Fraxel CO2 Laser

Pre-Treatment Instructions

• AVOID any clinical treatments 2 weeks prior (including but not limited to): microdermabrasion, Laser treatments, Dermapen, chemical peels, muscle relaxant injection and Dermal fillers.
• AVOID prolonged sun exposure 1 week prior. Tanned skin may cause an adverse reaction from the laser.
• Wear a mineral SPF 30-50 daily.
• Discontinue the use of any skincare products containing active ingredients 2 days prior, such as: Vitamin A compounds (retinol, retinoids), Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acids and any other exfoliating products.
• We may recommend taking 1 Valium / Paracetamol 30 minutes prior to treatment, if not contraindicated.
• You will be required to take anti-viral medication prior to treatment, prescribed by Dr Rebeca. If you have an active cold sore, please reschedule your appointment.
• Some medications or supplements may increase sensitivity, please consult with your physician.

Day of Procedure

• Please come with your skin free of makeup, lotions, self-tanning products, etc.
• Male patients must shave prior to the appointment but come with skin free of aftershave or lotions etc.
• We will apply numbing cream at the office 30 minutes before the treatment time.
• Please bring a hat with you to your appointment to protect your face from the sun.

Daily steps following treatment

• Following your Laser treatment, you may experience a mild sunburn sensation. This usually only lasts for 1-2 hours but can persist for up to 24 hours. In this case, an ice pack or cooling aloe gel can be used to soothe the skin.
• You can expect to peel 3-7 days after your treatment.
• Avoid picking, peeling, scrubbing or exfoliating as this can cause scarring.

You will require to use post care soaks.

Prepare: 1 tsp of white vinegar in 1 cup of water (place in a pitcher in the fridge)

• Have plenty of gauze available.
• Have Vaseline (petroleum jelly) or Aquaphor healing ointment prepared for post treatment.

Day of Treatment

• Do not touch the skin for 2 hours after the procedure is done.
• After 2 hours, keep your skin moistened with Compounding Cream (which will be provided by Dr. Rebeca at the clinic) throughout the day. Ensure to wash your hands before applying, to avoid infection.
• The moister you keep the skin, the better it will heal. Do not let it get dried out; it will take longer to heal or could cause pigmentary changes to the skin.
• Apply cool compresses to the area on top of a thin towel or fabric, 15-20 min every hour to soothe discomfort if needed.
• DO NOT wash your face for 2 hours
• Take medications as instructed.
• Sleep with head slightly elevated on first night.
• Place a paper towel over pillow to protect from ointment. (Ensure to have a clean pillow cover)

First 2 days after treatment:

• Clean the skin using a gentle cleanser.
• Using clean gauze, apply vinegar solution to reduce burning/tingling sensation. DO this up to 3 times a day.
• Gently apply a small amount of the aloe vera given to you in the office.
• Begin washing your face 2 times a day with room temperature water and a mild cleanser.
• May take a shower and wash hair. Avoid hot water.

DAY 2 & on

• Mineral sunscreen can be applied.
• Swelling should start to subside, and skin may bronze and feel gritty.
• Itching tends to begin on this day (especially along the jawline)
• Continue applying ointment/Vaseline (and cool compresses if needed)
• Continue washing face with mild cleanser and room temperature water
• AVOID picking/scratching the skin.

By day 6, the skin will be red, but most areas should have healed, and we will see you for a follow up on day 7

Post Care Instuctions

Following your C02 Laser clinical procedure, please avoid the following:

For 7 days:

• Intensive cardio/exercise. You may resume light exercise after 1 week.
• Excessively hot showers, baths, hot tubs, steam, sauna.
• Swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean.
• Tattooing (including cosmetic tattooing).

The use of any skincare products containing the following active ingredients:

• Alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs) (including but not limited to) glycolic, lactic or malic acid
• Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) including salicylic acid
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Retinoids (including but not limited to) tretinoin, retinol and retinaldehyde hydroquinone
• High levels of Kojic or azelaic acid
• Alcohol (including but not limited to) isopropyl alcohol/ rubbing alcohol.

For 14 days:

• Direct Sun exposure (sun and solariums)
• Further clinical treatments (including but not limited to): microdermabrasion, Laser treatments, IPL, chemical peels, muscle relaxant injection and Dermal fillers, self-tanning products.

Daily steps following treatment

**Instructions in place, according to the set-up protocol of Lutronic Laser**