co2 laser pre and post care instructions

IIMMEDIATELY BEFORE TREATMENT

Clean Skin: Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin. No lotions, oils, or SPF on the treatment area.

Hydration: Maintain adequate hydration (at least 64 oz of water daily) for 48 hours prior to support healing.

Medications: Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen), fish oil, vitamin E, and other blood thinners for at least 72 hours prior (or longer if medically appropriate) to reduce bruising and inflammation risk.

Medical Prep: Inform your provider of all medications, supplements, recent procedures, and any history of poor wound healing, scarring, hyperpigmentation, or HSV (cold sores).

HSV Precaution: If you have a history of cold sores, antiviral prophylaxis may be required prior to treatment.

THINGS TO AVOID | ACTIVITY & PREPARATION

Avoid Sun Exposure: Strictly avoid sun exposure for at least 4 weeks prior. Treatment cannot be performed on recently tanned or sunburned skin.

Avoid Self-Tanner: Discontinue use of sunless tanning products at least 2 weeks prior.

Avoid Treatments: No facials, waxing, peels, microneedling, IPL, or laser treatments for at least 4 weeks prior unless approved.

Avoid Injectables: No dermal filler or neurotoxin injections within 2 weeks prior to treatment.

Avoid Heat & Exercise: Avoid excessive heat, saunas, and strenuous activity immediately before your appointment to prevent flushing.

Active Skincare: Discontinue retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, and other active ingredients at least 3–7 daysprior (per provider guidance).

Skin Irritation: Do not treat over irritated, inflamed, or broken skin. Reschedule if needed.

Photosensitizing Medications: Notify your provider if you are taking antibiotics or medications that increase light sensitivity.

Optional Support

Pre-Treatment Regimen: Continue any prescribed pre-treatment skincare regimen (e.g., pigment inhibitors) as directed by your provider.

Antiviral Prophylaxis: Begin antiviral medication prior to treatment if indicated for HSV history.

Comfort Prep: Wear comfortable clothing and avoid anything that may rub or irritate the treatment area.

Healing & Planning

Downtime Awareness: Plan for approximately 5–10 days of social downtime depending on treatment intensity.

Post-Care Prep: Have gentle cleanser, occlusive ointment (e.g., Aquaphor), and SPF available at home prior to treatment.

Scheduling: Avoid scheduling important events, travel, workouts, or sun exposure immediately after treatment.

MODIFICATIONS FOR CO2 LITEPEEL

Shorter Prep Window: Active skincare may only need to be discontinued 3–5 days prior (confirm with provider).

Less Downtime Planning: Expect a shorter recovery period, though some redness and peeling will still occur.

Flexible Scheduling: May require less downtime, but still avoid major events immediately after.

If you have any recent sun exposure, active skin issues, or medical concerns prior to your appointment, contact us at (737) 240-2212 to determine if rescheduling is needed.

IIMMEDIATELY AFTER TREATMENT

Redness & Heat: Expect significant redness, warmth, and a sunburn-like sensation immediately after treatment. This is normal and may last several days.

Swelling is Normal: Moderate swelling is expected, especially around the eyes, and typically peaks within 24–72 hours. Sleep with your head elevated for the first 48 hours to help minimize swelling.

Oozing/Crusting: Skin may ooze and form a light crust during the first 1–3 days. This is part of the normal healing process.

Cooling & Comfort: Use cool compresses as needed (not directly on skin).

Pain & Itching Management: Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be used for discomfort. Oral antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine or loratadine) may help with itching or swelling if needed.

Cleansing: Cleanse the treated area twice daily starting as directed (typically within 24-48 hours) using a gentle cleanser, diluted vinegar solution (1 tsp white vinegar in 8 oz water), or a provider-approved cleanser. Pat dry—do not rub.

Moisture Barrier: After the first 24-48 hours keep the skin continuously coated with a healing ointment (Aquaphor or provider-recommended product) to maintain a moist healing environment.

Hands Off: Do not apply non-approved skincare products and avoid touching, rubbing, or manipulating the skin.

THINGS TO AVOID | ACTIVITY & POSITIONING

Avoid Exercise: No strenuous activity or sweating for at least 3–5 days or until skin has begun healing.

Sleep Elevated: Sleep with your head elevated on 2–3 pillows for the first few nights to reduce swelling.

Hands Off: Do not pick, peel, or scratch the skin—this can cause scarring and pigmentation issues.

Heat Exposure: Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and heat until fully healed.

Active Skincare: Avoid retinoids, exfoliants, acids, hydroquinone, and other active ingredients for at least 2–3 weeks or until cleared by your provider.

Makeup: Do not apply makeup until the skin has fully re-epithelialized (typically 5–10 days depending on depth).

Sun Exposure: Strict sun avoidance is required. Do not expose treated skin to direct sunlight.

Optional Support

Gentle Cleansing: Use a gentle, non-irritating cleanser as directed.

Barrier Protection: Keep skin consistently coated with a healing ointment during the acute healing phase.

Medications: Take any prescribed medications (antivirals, antibiotics, steroids) exactly as directed.

Hydration: Maintain adequate hydration (at least 64 oz of water daily) to support healing.

HEALING & RESULTS

Days 1–4 (Acute Healing Phase): Skin is actively repairing. Expect redness, swelling, oozing, and crusting. Strict adherence to cleansing and occlusive healing is critical. Avoid sun exposure and activity that generates heat or sweat.

Days 5–10 (Re-Epithelialization Phase): Skin begins to regenerate and close. Pinkness (erythema) is normal during this stage. Peeling and shedding will occur—do not assist.

Sun Protection: Continue strict sun avoidance for a minimum of 4 weeks, with diligent protection for up to 6 months. Once fully healed (and cleared by your provider), begin daily use of a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide), along with protective measures such as hats and sunglasses.

Resuming Activities: Consult your provider before resuming makeup, exercise, or active skincare products.

Pigmentation Risk: Patients with Fitzpatrick IV–VI or those prone to pigmentation should monitor closely for any darkening and notify the office if noted.

Results: Improvements in tone, texture, and fine lines will continue over several weeks to months.

Downtime: Expect approximately 5–10 days of social downtime depending on treatment depth.

MODIFICATIONS FOR CO2 LITEPEEL

Reduced Downtime: Expect milder redness, swelling, and a shorter healing period (typically 3–5 days).

Less Oozing: Minimal to no oozing compared to deeper CO2 treatments.

Makeup Timeline: Makeup may typically be resumed sooner (around day 3–5 once skin is intact and approved).

Faster Recovery: Peeling and recovery occur more quickly, but strict sun protection is still required.

If you experience excessive swelling, severe pain, signs of infection (pus, increasing redness, fever), or any unusual discoloration, contact us immediately at (737) 240-2212 and/or seek care at an Emergency Room or Urgent Care.