Pre / Post Care

CO2 PRE & POST CARE INSTRUCTIONS

VERY IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT

Prior to your appointment:

It’s important that you avoid tanning or heavy sun exposure. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day for 4 weeks before your treatment.
Do not use medications that cause sun sensitivity (such as doxycycline or minocycline) for at least 3 days before treatment.
Discontinue any exfoliating topicals 72 hours prior to your treatment. This includes retinol.
If you have a history of herpes (such as oral cold sores or genital) or shingles in your treatment area, start your anti viral medication 72 hours prior to your appointment. We are able to call this medication in for you upon request. This is usually continued 3 days after treatment.
It’s also important to eat and drink before your procedure to prevent dehydration.
If you are prone to pigmentation your practitioner may recommend you be on a tyrosinase inhibitor to prevent pigmentation from reappearing post treatment.
We recommend avoiding alcohol 24 hour prior and during the duration of your healing process.

We offer a pre treatment kit for purchase. If you don't have a consistent skincare routine this Is a great way to allow for optimal results by prepping your skin for. a month prior to your appointment. Our pre treatment kit includes the following products and will last you 4-6 weeks...

Pre-treatment kit contents:

Lira PRO Lite Serum
Truth Treatment Systems 1% Retinol Mini
Elta MD SPF
Lira PRO Exfoliating Cleanser

Pre-Treatment Instructions - for optimal results we recommend using the following products or those of a similar caliber to prep for your CO2...

Retinol: Apply a small amount in the evening before moisturizer, 3 times per week. Do not apply in combination with salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acid products.
A tyrosinase inhibitor like, PRO Lite Serum: Apply a small amount of product in the evening alongside moisturizer nightly.

Discontinue use of all exfoliators 72-hours before your CO2 Laser treatment

Use SPF daily and reapply every 2 hours when exposed to the sun
Do NOT receive any professional exfoliations (Dermaplane, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peel) 4 weeks before your CO2 Laser treatment.
Do NOT receive any injectable treatment, including Botox/Neurotoxin and Filler 1 week before your CO2 Laser treatment.
Do NOT expose yourself to the sun or use fake tanning products including spray tan 2 weeks before your CO2 Laser treatment.
Discontinue use of at-home exfoliating products (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and scrubs) 72 hours before your CO2 Laser treatment
Do NOT take any of the following OTC medications or supplements 7 days prior to treatment to reduce the risk of heightened bleeding & bruising:
- Vitamin E, A, and Niacin
- Fish Oil, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil
- Supplement-concentrations of Garlic
- NSAIDs (Ibuprofen/ Motrin)
- Aspirin
- Gingko Biloba
- Green Tea
If you are on a prescription blood-thinner, please notify your technician and acknowledge that short-term bruising is inevitable
If prone to cold sores: begin antiviral (Valtrex or Acyclovir) the day before and day of your CO2 Laser treatment.
We cannot treat anyone with an active cold sore breakout or open/wounded skin. Failure to notify us of any active sore without 48-hours’ notice will result in loss of deposit.
If you are taking an anti-anxiety medication (Lorazapam, Xanax, etc) the day of your treatment, you will need a driver to take you home.

Following your appointment:

What to Expect After Treatment The AcuPulse Laser Treatment produces expected side effects.

The intensity and duration of your side effects depends on the treatment aggressiveness and your individual healing characteristics. Generally, patients who are treated more aggressively experience more intense and longer lasting side effects; however, some patients who receive a less aggressive treatment may experience side effects of greater-magnitude, while others receiving more aggressive treatments may experience side effects of less-expected magnitude.
A few things we recommend during the duration of your healing process are...

- DON'T eat inflammatory food including seed oils (like canola oil and sunflower oil), processed sugars and grains, alcohol, junk food, soda, caffeine, iodized salt.

- DO drink 1/2-1 gallon of water a day, nutrient dense diet including fruits, vegetables, bone broth and organic meats.

If the severity of your side effects becomes a problem that can not be fixed with 600 mg of Tylenol, it is important to call us.

What to expect after the procedure:

Redness is common and should subside significantly during the first 7 days after treatment.
Day 1 - Keep skin clean for the remainder of the first day following your treatment. You can wash you face before you go to sleep with a gentle cleanser. use products given to you .

Post-treatment kit contents

Repairing Mist
Recovery Balm
Portable Fan
Omega 6 Healing Cream
Hydrocortisone

General guidelines to remember

Do NOT pick or scratch at your skin
Do NOT exercise until face is fully healed
Avoid unnecessary sun exposure entirely
Staying hydrated and eating a nutrient-rich diet will support the healing process

- DON'T eat inflammatory food including seed oils (like canola oil and sunflower oil), processed sugars and grains, alcohol, junk food, soda, caffeine, iodized salt.

