Symptoms: The release of histamines can cause redness, immense swelling, and itching in the treated area. This is why patients often experience these symptoms immediately after a CO₂ fractional laser treatment.
The facial skin may be most at risk for laser-induced hives due to its abundance of histamine-releasing mast cells. Facial hives tend to present as groups of small, red, raised bumps primarily concentrated around the mouth, cheeks, or forehead.
Postoperative contact dermatitis may be either irritant or allergic in nature. Perforation of the skin barrier may promote this side effect.
Once the sloughing is complete, you may notice some pinkness over the next few weeks. Most redness resolves during the first week after treatment, but a rosy “glow” can remain for several weeks. If you wish, you can apply makeup to minimize the redness. Some patients have also experienced itching.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, Niacin supplements, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods for 48 hours after treatment.
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.
Risks / Benefits
Acne flares may occur after laser resurfacing. This may resolve on its own, or can be treated with conventional acne therapies. Hyperpigmentation, and more rarely, hypopigmentation, may result in the laser-treated areas.
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.
We recommend CeraVe Face Moisturizer. DO NOT apply makeup to the treated area until your skin has been reevaluated by the physician. DO NOT put any other creams or lotions on the skin except for the CeraVe Face Moisturizer.
It is important not to scratch the treated areas. Benadryl may be used to help with the itching. Take one 25 mg tab twice a day as needed for itching.
Carbon dioxide increases a plant's growth rate, that in turn increases the amount and potency of pollen. Rising temperatures caused by carbon dioxide extend the plant-growing season and the duration of allergy season. “One of the consequences of allergies, especially airborne allergies, is asthma.
The hallmark of a histamine reaction is the emergence of hives, also known as urticaria, which are raised, itchy welts on the skin. In the context of laser hair removal, if a histamine reaction occurs, hives typically appear shortly after the procedure and can last from a few hours to a couple of days.
Managing a histamine intolerance tends to involve making dietary changes, taking antihistamines or enzyme supplements, and avoiding or limiting the use of medications that trigger the release of histamine.
Immediately after treatment, swelling is common and expected. Use of cool compresses are safe. Benadryl at bedtime and/or a daily antihistamine are recommended. To avoid further swelling, you may choose to sleep in an upright position the first few nights after the treatment.
Allergic reactions on the face can cause raised welts, swollen lips, and watering eyes. Using antihistamines and avoiding common triggers, like pollen, animal fur, and perfumed cosmetics, may help manage symptoms. People can often treat and prevent their allergies once they know what is causing them.
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.
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.
This process removes the outer layer of skin (often called the epidermis) and heats the underlying skin (the dermis). As we mentioned above, this process also stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers. By stimulating the deep dermis layer, the skin grows new collagen fibers.
Laser treatments often provide more immediate and noticeable improvements than microneedling, especially for deeper wrinkles and more severe skin damage.
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.
Erbium laser:
In contrast, the Erbium: YAG laser has a wavelength of 2,940 nm. This is 10 to 20 times better absorbed by water and human skin than the CO2 laser and was developed for this reason [5].
The first week after laser skin resurfacing is challenging in terms of care. You will be swollen, covered with Vaseline and not presentable to leave the house. This all begins to change at about day 5-6. After this the recovery is much easier.
Searching for over-the-counter products meant for dry, sensitive skin will be a good place to start finding the right moisturizer for you. Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
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.