multiple treatments, combination treatments, and/or treatments combined with other products.

Preparing for Your Contour TRL Treatment

Before the day of your treatment, we’ll make sure you have detailed instructions to walk you through your preparation procedure. This will also give you the chance to ask Dr. Karam any questions you may have, should there be anything about which you require some clarity. Our goal is to ensure that you’re as informed as possible, so you can make your way through the procedure with complete peace of mind and confidence that you’ll be able to enjoy your ideal outcome.

Your preparation instructions will include the following:

Please avoid Ibuprofen, Aspirin, fish oil, and other blood-thinning medication/supplements for two weeks prior to your procedure to decrease any possible bleeding and bruising.
Please discontinue the use of retinol products 24 hours prior to the procedure.
Please refrain from tobacco products and alcohol for two weeks before and for two weeks following the procedure. Along with delayed healing, persistent skin redness and other complications may persist when tobacco and alcohol are not discontinued.
Antiviral medication will be prescribed to start one day before your procedure to prevent the occurrence of cold sores.
Since your skin is the first barrier to infection, you will be prescribed an antibiotic to start the day before your procedure. Though infections are uncommon following this procedure, it is important to take the antibiotics as directed until the bottle is empty.
Ativan, an anti-anxiety medication, may be prescribed if needed. If taking Ativan, make plans to have someone drive you to and from the procedure.
This procedure does have a 10 to 14 day recovery period, depending on the depth of the treatment. Be sure to schedule your plans accordingly.

A Happy Patient’s Testimonial

What Should I Expect on the Day of My Procedure?

Upon arrival, you will be brought back to the laser room. Pre-procedure photos will be taken, consent for the procedure will need to be signed, and confirmation of pre-procedure instructions will be discussed. If pre-procedure instructions have not been met, the treatment may need to be rescheduled.

Since this is typically a deeper resurfacing, a local anesthetic will be injected prior to treatment by your physician to aid in the comfort of the procedure. The procedure is then performed, and the Zimmer may be used during treatment for comfort as well. The Zimmer assists in cooling the skin during and post-procedure.

Schedule A Consultation

Carmel Valley Plastic Surgery - Dr. Karam Gallery media

What Should I Expect Upon Completion of the Contour TRL?

Mild to moderate pinpoint bleeding is the desired response and is very common with this procedure. This oozing and seeping may persist for 24 to 72 hours following your treatment. Erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) are very common following this procedure. Erythema normally persists for eight to 12 days depending upon the depth of the laser, while edema is typically a short-term response.

A feeling of tightness, warmth, and mild discomfort is also very common following this procedure. It is important to remember that everyone’s level of discomfort is different. A protective barrier of Aquaphor or laser balm will be applied to the treatment area(s) following the procedure.

Carmel Valley Plastic Surgery - Dr. Karam Banner media

How do I Take Care of My Skin Following the Contour TRL?

You’ll need to follow the post-laser resurfacing regimen given to you at your pre-procedure appointment, and the use of a cold compress or ice pack will help to relieve the swelling. To avoid further swelling, you may choose to sleep propped up on two to three pillows the first several nights after treatment. Sleeping on your back with an elevated pillow will also help prevent the creation of prematurely peeling skin. A cold compress or ice pack may also be used to provide comfort if the treated area is especially warm. This is typically only needed within the first 12 to 24 hours, post-treatment. Post-treatment discomfort may be relieved by oral pain relievers like Extra Strength Tylenol or prescribed pain medication if ordered by the physician.

Oral Benadryl may help control any itching, but can also be sedating. Please continue the prescribed antiviral as directed until the bottle is empty, and be careful not to rub the treated area, and do not use any type of exfoliation until skin is fully healed (i.e. Clarisonic). When showering, be sure to wash your hair behind you to avoid getting shampoo directly on the treated area. After cleansing your face, reapply the occlusive barrier, (i.e. Aquaphor) taking care to cover all treated areas. The occlusive barrier is needed to provide a protective barrier that will hold moisture into the skin and provide protection to the skin from pollutants in the air as the skin heals. The occlusive barrier is typically needed for 10 days post-treatment. Reapply the occlusive barrier as needed. Do not allow the treated area to dry out.

Peeling and flaking generally occur within 24 hours post-treatment and should be allowed to come off naturally. Do not pick, rub, or force off any skin during the healing process. This can result in scarring and infection. Gently washing the skin more frequently will help to promote the peeling process.

Once the skin has healed (and you are no longer wearing the occlusive barrier), you may begin to wear mineral makeup that will allow the skin to breathe and continue healing. At this time, sunblock should also be worn on a daily basis to help prevent hyperpigmentation from both direct and indirect sunlight.

