Indicated for:
The reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone & texture, collagen stimulation of the face, neck, chest, and hands. The number of treatments required depends on your current skin condition and your desired results. We recommend at least 3 treatments, scheduled 1 month apart, to see visible results. However, most patients do notice improvements with each treatment session.
What to expect after treatment:
Erbium & CO2 lasers are controlled wounds to the skin and DO produce inflammatory side effects (redness, swelling, itching, burning sensation). You can expect the skin to look red & sunburned post treatment. As the skin heals, you may notice some minor darkening, flaking, and sloughing of the skin. Swelling should subside after 1-2 weeks. The intensity and duration of the side effects depends on the aggressiveness of treatment as well as individual healing characteristics. Generally, patients who are treated more aggressively experience more intense and longer lasting side effects.
Prior to Your Treatment:
- Avoid direct prolonged sun exposure, self tanner, and tanning beds for at least 2 weeks before your treatment.Please notify your provider if you have been tanning recently and your skin has darkened
- Avoid using any retinol, bleaching creams, harsh exfoliant products at least 1 week before & at least 1 week after treatment.
- Inform your provider if you have taken Accutane (acne medication) or light sensitizing (photosensitizing) medications in the past year.
- Have cool packs available post treatment. Optional, but can help with any post-treatment discomfort such as sun-burned sensation.
- Pick up any medications that have been sent to your pharmacy. A short course of antibiotics and/or antiviral may be prescribed for preventative measures. If you have a history of fever/blisters cold sores, be sure to let your provider know.
Post Treatment Instructions:
Aquaphor & post laser ointments temporarily acts as a barrier for compromised skin. During this healing period, your skin is most susceptible to injury, infection, and further damage. Maintaining proper wound care during this time frame is essential to complete the healing of your skin. It is imperative that you refrain from sun exposure, harsh chemicals, pools/lakes, excess sweating/exercise during the healing period.
First 48 Hours Post Treatment
- Apply ice liberally to cool down skin & ease discomfort. Cool compresses, or soft gel ice packs can be used for 10-15 minutes every 1-2 hours and continued for the next 24-48 hours to reduce swelling. If you received a fat transfer at the same time of resurfacing, use cool compress only.
- Keep skin covered with a layer of Aquaphor until re-epithelialization is complete
- Cleanse 2x daily with a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil Gentle Facial Cleanser. Skin should always be patted dry & never rubbed.
- Some patients may experience pinpoint bleeding during this time.
3-4 Days Post Treatment
- Expect swelling, redness, tightness, and a sandpaper-like texture.
- Continue to cleanse 2x daily with your gentle cleanser.
- Be mindful of your everyday activities. Keep clothing away from treated body parts as much as possible to avoid irritation. Refrain from touching and rubbing your skin.
- Gentle makeup can be applied at this time once skin has healed over.
First Week Post Treatment
- DO NOT be alarmed if tiny grid patterns remain throughout the treated area. This should fade within 2-3 weeks.
- Treated skin may turn from red to a darker bronze color over the first week. That is the dead skin preparing to slough off once new skin underneath is ready to replace it. Do not pick or rub your skin. Doing so can cause premature skin injury and prolong healing.
- Skin should start sloughing off 4-7 days after the treatment. (Note: Peeling is NOT typically seen with ablative lasers). Instead, patients may see minor sloughing or flaking of the skin. This process usually lasts 7-10 days after a treatment on the face.
- Healing is typically slower (may take up to 2 weeks) on other areas such as hands and arms. Once sloughing is complete, you may notice some pink-redness for several weeks. Most pink-redness resolves during the first week after treatment, but a rosy “glow” can remain for several weeks.
- Keep the treated area clean, avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive exercise, perspiring, swimming or exposure to heat and sun.
Skin Care Products:
- Your skin will be sensitive for the first few weeks after treatment.
- All of your skin care products should be non-irritating for the first week after laser treatment. Best brands carrying gentle skin products are: Cetaphil or CeraVe
- DO NOT use products that will cause irritation during this time.
- DO NOT use abrasive scrubs, toners or products that contain glycolic acid or Retin-A.
- Your moisturizer should be non-irritating and non-comedogenic to avoid breakouts. Reapply whenever your skin feels dry. Hydrated skin during the healing process prevents skin from prematurely tearing or pulling, and will yield better results.
- It is VERY important that you use sunscreen to prevent sun damage to the skin. Sunscreen should offer broad spectrum protection (UVA/UVB), have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 or more, and be used daily. If direct sun exposure is necessary, wear a hat and clothing that covers the treated area. Diligent sun protection and sunscreen use may lower the risk of laser-induced hyperpigmentation.
- You may resume your routine skin care and make-up products after sloughing is complete and your skin is fully healed. Advance as tolerated, as your new skin may be more sensitive.
- Gentle mineral makeup, non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic makeup is recommended to avoid irritation to freshly regenerated skin.
- Some patients may also experience itching or temporary acne breakouts.
Summary:
- For the first week, wash face 2x daily with a gentle cleanser (Cetaphil) & aquaphor
- After day 3 switch to light, unscented moisturizer
- You must not pick or rub your skin.
- AVOID sun exposure altogether if possible. Wear a protective hat, if absolutely necessary. Gentle physical sunscreen SPF 50+ can be applied after Day 3-4 once new skin has healed over.
- Do NOT use any harsh chemicals or acid containing skin products (Retin-A, Glycolic, Salycilic, Lactic Acids, AHAs, Benzoyl-Peroxide) until 2 weeks post treatment or once cleared by your provider during your 2 week follow up appointment.
- Avoid sweating/exercise for the first 3 days post treatment.
- Be extra careful & use gentle products only during the first week of healing.
- If you notice any blisters, cuts, bruises, crusting, scabs, areas of raw skin, ulcerations, active bleeding, increased discomfort or pain, or any other problems, please contact our office immediately.
