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.
Well-hydrated skin heals faster. Protect your skin from the sun: Patients often ask how long they need to avoid the sun after a laser treatment. Sun exposure can slow healing and increase the risk of complications, so you should stay out of direct sunlight until your skin is fully healed.
CO2 laser resurfacing has been successfully used to treat wrinkles and scars as well as other benign skin growths such as warts, birthmarks, rhinophyma (enlarged oil glands on the nose), and other skin conditions. Recovery time with CO2 laser resurfacing is up to two weeks.
If you have burning, you may use less than a teaspoon of vinegar with 1 cup of water. Soak the gauze in the vinegar solution for 5-15 minutes then apply the gauge to the face. These soaks help with the pain, dissolve some of the residue and are anti-microbial which decreases infections.
Following your first night, you should continue the cold compress soaks with gauze 4 times daily, followed by Aquaphor, Alastin Skin Nectar, or one of the other ointments I recommended. It is imperative that you do not let your treated skin dry out.
Day 3-6 – Exfolitaion Phase (Aquaphor® no longer needed): at least 3 times a day - cleanse with Cetaphil, soak with diluted vinegar solution, then apply a thin layer of Medical Barrier Cream. Exfoliation/ shedding will be completed during this phase – don't pick!
You can ensure a smoother recovery and better results by avoiding picking at treated skin, keeping healing skin moist and hydrated, using sunscreen, and using gentle skin products. Staying hydrated and eating healthy also promotes healthy skin renewal.
Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
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.
Remember not to rub in the cleansing cream but only dab it on. You can perform your normal activities but avoid strenuous exercise to reduce sweating in the face. 3 – 4 days after treatment: The skin swelling will resolve but the redness will remain and some flaking of skin will occur.
Months 2-6. The magic of collagen rebuilding becomes more apparent in the months following the procedure. Patients often observe a tighter and smoother skin texture as the newly stimulated collagen continues to develop. The skin feels rejuvenated, and the results become increasingly noticeable.
During the first 24 – 48 hours, apply cold compress for 15 minutes every 2 hours if the skin is red and swollen. Do not ice the skin directly. Apply a thin film of petroleum gel (or moisturizer) on the skin until it recovers fully.
These are the only two things that should be used to maintain the healing skin over the next 4 weeks. There are also medications in the pack and you will be instructed on how to use these. After fully ablative laser the face should be washed twice a day. The first wash should be on the morning after surgery.
Sunscreen and post-laser hyperpigmentation
Photoprotection is crucial in the successful management of post-laser hyperpigmentation, PIH, and especially melasma. Both UVB and UVA rays can stimulate melanin production by melanocytes, which is why it is important to seek broad-spectrum sunscreens for adequate protection.
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.
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.
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.
Once you're home, the aftercare process kicks in right away. It's super important to keep the treated area clean and protected to prevent infection. Healing exosomes and silicone gel are often recommended to speed up recovery and reduce redness. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser two to five times a day.
It is expected that you will experience a burning sensation in the treated area and your face will develop some swelling. This is perfectly normal and should subside after around 24-48 hours. Days 2 – 4. Over the next few days, your face will start to feel tight.
For the first 2 to 3 days after your treatment:
Apply an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth to the treated area. Hold the ice pack on the treated area for 15 to 20 minutes. Put the ice pack on the treated area every few hours, or 1 to 5 times each day.
Yes, the CO2 laser is renowned for its ability to tighten jowls and rejuvenate the lower face. By enhancing collagen production and boosting elasticity, the treatment reduces skin laxity along the jawline, helping to lift and sculpt a more contoured appearance.
Sleeping on your back for the first two weeks helps to ensure this. Following your laser procedure, a Silon dressing will be applied over your face. This dressing, which looks like Saran wrap, will provide a moist environment for quicker healing and less discomfort.