SmartSkin® CO2 Laser Instructions
Pre – Co2 Instructions
It is important to follow all instructions.
- You will need to get the following supplies for post treatment care:
- Moisturizing occlusive ointment – Aquaphor
- Gentle, hypoallergenic skin cleanser such as Cetaphil
- Cold compresses –4×4 pads available at local pharmacy. Keeping a bowl of water with the 4x4s in the fridge works well for post procedure cooling
- A broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunblock SPF 50 or greater for post treatment
- Tell your provider if you have any history of cold sores. Valtrex can be prescribed if needed
- Vinegar mixture in a spray bottle (See post care section)
For one month prior to treatment, avoid sun exposure, as well as tanning beds and tanning creams. Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunblock SPF 50 or greater when treatment area is exposed to the sun. If you are tanned, you may not be treated.
- On the day of treatment, it is important that you clean the area to be treated
- Male patients that are having their faces and neck treated, you should be clean shaven before the procedure
- On treatment day, you should wear comfortable clothes and shoes. If your face or neck is being treated, wear a button-down shirt
- You should not wear any a watch or any jewelry on treatment day. If you wear contacts, do not wear them on treatment day; bring your eyeglasses instead
- Begin Hydroquinone as directed as least 2 weeks prior to treatment date, discontinue use 2 days prior
- Discontinue Retin-A 2 weeks prior to treatment
- Prepare for 3-10 days of “downtime” according to treatment level
If you have any questions or concerns, call The Skin Center at 1-800-429-1151.
Post-co2 Treatment Instructions
It is important to closely follow instructions after treatment.
First 24 hours post-treatment:
- Use cold compresses every two hours for 20 minutes to help control for swelling and discomfort
- Cover treated areas with Aquaphor every two hours
- Keep your head elevated by using two or more pillows when lying down
- You may experience mild/moderate pinpoint bleeding, swelling, edema/erythema
- You may feel nauseated or like you have a fever. Your body is responding to the treatment and trying to heal
After the first 24 hours:
- Continue cold compresses every two hours for 20 minutes as needed for swelling and discomfort.
- Continue taking all medications as prescribed
- If necessary, take over the counter acetaminophen as instructed on the bottle for pain relief. If you feel pain 2 days after procedure, call your provider immediately at 1-800-429-1151.
- Your skin may feel sensitive and may appear red, pink or swollen. The treated area may itch. This is normal and may last several days
- Continue to keep treated areas covered with Aquaphor every 3-4 hours. This will decrease the healing time and minimize discomfort such as itching. After 48 hours, you can switch to post-laser treatment lotion, which is not greasy
- Begin gently cleaning the skin twice daily with a mild, hypoallergenic cleanser such as Cetaphil. Do not scrub. Reapply Aquaphor or post laser treatment lotion after each wash
- If you experience pin-point bleeding, which is perfectly normal: Soak treated regions with cold, dilute acetic acid soaks (1 tsp white vinegar per pint of tap water placed in refrigerator) for at least 15 minutes 3–4 times a day. After soaks, gently wipe treated areas using a gauze pad or clean wash cloth to removing dead skin. Do not scrub
- For a one month following treatment, avoid sun exposure, as well as tanning beds and tanning creams. Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunblock SPF 50 or greater. If possible, cover treated area with clothing or use a brimmed hat to reduce sun exposure
- Following treatment, normal activities may resume per level of comfort. However, no swimming or hot tubs/whirlpools or steam rooms while redness is present, usually for at least 24-48 hours
- Once you feel comfortable and healed, a normal skincare regime, including makeup or shaving, can be resumed. Be careful water is not too hot when shaving
- Resume Hydroquinone and Retin-A at one month, once healed, as directed by provider
- Call your provider immediately at 1-800-429-1151.
If you have any questions or concerns, call The Skin Center at 1-800-429-1151