DERMATOLOGY DEPARTMENT
CO₂ Fractional Laser - Patient Information

Post-treatment discomfort is typically minimal, but if the area is uncomfortable, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (regular or extra-strength Tylenol) and Benadryl (for swelling and itching) may be used. Usually, it feels like a sunburn at first, and then becomes tight and dry. You should avoid ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin for 24 hours after the procedure.

• Always wash your hands before touching your face.
• No exercise, gym, or other strenuous activity for at least 4 days.
• Avoid hot environments, saunas, and swimming pools. You can shower but hot water/steam should be avoided.
• Avoid “picking at” and aggressively scrubbing the skin – allow it to gently exfoliate with the washing process.
• Avoid direct sun exposure. Do NOT apply sunblock during the first 4 days of healing.
• Wear a protective hat for the first 2 weeks while outdoors.
• Avoid dirty, dusty environments, perfumes, and hairsprays on treated areas.
• After the first week, you can resume most activities other than SUN EXPOSURE. DO NOT undergo waxing, micro-dermabrasion, exfoliations, or light peels over the area for 3 months from the day of treatment.
• Avoid sun exposure or tanning for at least 4 weeks after treatment. Once your skin has healed and you have followed up with the doctor and been given the go-ahead, you may begin to wear makeup. If you can wear makeup, mineral makeup is the best choice. In addition, sunblock should be worn daily to help prevent any discoloration issues that could occur from both in-direct and direct sunlight.

Pinkness is the most common complaint of post-laser patients. Pinkness is a normal healing process and is a sign of newly formed skin. Pinkness is extremely variable and can last several weeks in some patients and several months in other patients. A general rule is that the longer the pinkness, the better the result as more collagen is being formed. When pinkness is extreme or longer lasting than expected it can be a sign of over-aggressive scrubbing or rubbing or a sign of some irritating substance being applied. This is new sensitive skin so you need to be very careful about what you apply to your face.