What should I expect during the downtime post-CO2 fractional laser treatment and what aftercare practices are recommended?

Hi,

Post-fractional CO2 laser treatment, tiny dotted scabs will form. These will fall off about 5-8 days later. Thereafter, the treated skin will appear pinkish for several weeks.

Post-laser hyperpigmentation may start about 3-4 weeks later especially if you have a darker skin tone or was tanned during treatment. However, post-laser hyperpigmentation is temporary and will generally clear after 4-6 months.

Aftercare treatment includes using a moisturizer liberally to hasten recovery, avoid picking on the scabs, avoid sun-exposure and using a sunscreen regularly.

Be on the lookout for potential complications including blister formation, pus formation and sores. Should these develop, do see your doctor immediately.

Hope this helps!

Hi ,

just to add on to what Dr Chin has said.

Immediately, post fractional C02 laser, patients may experience warmth and swelling. I recommend using Calecim Professional Serum post procedure in clinic and at home. The serum contains a combination of cytokines and growth factors which help reduce inflammation and boost recovery.

I would also include Calecim Recovery Night Complex to be used over night after cleansing and applying the serum. This contains Calmosensine which provides relief from the warm/burning sensation, plus the gel protects the skin from trans-epidermal water loss. I recommend using these while the skin is still "raw" before the scabs have formed.

Once the scabs have formed, i recommend using a light/ non oil based moisturizer at least 3-4 times a day.

I tell my patients to avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours to 1 week. This is from my personal experience having done C02 lasers, that sweating and cleaning your face during or post workout can be rather uncomfortable. Avoidance of sun exposure and applying a SPF50 sunscreen is also a must to prevent pigmentation/ PIH.

Should there be any acne breakouts during the recovery process, some topical antibiotic gel can be applied to the spots.

Wishing you all the best in your scar treatment journey,

Mark