You can also prevent bacterial infections by taking an antibiotic before the surgery and continuing to take it for seven to 10 days afterwards. You should expect swelling after laser skin resurfacing. Oral steroids can be prescribed to manage swelling around your eyes.
Increasing pain with deterioration in the appearance of the skin (red raw areas, with or without exudate or vesicles) may be the first sign of herpes simplex, bacterial or fungal infection, or contact dermatitis.
Conclusion: Post-CO2 resurfacing infections are not rare but can appear subtly and might only be noticeable in the second postoperative week. Prophylactic intranasal mupirocin is ineffective, but ciprofloxacin is effective in preventing infection with both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
1 – 2 days after treatment:
There will still be oozing of clear or slightly yellowish fluid and crusting. This is normal.
Apply the vinegar soaked gauze dripping wet for 10-15 minutes over the treated area. Avoid excessive rubbing. Reapply Aquaphor ointment (or silicone gel) after the gauze is removed. Vinegar soaks should be done at least 6x/day.
Keeping the skin moist and hydrated eases and accelerates the healing process. Any discomfort diminishes as your skin continues to heal and rebuild. Days 4 to 5: out with the old… The outer layer of the treated skin begins to exfoliate and slough off, and pinkish, fresh skin emerges underneath.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, Niacin supplements, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods for 48 hours after treatment.
Laser resurfacing can lead to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The most common infection is a flare-up of the herpes virus — the virus that causes cold sores. Changes in skin color. Laser resurfacing can cause treated skin to become darker or lighter than it was before treatment.
Use cold compresses: Applying cold compresses during the first 24 to 48 hours after your treatment can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Stay cool: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise for the first few days after treatment. Heat can increase inflammation and slow healing.
Disadvantages of CO2 Resurfacing
Like dermabrasion, this type of laser resurfacing requires a good deal of recovery time. The patient's skin will be weepy for two weeks and will require thorough cleaning four to five times daily, along with application of ointment to keep the skin from scabbing.
Grid marks on the face are a result of the laser fractionation and also resolve over 5-7 days. Continue to cleanse the treated area with Cetaphil Gentle Face Wash for 7 days. DO NOT SCRATCH, PICK OR RUB THE SKIN VIGOUROUSLY. On day 4, you may stop using the Aquaphor and allow your skin to breath.
Wash your face 3-6 times a day after the first 24 hours. Following cleansing, you may want to use a white vinegar solution to ease any discomfort, such as itching. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon white vinegar with 1 cup cold water.
Fortunately, true complications of laser resurfacing are very rare (Table 2). The most severe problem, and one that often results in scarring, is infection. 13,14 Patients may be infected by a variety of agents. Herpes simplex infection may occur after laser treatment (Figure 9).
Before you depart, we will apply a thin layer of Aquaphor, CeraVe healing ointment, or Alastin Skin Nectar to your treatment area. Afterward, you can also periodically spritz with Avene Thermal Spring Water, available for purchase at our office, to alleviate discomfort and to keep the skin hydrated.
Local findings of swelling, warmth, and redness should begin to improve within one to three days after starting antibiotics, although these symptoms can persist for two weeks. If the reddened area becomes larger, more swollen, or more tender, call your health care provider.
In conclusion, while laser hair removal does not directly cause UTIs, there are some risk factors that may increase your susceptibility to developing an infection after the procedure. By taking steps to reduce your risk and practicing good hygiene, you can help prevent UTIs and other infections.
Post-Treatment Care
Erythema may last for several hours. You may take over-the-counter pain or anti-inflammatory medication. Hydrocortisone (steroid) cream may decrease any itching or skin irritation. Antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin) may be used if skin is broken (very rare) to prevent infection.
Individuals up to their 50s benefit greatly from laser fractional resurfacing treatments. Skin concerns like sun damage and deeper wrinkles are common in this age group.
The perfect product to slowly introduce into your routine three to five days after your laser treatment is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. This serum has been tested and deemed suitable for use post-laser.
Ways to Speed Healing:
Soak the treated skin with a plain white vinegar solution at least 4 to 8 times each day. You can't soak too much. Soaking reduces redness and speeds healing! Do not pick, rub, scrub, or irritate your skin while it is healing.
CO2 laser resurfacing typically requires three days to a week of downtime. Many patients have noticeable redness for up to two weeks which gradually subsides to reveal a more even complexion. Some pinkness can remain for several weeks to months as collagen remodels.
Apply Vaseline/Aquaphor to all treated areas. Continue with the cold packs. Day 5 to 7 – Continue washing the treated areas with Cetaphil cleanser. Begin using Cetaphil moisturizer instead of Vaseline/Aquaphor if skin is smooth, without crusts and not oozing.
A typical result is an 8-10 year reduction in age appearance when laser treatment on the face is done on a highly effective setting so that a 55 year old may look 46 after treatment and healing is complete. Milder treatments can be done, but are not as effective.