Please avoid strenuous exercise and sweating for two weeks after treatment or until the skin has fully healed. Please avoid direct sun exposure for two months following the procedure. However, a hat and sunscreen may be worn if going to be in the sun.

Day-By-day Instructions for Skincare Following a Contour TRL:

Items to Purchase Before the Procedure

Aquaphor ointment
Cotton balls or cotton rounds
Q-tips
Distilled water
White vinegar
Cetaphil lotion
Cetaphil cleanser
Preparation of the vinegar-water solution for facial cleansing: ½ tablespoon white vinegar
mixed with 1 cup of distilled water.

The First 24 hrs

Ice packs as tolerated to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Aquaphor ointment over entire resurfaced skin at all times.
No washing of the resurfaced area.

Post Peel Day 1 (wash skin 2x per day)

Remove Aquaphor ointment with a cotton ball soaked in distilled water.
Clean skin with a vinegar-water solution using a cotton ball.
Rinse the vinegar-water solution with distilled water.
Gently dry skin with a cotton ball or cotton rounds.
Apply Aquaphor ointment.
Repeat two times during the day.

Post Peel Days 2 Through 5

Perform the above steps 4 times a day
Do not pull off peeling skin. Allow peeled skin to come off with a gentle washing regimen.
You may shower after day 3. Use tepid, warm water to rinse skin. No soaps. If planning on washing hair, use mild shampoo only. Try to avoid contact with the face.
Apply Aquaphor ointment at all times.

Post Peel Days 5 Through 10

Clean skin with Cetaphil cleanser instead of the vinegar-water solution if tolerated. If not,
continue the vinegar-water solution.
Continue washing 4 times per day.
Apply Aquaphor ointment at all times.

Post Peel Days 10 Through 30

Cetaphil cleanser 2 times per day.
Cetaphil lotion instead of Aquaphor ointment.
Sunscreen with at least 7% zinc.
You may begin applying natural, powder-based makeup with zinc oxide or titanium oxide once epithelialization (skin healing) is complete.
We recommend Oxygenetix mineral makeup which is available for purchase in our office.

How Long Will It Take to Recover?

Depending on the depth of treatment, most patients feel comfortable enough to return to work within 10 to 14 days. Mild to moderate redness can be normal beyond the recovery time, but this can be covered with breathable makeup.

It is important to remember that not everyone heals at the same speed and it would not be unusual if the healing process were to take longer.

When Should I Expect My Results?

As your skin heals in the days following your treatment, you will see noticeable improvements in your skin’s texture, tone, and wrinkle appearance. Since another benefit of this procedure is the stimulation of collagen production, your skin will show increasing improvements in tightness and resilience over the next four to six months.
You may resume your normal skincare regimen about two weeks after the procedure, as long as the skin is healed and can tolerate it.

Things to Remember

Patient response can vary after a Contour TRL treatment. Erythema (redness) and possibly edema (swelling) are the desired responses, along with mild to moderate pinpoint bleeding, within a few minutes after the completion of the procedure. The degree of redness and length of healing time will increase with the depth of your peel and can vary from patient to patient. There may be some degree of swelling immediately post-treatment.

If you have excessive swelling or any of the following signs of infection, you should contact the office immediately. Signs of infection include:

Unusual drainage
Increased warmth at or around the treated area
Fever of 101.5 or greater
Extreme itching

How Do I Maintain My Results?

For maintenance and to achieve optimal results, recommended products should accompany these treatments. These products include growth factors, retinol, antioxidants, and sunblock with at least 7% zinc oxide or titanium oxide.

Growth Factors

Proteins that stimulate collagen and elastin to help restore thickness and resilience to the skin over time.

Retinol

Speeds up the skin’s natural exfoliation process; therefore, evening out discoloration, boosting collagen, and preventing thinning of the skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Antioxidants

Vitamins C and E fight free radical damage and keep our cells healthy by reducing cell mutations that can later lead to skin cancer and aging.

Sun Block

Prevents premature aging by protecting against both UVA and UVB rays.

Love Your Radiant and Glowing Skin

Contour TRL is a highly effective way to enhance your look and restore that youthful glow. This procedure can be performed on its own, with impressive results, or it can be included as part of the comprehensive and customizable Vertical Restore procedure. Developed by Dr. Karam utilizing his extensive experience, this procedure is tailored to each patient’s specific goals and facial qualities. To learn more about what Dr. Karam and his team can do for you, reach out and set up your in-person consultation today.