Carbon Dioxide Laser

Before & 5 months after CO2 laser treatment (no makeup)

Purpose of CO2 laser treatment

Over time the natural aging process, exposure to sun, and pollution destroys our body’s natural collagen — the main protein in our skin that keeps skin smooth, taught and wrinkle-free. Our skin also begins to lose its even tone and color, which contribute to a more “weathered” appearance.

Laser resurfacing uses small beams of light energy in the skin, which encourages the body to form new collagen and to produce new skin with an even texture and tone. This specific laser is considered an ablative procedure and can penetrate deep into the dermis causing micro-damage to the skin cells. As a result, collagen growth is stimulated, and new skin cells replace the previously damaged areas of skin.

What cosmetic concerns can be treated with the CO2 laser?

  • Deep wrinkles
  • Sun damage
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Acne scars

How many treatments are needed to see an improvement?

Since this is our most intense laser treatment, most patients need only 1 or 2 treatments.

How long can results last?

The improvement will last several years, although new wrinkles may appear with continued aging or smoking.

How much does each treatment cost?

A full face treatment costs $2000.  Repeat treatments and smaller areas may be discounted.

Who is not a candidate?

  • Children under 16 years old
  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Patients with tanned, brown, or black skin
  • Patients taking blood thinners or doxycycline
  • Patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy for cancer
  • Patients with active herpes or other skin infection(s)
  • Patients sensitive to strobe lights
  • Patients who scar easily

Risks of CO2 Laser Treatment

Bruising, scabbing, redness, pain, scarring, & infection as a result of the laser’s ablative nature.

Changes in skin color may occur in patients with darker skin tones.

Before your Treatment

Acquire the following items to promote a smooth recovery process:

  • Baby shampoo
  • Gentle skin products (hypoallergenic)
  • Cool compresses
  • Clean, soft wash cloths or gauze pads
  • Distilled water & distilled white vinegar
  • Small bucket
  • Fresh makeup & associated application tools
  • Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Benadryl, & Hydrocortisone cream
  • Wide brimmed hat
  • Mini portable cooling fan

Avoid exposure to the sun and tanning beds for 1 month prior to treatment.

Avoid using exfoliating or retinol-type products for 1 week prior to treatment.

Avoid using any agent that may induce bleeding or bruising beginning 1 week prior to treatment  (unless medically necessary).

Begin antiviral medication 1 week before treatment if you have ever had herpes simplex on the face.

Sanitize your pillowcases, soft washcloths, face masks, and makeup application tools

Cool Compress materials → Freezer & Skin moisturizer → Refrigerator

Prepare the necessary solution for post-procedure vinegar soaks & place bucket in the refrigerator –

  • Mix 1 tsp of plain white vinegar with 2 cups of cold distilled water
  • Be mindful to mix a new fresh batch of solution for each vinegar soak session to prevent infection

Bring a designated driver to your appointment.

Day of Treatment

Getting ready tips – Shower the morning of your procedure. Your skin will be very temperature sensitive the first night. Avoid hairspray & any jewelry above the shoulders (it may be flammable). Make sure your face is clean and completely free of any makeup. Shave hair from any area(s) that are to be treated. Wear a comfortable top that is easy to wash & that doesn’t need to be removed over the head.

Payment is expected upon arrival.

Procedure will take approximately 1 hour depending on the surface area.

During the procedure, your skin will feel a hot, snapping sensation.

Before leaving, your face will be lathered with Aquaphor/Vaseline.

After your Treatment

Things to Remember

Sun protection is key. Minimize all sun exposure during the healing process to prevent scarring

  • Wear a wide brimmed hat, loose scarf around neck, & sunglasses
  • Use gentle (hypoallergenic) SPF daily

Infection prevention is key. Everything that touches your face & neck must be clean as possible. The following items touch our faces & should frequently be sanitized –

  • Pillowcases
  • Hands
  • Makeup application tools
  • Face masks
  • iPhone Screen
  • Cooling packs

Use cool compresses and a cooling fan to help reduce any burning sensation.

Vinegar soaks will help clean the skin, alleviate pain, promote healing, and inhibit bacterial growth. Follow this regimen as often as you wish to reduce redness & speed up the healing process –

  • Wash hands with antiseptic soap & gently dab off Aquaphor/Vaseline with a tissue
  • Use either a soft washcloth or gauze pad that is saturated with the pre-made water vinegar solution & lay it over the treatment area for 10 to 15 minutes
  • Remove the cloth or gauze pad from face without rubbing the skin
  • Gently pat the treatment area dry with a clean, soft towel
  • Reapply Aquaphor/Vaseline generously

Wash hair with non-irritating shampoo (Ex. baby shampoo).

Opt for cold or lukewarm water when cleaning & lower heat hair dryer setting.

A moist environment is essential in the healing process & the skin cannot be allowed to dry out until fully healed.

Avoid the following until skin has fully healed – hot water, pools (chemicals + chlorine) or strenuous exercise.

Facial Makeup should be avoided for the first week after procedure

Never pick or scratch at the skin during the healing process (scabs & itching are expected). Scabs will fall off naturally.

Never wipe hard with a towel or washcloth. Always gently pat your skin dry.

Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for discomfort.

Fever, chills, blistering, oozing, yellow/cloudy drainage are not expected & might need to be addressed.

Please keep all follow-up appointments and do not hesitate to call our office if you have any questions or concerns.

Recovery Timeline

First Night

  • Expect the following – moderate pain, pin-point bleeding, patch work of small pinpricks, redness, swelling, oozing, sunburn sensation, and possible exudate
  • Sleep with head slightly elevated (reduces swelling)
  • Ensure treatment area is generously always covered with Aquaphor/Vaseline
  • Do not wash the treatment area the first night
  • Begin Vinegar Soak Regimen (see above instructions)

Day 2

  • Expect the following – moderate pain, pin-point bleeding, hundreds of dark brown colored scabs, redness, swelling, sunburn sensation, leathery brown, itching, and possible exudate
  • Gently wash treatment area 2 -3 x a day with approved facial cleanser
  • Sun protection ( EX: SPF, Hat, Scarf )
  • Ensure treatment area is generously always covered with Aquaphor/Vaseline
  • Vinegar soaks as needed

Day 3 – 4

  • Expect the following – moderate pain, pin-point bleeding, hundreds of dark brown colored scabs, redness, swelling, sunburn sensation, leathery brown, itching, and possible exudate
  • Gently wash treatment area 2 -3 x a day with mild facial cleanser
  • Sun protection ( EX: SPF, Hat, Scarf )
  • Ensure treatment area is generously always covered with Aquaphor/Vaseline
  • Vinegar soaks as needed

Days 5 – 10

  • Expect the following – Bronzing skin, gritty texture, scabs will begin falling off & underlying skin will be bright red
  • Gently wash treatment area 2 -3 x a day with mild facial cleanser
  • Ensure treatment area is generously covered with Aquaphor/Vaseline at all times
  • Sun protection ( EX: SPF, Hat, Scarf )
  • Vinegar soaks as needed

Days 10 – 28

  • In most cases, the skin will be free of crusts, smooth, red & pink
  • Vinegar soaks and Aquaphor no longer indicated
  • Gently wash treatment area 2 -3 x a day with mild facial cleanser
  • Sun protection ( EX: SPF, Hat, Scarf )
  • Approved makeup, sunblock, and less heavy moisturizer now permissible

Pictured is a visual tool that can used to understand the healing stages following ablative laser treatment.

Copyright of www.epiphanydermatology.com – used with permission.