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.
How to Soak: Dip a clean, soft cloth into vinegar solution and place the wet cloth against your skin, gently pressing to ensure the vinegar solution wets the skin. Rinse and repeat for 10 to 15 minutes.
1 – 2 days after treatment:
There will still be oozing of clear or slightly yellowish fluid and crusting. This is normal.
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.
Things to Avoid After a Heavy CO2 Treatment
Avoid anything strenuous (bending, straining or lifting heavy objects) for 1 week. Plan to rest the first week after treatment. Avoid exercise for 2 weeks after your treatment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Acne and milia are common minor side effects. Spontaneous resolution can be expected. If bothersome to the patient, milia may be removed via extraction or pinpoint electrodessication. Acne treatment must be administered carefully as the recently reepitheliazed skin is temporarily more sensitive after resurfacing.
Because infection may develop many weeks after the procedure, patients should be educated to maintain proper wound care hygiene and to avoid “double dipping” of wound care products until wounds are completely healed.
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.
In some situations we use a vinegar solution soak prior to bandage changes. This soak will act as an antibiotic as the vinegar solution is a deterrent to certain bacterial growth.
Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
Apply the vinegar soaked gauze dripping wet for 10-15 minutes over the treated area. Avoid excessive rubbing. Reapply Aquaphor ointment (or silicone gel) after the gauze is removed. Vinegar soaks should be done at least 6x/day.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Individuals up to their 50s benefit greatly from laser fractional resurfacing treatments. Skin concerns like sun damage and deeper wrinkles are common in this age group.
The skin will be raw, oozing and may even blister. A yellow liquid may ooze from treated areas to form a crust. Do not scratch or pick at crusts because this can cause scarring. Usually, about five days to a week after laser skin resurfacing, your skin will become dry and peel.