Immediately after the treatment, you will experience redness, swelling and sometimes pinpoint bleeding. You will notice most of the swelling on the first morning after treatment, particularly under the eyes. Swelling usually lasts two to three days.
Bleeding. Mild oozing from the lasered skin is not unusual. Mild pressure will control the bleeding that does occur. The main reason bleeding occurs is from patients elevating their blood pressure by bending, lifting, straining, coughing, sneezing, straining on the toilet and other strenuous activities.
As the treatment creates an open wound, a dressing will be applied for 24 – 48 hours and you will be advised to use mupirocin ointment or similar to keep the area clean and moist for several days. It is not uncommon to see some oozing / bleeding for a few hours after treatment.
Immediately after CO2 or UltraClear laser, the treated skin feels warm, similar to a sunburn, and appears red and swollen. This is normal and should be an expected reaction. You may also experience a temporary stinging sensation and mild oozing or pinpoint bleeding depending on the depth of treatment.
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).
No exercise, gym, or other strenuous activity for at least 4 days. Avoid hot environments, saunas and swimming pools. You can shower but hot water/steam should be avoided. When showering, be sure to wash your hair behind you to avoid getting shampoo directly on the treated area.
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!
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.
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.
Certain facials and laser treatments can also cause skin to purge. Reputable aestheticians and facialists will always inform you of these side effects, but it is worth bringing up at your appointment.
Day 4-5. For days 4 and 5 post-treatment, you may begin to cleanse your face with a mild facial wash such as CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. Follow these washes with a thin layer of ointment. You may also now shampoo your hair.
Using gentle pressure, wipe the treated area using the gauze. Keep in mind that serous (clear) drainage and/or tiny areas of bleeding in the treated areas may be present on the day of surgery and one day after. Avoid aggressively rubbing the treated area.
Compared to lighter, non-ablative lasers (like Fraxel), CO2 laser treatments can cause slightly more discomfort because they penetrate deeper layers of the skin. However, this deeper treatment is also what makes CO2 lasers so effective for more significant skin concerns, like deep wrinkles or extensive scarring.
Moisturize
Moisturizing your skin post-laser will help keep it hydrated and prevent dryness and itching. Use a moisturizer specifically designed for use after laser resurfacing to help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
After the treatment, you will notice improvements in your skin texture, tone, and appearance. Fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots noticeably diminish, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin. On average, results from your CO2 laser resurfacing treatment can last between 3 and 5 years.
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.
CO2 laser treatment can effectively address under-eye puffiness caused by skin laxity or excess tissue. By resurfacing the skin and stimulating collagen production, the laser tightens and firms the under-eye area, reducing puffiness and improving overall contour.
After Epithelialization
The skin will re-epithelialize within 4-7 days. You will know this process is complete when there are no more “raw” areas of skin and the heavy peeling is complete. There will likely be some persistent redness. Discontinue the vinegar soaks and Aquaphor ointment.
The only substance that should be applied to your skin after full ablation for the first month after surgery is Aquaphor OR Vaseline. These two products are safe and the risk of irritation, inflammation and delayed healing is minimal with these products.
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.
The cost of full-face CO2 laser resurfacing varies greatly across the United States. Fees can range from $3,000–$7,000, including the surgeon's fee, facility fee, and anesthesia.
The application of topical L-ascorbic acid in an aqueous formulation resulted in a significant decrease in post-CO 2 laser resurfacing erythema by the eighth postoperative week when compared with laser-irradiated skin that had not received topical vitamin C.