CO2 Laser Post-Care

SKIN RESURFACING & REBUILDING POST-CARE INSTRUCTIONS 
CO2 Laser Resurfacing

• Possible side effects include but are not limited to: mild to extreme redness, temporary tightness, itching, swelling, breakouts, and dryness of the skin similar to a sunburn or windburn. This will usually subside in 2-3 days. A topical steroid prescription may be recommended if the skin is inflamed or irritated. If your skin becomes itchy at any time, you may take oral Benadryl.
• Your skin will take about 4 to 14 days to completely peel depending on the strength and depth of the treatment you received. Please do not pick or pull your skin at any time after your treatment, as it can cause scarring. (Typically: Superficial (1-7 days), Medium or Deep (7-14 days)
• We recommend taking a week off (7 total days) to ensure proper care during healing.
• The appearance of your skin will be red and darken during active peeling, depending on the strength of your peel. After peeling has completed, the new skin underneath may appear pink to red in color for several days to weeks as the skin remodels.
• If you had a combination treatment with injectables (fillers, PRP) then your face may feel sore.
• You may have a stamp pattern on your skin from the treatment. This fades as your skin renews and peels.
• Please do not exfoliate using a cleansing brush, any facial scrub or acid based products until cleared (avoid products that contain AHA, BHA, Glycolic, Retin-A, or any acne medication until your skin has finished peeling).
• Avoid working out and sweating for at least 4 days.
• It is highly recommended to hydrate well by drinking water.
• Avoid sun exposure as much as possible after your treatment ( and for at least 10 days). We highly recommend wearing your sun shield which provides optimal protection of your vulnerable, healing skin.
• You may GENTLY apply a cold compress to the treated area(s) as needed for any burning or irritation using refrigerated sterile gauze soaked in distilled or bottled water. Do NOT use tap water.
• Do not apply makeup until your skin has completely peeled. We recommend getting new makeup products to decrease risk of infection. We recommend the Oxygenetix foundation.
• It may take several treatment sessions to see the desired outcomes, especially if a superficial treatment was done or if your skin is severely photodamaged.
• While most people have very mild reactions following these treatments, it’s important to pay close attention throughout your recovery period and let us know right away if you notice signs of infection or have other concerns. Because of the potential for rare but serious health risks, we like to schedule follow up visits with our patients after skin resurfacing treatments. This also gives us a chance to check progress and adjust ongoing treatment plans.

Please strictly follow the below instructions to support and protect your skin as new skin cells are formed. Failure to adhere to these instructions may negatively impact your results.