It's important that you avoid tanning or heavy sun exposure. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (mineral titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) every day for 4 weeks before your treatment.
Discontinue skin irritants 1 week prior (retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, glycolics) and avoid sun exposure/tanning.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Pre-Treatment: Minimize sun exposure for at least 4 to 6 weeks before your treatment. Sunburned or tanned skin can increase the risk of complications. Use Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days.
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.
Do not use any topical products that cause photosensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) in the treatment areas for three days before treatment. Use a gentle cleanser and lotion on treated areas.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Skin care before CO2 laser treatment
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (mineral titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) every day for 4 weeks before your treatment. SPF30 or above. Do not use medications that cause sun sensitivity (such as doxycycline or minocycline) for at least 3 days before treatment.
You may not be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing if you have: Active acne. Very dark skin. Deep wrinkles.
Don't exfoliate your skin about one week before your treatment. Do temporarily stop all retinoid creams, glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid treatment as part of your daily skin care routine. Don't add any new products right before your treatment to avoid problems with irritation.
Moisturise, But Skip Oily Products
Keeping your skin moisturised is also essential. Use a lightweight, non-greasy moisturiser leading up to the treatment to maintain a healthy skin barrier. However, avoid heavy or oily creams on the day of your treatment, as these can interfere with the laser.
Hyaluronic acids: you can recommence 3- 10 days post procedure.
Immediately After Treatment
Before you depart, we will apply a thin layer of Aquaphor, CeraVe healing ointment, or Alastin Skin Nectar to your treatment area.
DAY OF AND DAY AFTER LASER SKIN RESURFACING PROCEDURE
Sleep on your back with your head elevated about 30-40 degrees (2-3 pillows).
Pain or discomfort from this type of laser surgery is best described as moderate at the most. Following the completion of the procedure, the patients face will feel very hot. It is best described as a sunburn sensation. This burning sensation will last for up to 24 hours before settling.
As the laser is attracted to water, the more water you drink prior to the treatment, the more effective the treatment it will be. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they dehydrate the skin. Prepare your skin by applying Retin-A and Hydroquinone creams every other night for 2 weeks prior.
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.