Question 1

I'm not sure which treatment I need. Where do I start?

Accepted Answer

Book a skin consultation. We'll look at your skin, talk through your goals and routine, and tell you what we'd recommend — including when doing less is the better choice. Consultations are always complimentary.

Question 2

Can I do a consultation by video?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Meet with Dr. Jenny or Sara by video to talk through your skin goals, your current routine and your treatment options before you come in. It's complimentary, and great for busy schedules, neighbor islands, or if you're planning a trip to Honolulu.

Question 3

Is laser safe for darker skin tones?

Accepted Answer

Many older lasers carry a real risk of dark spots or burns on melanin-rich skin. The Aerolase Neo uses a very short 650-microsecond pulse designed to treat with less heat building up in the skin, and it is FDA-cleared for all skin types (Fitzpatrick I–VI). We still start conservatively, test-treat when appropriate, and adjust settings to your skin.

Question 4

Do you treat teens?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Teens are part of every conversation, and parents are partners. A parent or guardian signs consent for anyone under 18 and joins the first visit.

Question 5

Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

Most people describe Aerolase as warm snaps and need no numbing. Microneedling is done with topical numbing and feels like light pressure or vibration. Peels may tingle or sting for a few minutes. Dermaplaning is painless.

Question 6

How should I prepare?

Accepted Answer

Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids, avoid sun and tanning, and arrive with clean, makeup-free skin. The exact timing depends on your treatment: Aerolase laser: stop retinoids and exfoliating acids (AHAs, PHAs, BHAs) 24 hours before. For laser hair removal, shave the area 24 hours before your treatment. SkinPen microneedling: no retinoids, AHAs, BHAs or waxing for 48 hours before; no sun exposure or tanning for 2 weeks before. Chemical peels: stop retinoids (Retin-A, tretinoin, retinol) 5 days before; avoid sunburn; tell us if you are sensitive to aspirin. Facials and dermaplaning: pause retinoids and acids 2–3 days before; avoid sunburn.

Question 7

What should I tell you ahead of time?

Accepted Answer

Let us know about pregnancy, new medicines, recent procedures anywhere on your face, or any history of cold sores. If you get cold sores, we may suggest a preventive medicine before microneedling, peels or laser around the mouth.

Question 8

What's normal afterward, and what should I avoid?

Accepted Answer

Every treatment is a little different: Aerolase laser: no downtime — you can go straight back to your day, including surfing, swimming and exercise, and a little pinkness usually settles within a few hours. There's no need to pause retinoids, AHAs, PHAs, BHAs or other actives. For most Aerolase treatments, tinted broad-spectrum mineral SPF 50+ is the only thing to keep up with: every morning, and every 2 hours outdoors. If we're treating pigmentation, dark spots may look darker for a few days, then flake off — don't pick. SkinPen microneedling: skin looks and feels like a mild sunburn on day 1. Don't wash your face for 4–6 hours, skip makeup, and sleep on a clean pillowcase. Light mineral makeup is fine after 48 hours, and mild flaking around days 4–5 is normal. Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids for 7 days and vitamin C for 5 days, saunas and heavy sweating for 72 hours, and waxing, threading or peels for 2 weeks. Chemical peels: skin may look pink or slightly frosted. Keep water off your face for 4–6 hours, and skip makeup for 24 hours. Peeling is most active around days 4–5 — keep moisturizing and don't pick or pull. Pause retinoids, AHAs and BHAs for 7 days, saunas and intense exercise for 48 hours, and waxing, threading or laser for 2 weeks. Facials and dermaplaning: no downtime; skin may be slightly pink for a few hours. Use gentle products and wait 2–3 days before restarting retinoids or exfoliants.

Question 9

How should I care for my skin after any treatment?

Accepted Answer

Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, a moisturizer, and tinted mineral SPF 50+ every morning, reapplied every 2 hours when you're outdoors. In Hawaiʻi, that includes cloudy days and a quick trip to the beach.