- DO drink 1/2-1 gallon of water a day, nutrient dense diet including fruits, vegetables, bone broth and organic meats.

First 2-4 Hours Post-Treatment

It is normal to experience moderate-intense heat in the skin immediately following the treatment. Use the portable fan included in your kit as much as needed. Do not touch the skin.
You may take Tylenol to ease discomfort if needed.
Keep treated areas covered in a thin layer of Balm - do not let your skin dry out, if needed reapply with clean dry hands

First Night

Gently blot off balm with a clean, damp cloth. Mist with B.C.A. Repairing Mist if needed. Reapply a generous amount of Recovery Balm to skin.
Sleep on your back with your head elevated until swelling subsides. It is recommended to cover your pillow with a clean towel to keep Laser Balm from the fabric.

1st Day Post-Treatment

Stay indoors and avoid direct sunlight
You may gently wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Do not use a citrus or exfoliating cleanser. We have plenty of recommendations if you're unsure of what to be using.
After washing blot dry and do not scrub at all or apply too much pressure. Reapply healing balm.
Mist with B.C.A. Repairing Mist throughout the day as needed.
Repeat these steps in the evening

2nd Day Post-Treatment

Continue cleansing routine 1-2 times per day (Gently blot off balm with damp cloth & B.C.A. Mist, cleanse, and reapply balm)
Itching typically begins this day, you may apply OTC Hydrocortisone cream to itching areas only If needed.

3rd Day Post-Treatment

Continue cleansing routine 1-2 times per day - Gently blot off balm with damp cloth & B.C.A. Mist, cleanse, and this time apply Omega 6. You may stop using Recovery Balm at this point.
- Skin will begin shedding around this time, leaving behind soft, pink tissue. Do not pick, pull, or exfoliate.
- You may also begin using SPF once shedding is complete.
Itching may persist and you may apply OTC Hydrocortisone cream to itching areas as needed. You may also apply extra Recovery Balm, cool compresses, or take an oral antihistamine if needed.
DO NOT PICK, PULL, OR SCRATCH AT THIS SKIN

Days 4-7 Post-Treatment

Itching usually subsides within this time period, but you may continue with antihistamine and/or Hydrocortisone as needed (especially at bedtime).
You may incorporate some light massaging when cleansing, by using the pads of your fingers only. Gently massage the cleanser into your skin with light pressure- do NOT over scrub.
Day 5-7: You may begin incorporating more products into your routine, such as additional serums and cleansers.
Day 7 Onward
- Continue with the recovery products and daily SPF
- If you use lightening agents and tyrosinase inhibitors, you may start doing so again 2 weeks post treatment.
- Avoid direct sunlight for 2 full weeks and avoid long periods of sun exposure for 2-3 months.
- Makeup can be applied following day 7.
- Hot tubs should be avoided for 2-3 weeks.
- Saunas and steam rooms should be avoided for 3-5 weeks.
- DO NOT USE ANY HARSH SKIN CARE PRODUCTS OR GLYCOLIC, RETINOL, OR EXFOLIATING PRODUCTS ON YOUR NEW SKIN FOR AT LEAST ONE MONTH. PROBLEMS CAN OCCUR IF PRODUCTS ARE INTRODUCED TOO SOON. Make sure you talk to your provider prior to your appointment to have a skincare plan following your procedure.

KEEP IN MIND

While prolonged redness may last up to 3 months, a small degree of redness may last longer.
Swelling can last for up to 2 weeks
Exudates/bleeding/crusting. Because the laser beam penetrates into the deep dermal layer, clear fluid (exudates) or blood may ooze onto the skin. Crusting or scabbing may form if the exudates or blood dries. Keeping the treated area moist helps prevent crusting and subsequent scarring. We will provide product to help heal post treatment. Following the 7 day care instructions above is very important for optimal healing.
Pain may linger after the procedure is complete. Discomfort from swelling (tightness) is more likely to occur than acute pain.

You can never be too safe when it comes to your skin, so NEVER hesitate to send a picture, call or text us if you have any questions EVEN AFTER BUSINESS HOURS. That’s what we’re here for.

In the case of an emergency if it pertinent you contact our clinic. We always have a Dr. on call. In the rare case of an emergency, it is very important we see you in our clinic or Marissa (owner) to resolve this issue.

Timeless Laser 303.800.1821