Download a PDF copy of our Laser Therapy Post-Treatment Instructions here.
CO2 EDGE LASER SKIN RESURFACING –
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Immediately after your CO2 Edge Laser resurfacing, your skin will feel warm and sensitive to the touch. It is important to always keep your skin covered with a protective gel (such as Aquaphor) immediately after your treatment. Plan on an immediate recovery period of 5 to 10 days. After the initial recovery, your skin maybe continues to be red and sensitive for weeks as it fully heals.
Expect the treated area to be red, swollen, scabby and irritated, like a severe sunburn. It is important to keep the treated skin covered with an emollient cream, such as Aquaphor. Like a severe sunburn, the treated skin will become darker and will gradually slough off over time.
Redness and swelling- Immediately after your CO2 Edge Laser treatment expect to experience significant redness and scabbing for 1 to 10 days. For more aggressive treatments, this may last longer. Slight to moderate swelling is typically experienced for 2 to 3 days after your CO2 procedure but can last longer. It is important to keep the treated skin covered with an emollient cream, such as Aquaphor. The dark skin will "flake" off during the vinegar/cleansing process (see below).
Ice Packs for Inflammation- To minimize post-procedural inflammation and to give comfort, apply ice packs (with cloth barrier) to the treatment area for up to 10 minutes per hour, several times a day for 24-48 hours.
Medication-
Continue taking all medications as directed by your physician. If necessary and directed by your physician, take acetaminophen or pain reliever.
Keep all follow up appointments- your physician will see and asses the skin and how the treatment is progressing. Always call the physician if there is any increase in pain or skin redness.
Resume normal activity- following treatment, normal activities may resume per level of comfort. However, no swimming or using hot tubs while the redness is present, usually for 24-48 hours
Skin Itchiness –
Your skin may feel itchy in the early healing phase.
Sleep with head elevated-
Sleep with head elevated with pillows or in a recliner for the first night to reduce swelling. If swelling persists into day 2, again, sleep with head elevated (above the heart).
Sun Exposure-
Start using sunscreen with zinc oxide after skin is fully epithelialized (5-10 days post-treatment) and continue for at least two weeks after your procedure. Avoid direct sun exposure for at least one month after procedure.
Lifetime daily sunblock use is recommended to prolong your results and protect your skin from photo-aging.
Post-Treatment Skin Cleaning Process -
Use a diluted vinegar solution (1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar to 1 cup water) and gauze pads/soft wash cloth to gently cleanse the skin 4 times a day beginning the night of, or morning after your CO2 procedure (your provider will provide more direction on timing). Clean the skin by gently removing the Aquaphor with a gauze pad/soft washcloth soaked in the diluted vinegar solution. Do not scrub or pick off the dead skin, allow it to exfoliate as part of the natural healing process. It will take multiple passes of the gauze/cloth over the skin to remove all the Aquaphor. After removing the Aquaphor, pat face dry and reapply fresh Aquaphor. This cleaning process should be repeated for 5 to 10 days. Until no tightness or discomfort is experienced without Aquaphor on the skin. ALWAYS keep Aquaphor on treated areas for 5 to 10 days. If in doubt continue use of the Aquaphor. Avoid dryness and dry scab formation.
Gentle cleanser may be used starting 6 days after your treatment if it does not cause irritation. Details below. There are no restrictions on bathing except to treat the skin gently. Avoid scrubbing or trauma to the treated area. Avoid harsh products, exfoliants and Retin-A for 30 days post-treatment. Avoid makeup for 7-10 days, and then use only on intact skin.
Optional Post-Treatment Maintenance Skincare –
Beginning fourteen days after your CO2 Laser Resurfacing procedure you can start the skin maintenance program. The skincare products will help maintain the results from your CO2 procedure. You can purchase these products at your visit
(SoMe PRP Skin Care).
Skin Cleaning Process
- 4 times a day beginning the night of, or the morning after
- Dilute 1 teaspoon of white distilled vinegar into 1 cup of water
- Gently remove the Aquaphor with a pad/soft cloth soaked in the diluted vinegar solution
- Pat face dry
- Reapply fresh Aquaphor
- Repeat for 5-10 days