Question 10

When should I call you?

Accepted Answer

Call or text (808) 431-9165 if you notice blistering, open areas, pus, fever, or redness or swelling that is getting worse after day 2.

Question 11

Are there reasons to postpone a treatment?

Accepted Answer

Some situations mean a treatment should be postponed or changed. Please tell us if any of these apply — we'll talk through what is still safe for you: Pregnant or breastfeeding: we postpone laser, microneedling, and peels or boosters with retinoids or stronger acids. Gentle, pregnancy-friendly facials are usually fine. Isotretinoin (Accutane) in the last 6 months: we take a conservative approach, and Dr. Jenny decides case by case. An active cold sore, skin infection, open wound or rash in the treatment area. A recent sunburn or fresh tan. Medicines that make skin sun-sensitive, such as some antibiotics like doxycycline (for laser and peels). A history of keloids or raised scars, a bleeding disorder, or blood thinners (for microneedling). An active eczema, psoriasis or rosacea flare in the area. Conditions or treatments that slow healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes, chemotherapy or immune-suppressing medicines. An aspirin allergy (for salicylic acid peels). Tattoos or permanent makeup, including brows and lip blush: we avoid laser directly over them.

Question 12

I have active acne. Should I wait?

Accepted Answer

Not for Aerolase NeoClear, which is designed to treat active acne. We do avoid microneedling over inflamed breakouts.

Question 13

I recently had Botox or another neuromodulator. How long should I wait?

Accepted Answer

About 2 weeks before laser, microneedling, peels or a facial with massage. If you're doing both on the same day, we do your skin treatment first and your injections after.

Question 14

I recently had filler. How long should I wait?

Accepted Answer

At least 2 weeks, and up to 4 weeks for laser or microneedling over the filled area. Please tell us where and when you had filler.

Question 15

I had a laser, IPL or peel somewhere else.

Accepted Answer

We usually wait 2–4 weeks, depending on how strong the treatment was. Bring the name of the treatment if you have it.

Question 16

What about waxing, threading or facial surgery?

Accepted Answer

Avoid waxing for 48 hours before microneedling, and avoid waxing, threading or laser on the treated area for 2 weeks after laser, microneedling or a peel. After facial surgery or a thread lift, wait until your surgeon clears you.

Question 17

I'm getting injections after a treatment here.

Accepted Answer

Give your skin about 1–2 weeks to fully settle after microneedling or a peel, and let your injector know what you had.

Question 18

How often can I come in?

Accepted Answer

Your skin needs time to repair between visits — that recovery is where results build. These are typical intervals, and we'll set yours based on how your skin responds: Glow Facials: every 4 weeks. Dermaplaning: every 3–4 weeks. PCA SKIN peels: every 2–4 weeks; stronger peels every 4–6 weeks. A series of 4 is typical. Aerolase Neo (acne, rejuvenation, pigment): every 2–4 weeks, often 3–4 weeks for deeper skin tones. A series of 4–6 is typical. Laser hair removal: every 4–6 weeks on the face, 6–8 weeks for underarms. A series of 6 is typical. SkinPen microneedling: every 4–6 weeks. A series of 3 is typical.

Question 19

Can I do two different treatments close together?

Accepted Answer

Only when we plan them together. Our combination treatments, like K Glow, are designed to be done in one visit. Otherwise, we usually leave at least 2 weeks between a peel and microneedling, so your skin isn't working on two repairs at once.

Question 20

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Please give at least 24 hours' notice to change or cancel an appointment.

Question 21

Can I pay over time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cherry and CareCredit offer payment plans up to 12 months, including 0% APR with Cherry, subject to approval. Applying with Cherry uses a soft credit check, so it won't affect your credit score.

Questions before you book

Choosing a treatment

Before your treatment

After your treatment

Who should wait, or check with us first

Botox, filler and other procedures

How far apart should treatments be?

Booking and payment

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