On day 4, you may stop using the Aquaphor and allow your skin to breath. You may change to a bland, fragrance free moisturizer lotion or cream once the skin is no longer sensitive, oozing, or raw. We recommend CeraVe Face Moisturizer.
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.
Immediately After Treatment. Use a bland moisturizer (i.e. Cetaphil® cream) or a very thin layer of petrolatum ointment (i.e. Aquaphor®). Use petrolatum ointment to cover any area with oozing and keep moist. Use of icepacks helps alleviate the heat sensation.
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.
After CO2 laser treatment, it usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks for your skin to heal. Your skin will be very sensitive during this time. Follow the guidelines below to help your skin heal and prevent infection. Once your CO2 laser treatment is done, your nurse will give you an ice pack to cover the treated area.
Avoid direct sun exposure. Do NOT apply sunblock during the first 4 days of healing. Wear a protective hat for the first 2 weeks while outdoors. Avoid dirty, dusty environments, perfumes and hairsprays on treated areas.
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.
✓ Moisturize – Re-apply Aquaphor® for first 2 or 3 days, then after than stop using Aquaphor® and replace it with Medical Barrier Cream. Pain: Other than a mild burning sensation for the first few hours, most patients experience no other pain.
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.
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.
After cleansing your face in the morning, apply sunscreen. You may also switch to a lighter moisturizer such as Cetaphil or Cerave Cream. The first two weeks, apply sunscreen at least three to four times a day. Afterward, daily use for at least three months is required.
Although you may think that a moisturizing lotion helps make your skin smooth after laser hair removal, it could do the opposite and irritate the skin further. Your best bet is to leave the area of skin where you had laser hair removal free of any product, aside from aloe vera, for at least 24 hours.
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.
However, anyone who develops any of the following symptoms after applying Vaseline should stop using the product: skin redness or soreness. itching. swelling or inflammation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thicker creams or occlusive products may trap heat and block proper healing. Dr. Soni recommends gentle, water-based lotions that absorb quickly. Reputable brands like Cetaphil, CeraVe, and Vanicream offer options specifically for sensitive post-procedure skin.
In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for the pigmentation to fade. BBL and laser treatment are not one-off treatments. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results.
DAY OF AND DAY AFTER LASER SKIN RESURFACING PROCEDURE
Sleep on your back with your head elevated about 30-40 degrees (2-3 pillows).