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.
Finally, apply a thin coat of Vaseline to keep the area moist. You can repeat this procedure every 2 – 3 hours or less often, depending on how quickly crusts re-form. 1 – 2 days after treatment: The treated skin will still look red and swollen but gradually less than on the first day.
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.
If you're wondering how can I speed up healing after CO2 or UltraClear laser treatments, the key is to follow your provider's instructions. 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.
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.
✓ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After the first 24 hours, please wash the treated areas with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil to gently remove the Aquaphor or Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly. Always wash your hands thoroughly using antibacterial soap before touching the treated skin. Wash your face 3-6 times a day after the first 24 hours.
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.
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.
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.
Keep your skin moist with Cicalfate, Aquaphor or other moisturizing cream that your practitioner recommends. It should be reapplied as needed whenever your skin feels dry. The use of a moisturizer with petroleum may be suited for certain individuals but only use these if directed to do so by your provider.
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 few days following the procedure, you will experience some or most of the following: Swelling for 3-4 days • Surface skin darkening (darker mask) • Raw appearance (like a bad sunburn) • Serous fluid production • Skin may start to peel by day 4 or soon thereafter. DO NOT peel or rub off any skin at any time.