CO2 Laser Post-Care

  • CO2 Laser Post-Care

  • GENERAL EXPECTATIONS: 

    • Avoid direct sunlight and keep skin moist and cool to aid healing. 
    • Avoid environmental irritants during the healing process (e.g., dust, dirt, aerosols, cleaning agents). 
    • Avoid dryness and excessive heat (no high heat on the blow dryer, medium heat is fine during the healing process). 
    • Avoid any vigorous exercising for 2 weeks.
    • Stay hydrated, eat healthy foods, and avoid alcohol. 
    • Redness and a sunburn-type sensation will normally last several hours. 
    • Neck redness is more persistent and will usually last several days longer than face redness. 
    • Face: will normally bronze and peel within 3-5 days (Note: skin below neck normally requires up to 2 weeks to bronze and peel). 

     

    DAY OF TREATMENT: 

    • Keep treated areas covered with topical ointment/cream.
    • Apply cooling compression (e.g., bag of frozen peas or wet paper towels frozen in Ziploc bag) Note: do not apply ice directly to the skin and do not use towels as detergents may irritate skin. 

     

    FIRST NIGHT: 

    • Sleep with head slightly elevated. 
    • Place paper towel over pillow to protect from ointment/cream. 

     

    DAY 1 (FRIST DAY AFTER TREATMENT): 

    • Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat. 
    • Begin washing face 2-3 times a day with room temperature water and a gentle cleanser. 
    • May take shower and wash hair. Avoid hot water. 
    • Re-apply Aquaphor to treated area. Ensure skin remains constantly moist. 

     

    DAY 2:

    • Swelling should subside and skin may bronze and feel gritty.
    • Itching (particularly along the jawline) tends to begin on this day. 
    • Continue applying ointment and wash face with gentle cleanser. 
    • Avoid picking. 

    DAY 4-7:

    • Itching has usually subsided. 
    • You may start more aggressive washing with fingertips to promote further exfoliation (do not pick). 
    • Use non-irritating sunblock SPF 30+.
    • You may apply mineral makeup (powder). 

    Day 7-28: 

    • Continue appropriate moisturizer until skin has hydrated back to its normal level (3-4 weeks). 
    • You may start regular skin care program as long as treated area is healed (no exfoliation). 
    • Continue applying non-irritating sunblock (SPF 30+) and use mineral makeup (powder) to protect treated areas (do not use liquid foundation as it may clog pores and irritate new skin). 
    • Avoid exposure to excessive sun for up to 4 weeks (hat or clothing must be used to protect treated areas). 
    • You may return to exercise programs. 

     

    Please call Renew | 719-423-0083 for any questions or concerns. Thank you! 

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