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CO2 Skin Resurfacing Before and Aftercare instructions

Skin Preparation: Start 7-14 days Pre-procedure 

Preparing and stimulating the skin 7-14 days achives optimal condition prior to a cosmetic procedure. Pre-conditioning can help create healthier skin to support the renewal of skin post-procedure. 

Daily Product Usage Pre-procedure: AM/PM

  • Cleanse with Gentle Cleanser

  • Apply Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology AM and PM

  • Apply Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer with TriHex Technology

  • Morning Only: Apply Broad spectrum SpF 30+ Sunscreen or hydratint pro mineral SPF 36

Immediately After Procedure:

  • Apply Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology

  • Apply Sooth + Protect Recovery Balm

Evening of Procedure: 

  • Cleanse with Gentle Cleanser 

  • Apply Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology

  • Apply Sooth + Protect Recovery Balm

Daily Product Usage for Days 2-10 post-procedure

AM/PM:

  • Cleanse with Gentle Cleanser

  • Apply Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology

  • Apply Sooth + Protect Recovery Balm 2-3 times/day as needed

  • Morning Only: Apply Broad spectrum SPF 30+ or Hydratint Pro Mineral SPF 

Daily Product Usage for Day 11 and beyond following procedure: 

AM/PM:

  • Cleanse with Gentle Cleanser

  • Apply Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology

  • Apply  Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer with TriHex Technology

  • Morning Only: Apply Broad spectrum SPF 30+ or Hydratint Pro Mineral SPF 

PRE-TREATMENT DETAILS:

  • If you are prone to cold sores, an antivirus prescription may need to be prescribed a few days prior to the treatment.

Contraindications:

  • Malignant or pre-malignant pigmented lesions;

  • Known photosensitivity;

  • Recent sun exposure (2 wks) including self tanner

  • Pregnancy, possible pregnancy or breast feeding

  • Use of anticoagulation medication or antibiotics

  • Presence of active acne,

  • Bacterial or viral infection

  • Impaired immune system

  • Have used isotretinoin in the past 12 months

  • Scleroderma (Accutane)

  • Diabetes

POSTOPERATIVE DETAILS:


RISKS
1. Erythema (redness of skin); the laser-treated areas have a distinctive redness representing
increased blood flow due to the growth of the superficial tissue and collagen. It will
gradually fade during the first two days.
2. Inflammation (swelling); Treatment with the Phoenix-15 System may present a minimal
amount of swelling.
3. Bronzing; On the 3rd day post procedure, the treatment area usually turns brown. The
brown crusting will shed and reveal younger healthy looking skin.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR TREATMENT


1) Patients may experience a burning sensation on the skin that will last between 30 minutes and upto 3-4 hours following their treatment on the first day.


2) Depending on the amount of post treatment patient discomfort, an over-the-counter pain
medication may be discussed.


3) The patient may want to take a few days off of work. Treatment to the facial area will result in an appearance similar to a darker tan/sunburn for the first day. A fine scab may form.


4) After 1-2 days the eschar/necrotic skin will disappear and the skin will have a tanned look. At this point, makeup may be applied. Redness may persist for up to 3 days. On the 4th day or so the treated skin will get darker and then near the 5th-6th day peeling will occur. More intense PHOENIX-15 CO2 Laser treatments can take up to 7 days for recovery.


5) Wash the treated areas every day. Wash using a mild soap or a soap-free cleanser (We recommend using alastin products above).


6) Treatment Area: Treatments may results in swelling. Redness may persist up to 3 days. Cleanse the treatment area with cool water and dab or pat very lightly with a soft towel. Avoid Hot water. An ointment or Lubricant will help to decrease the dryness of the treated area. We recommend using Soothe and Protect Alastin, however, Aquaphor may be used.


7) If the skin around the treatment area is tight, minimize movement. To help soothe the discomfort associated with the tightness, the physician may want to advise the patient to apply an ointment to the treatment site(s) multiple times a day. In addition, the patient should avoid Hot water and in some instances the patient may want to use a drinking straw.


8) Rest. Avoid strenuous exercise, bending, straining, stooping or lifting heavy objects for 1 week after procedure. These activities may cause more swelling and pain and slow down the recovery process.


9) Sleep in a slightly elevated position. The patient should use 2-3 pillows under their head & neck or sleep a few nights in a reclining chair.


10) Avoid sun exposure for at least six months. A sunscreen SPF 30 or higher should be applied every day. Use a hat and sunglasses. The patient’s skin is extremely vulnerable to the sun after having a laser treatment. Protecting the skin and limiting sun exposure ensures the best cosmetic results.


11) Follow-up appointment for 2-3 days after the procedure.

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12) Call the office if you are experiencing signs of infection (fever, redness or swelling). 

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