CO2 AFTER CARE
General Fractionated CO2 Laser Post-Treatment Instructions:
Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin®, or Advil® for 1 week after treatment unless medically necessary and approved by your provider.
Use Tylenol® only, as needed, for soreness or discomfort.
Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and prolonged outdoor activity for at least 2 weeks after treatment. Treated skin is highly sensitive to UV damage and pigment changes during healing.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily once the skin has fully re-epithelialized (typically after 5-7 days or as directed by your provider). When outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
Avoid heat exposure including hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and excessively hot showers until redness and inflammation have resolved.
Do not use exfoliants, retinoids, acids, scrubs, or active skincare products until your provider instructs you to resume them.
Avoid picking, peeling, scratching, or rubbing the treated skin during the healing process, as this can increase the risk of scarring and pigmentation changes.
Keep the treated area well moisturized at all times using the post-procedure ointment or moisturizer recommended by your provider.
Drink plenty of water to support healing and skin recovery.
For the next 5 days (minimum), use ONLY the skincare provided to you.
Follow these aftercare instructions:
Day 1 (day of your procedure):
A cooling, hydrating mask will be applied immediately after treatment.
The extra Lipid Serum from this mask will be sent home with you. You may apply that serum as needed throughout the day for hydration and comfort.
Use Avene Eau Thermale (Thermal Water) as needed for comfort (other brands are also acceptable).
In some cases, you may be instructed to apply CeraVe Healing Ointment, Aquaphor, or Vaseline for 24-48+ hours.
A sunburn-like effect is normal. Skin may feel tight, dry, or sensitive.
Visible "gridding" is possible.
Take an over-the-counter antihistamine like Zyrtec or Benadryl.
Sleep on your back with your head elevated to reduce swelling or discomfort.
Change your pillowcase and bathroom towels nightly until you are fully healed.
Day 2:
You may experience swelling, especially around the eyes.
Skin may look bronzed or red, and MENDs may begin to appear or become more prominent.
MENDs stands for Microscopic Epidermal Necrotic Debris. They are tiny, temporary dark spots or crusts that form on the skin 1 to 3 days after fractional laser treatments. MENDs are not a complication. They are a sign your skin is naturally purging damaged cells to promote collagen and reveal a brighter complexion.
Skin may feel tight, dry, or sensitive.
Visible "gridding" is possible.
AM & PM (starting at least 24 hours after your treatment):
Cleanse gently with Oil Cleanser and cool water using only your hands, and pat dry.
If you experience purging or crusting, apply Hypochlorous Acid Spray or vinegar soaks before lipid serum.
Apply 1-2 drops of Lipid Serum for hydration and comfort, as needed, throughout the day.
If instructed to apply Aquaphor or CeraVe Healing Ointment, please apply that after your lipid serum.
Once daily (for the next 5 days), apply a Lipid Mask to the face x 20 minutes.
Avoid strenuous exercise, sweating, jacuzzis, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, and excessive heat for at least 72 hours or longer if irritation persists. In general, you should not sweat until you have fully peeled (typically around the 7-day mark).
Sleep on your back with your head elevated to reduce swelling or discomfort.
Day 3-5:
Mild peeling may begin around days 3–5. Dryness and flaking are due to increased skin cell turnover.
Skin may feel tight, dry, or sensitive.
Visible "gridding" is possible.
Do not pick, scratch, or scrub the skin. Allow old skin to slough off naturally. Be gentle and patient with this part of the process.
Skin may look bronzed or red and MENDs may begin to appear or become more prominent.
MENDs stands for Microscopic Epidermal Necrotic Debris. They are tiny, temporary dark spots or crusts that form on the skin 1 to 3 days after fractional laser treatments.
MENDs are not a complication. They are a sign your skin is naturally purging damaged cells to promote collagen and reveal a brighter complexion.
Skin may feel tight, dry, or sensitive.
AM & PM:
Cleanse gently with Oil Cleanser and cool water using only your hands, and pat dry.
If you experience purging or crusting, apply Hypochlorous Acid Spray or vinegar soaks before lipid serum.
Apply 1-2 drops of Lipid Serum for hydration and comfort, as needed, throughout the day.
Apply a small amount of Hyvia Cream or Cicalfate for skin protection and comfort.
Once daily (for the first 5 days), apply a Lipid Mask to the face x 20 minutes.
If you experience purging, use hypochlorous acid spray (take care not to get it in your eyes) or vinegar soaks twice daily for a couple days (1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar to 2 cups cool water on a clean cloth patted gently on the treatment area)
Day 6-9:
AM & PM:
Cleanse gently with Oil Cleanser and cool water using only your hands, and pat dry.
Apply 1-2 drops of Lipid Serum for hydration and comfort, as needed, throughout the day.
Apply a small amount of Hyvia Cream or Cicalfate for skin protection and comfort.
You may wear sunscreen and makeup starting on day 6. Please prioritize your sun protection with sunscreen, hats, and shade.
Day 10:
If your MENDs are gone and your skin is no longer feeling sensitive, you may resume your regular skincare products.
Wait to resume retinol, tretinoin, or any other actives and acids (except for hyaluronic acid) until 30 days after your procedure or advised otherwise by your provider.
Avoid any manual exfoliation methods, products, or procedures (i.e., dermaplane, gritty scrubs, chemical peels, etc.) for at least 30 days after your procedure.
Many patients continue to see skin improvement for months following treatment.
For best results, and depending on the treatment area and concern, a series of 1-5 treatments spaced 2-3 months apart may be recommended based on your personalized care plan.
If you pre-treated with hydroquinone due to melasma, you should resume nightly application of this medication for 2 weeks beginning on day 10.
Avoid direct, prolonged sun exposure for at least 2 weeks following your treatment.
Please Contact Our Office Immediately If You Experience:
Increasing pain, excessive swelling, pus-like drainage, fever, blistering, worsening redness, itching, signs of infection, or any unexpected reaction.
Office contact #970-460-2255.
OTHER HELPFUL TIPS + TRICKS:
Use a fresh pillowcase nightly
Change your bathroom towels daily
Wear BIG hats (the bigger the better) and SPF (after day 5)!!
Wash your hands often and try NOT to touch your face
Do NOT pick or pull at any peeling skin, as this can cause hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, delayed healing, or scarring
