KAROL A GUTOWSKI, MD, FACS
AESTHETIC SURGERY
CERTIFIED BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY
MEMBER AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS
CO2 Laser Skin Treatment After Care Instructions
There are four essential components of laser skin care after CO2 laser treatments.
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The skin must be kept moist with topical cream or ointment – skin heals best when moist.
The skin must be kept clean, all secretions and skin debris removed.
Sun block and sun prevention is essential for the new skin.
Continue taking any antibiotics prescribed for you before treatment.
Wash twice daily with a mild non-soap cleanser such as Cetaphil or use the vinegar SOAK SOLUTION as
your cleanser. Cleansing must be gentle, as you do not want to remove new skin cells that are forming.
You can take a shower, but do not let shampoo or hair products get on your face. Use the SOAK
SOLUTION followed by Auaphor, Cetaphil or Vaseline after your shower.
SOAK SOLUTION: Mix 1 teaspoon of plain white vinegar to 2 cups water (This solution may be mixed
ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator.) Leave the Auaphor, Vaseline or Cetaphil cream on your face.
Using a clean soft cloth apply the soak solution to the treated area. Re-apply the Aquaphor, Cetaphil or
Vaseline to the treated area after soaking. If your skin is dry you may use the soak solution more often.
Skin Care Routine
Days 1 – 4 : While your skin is healing, 3x times a day follow this regimen:
 Wash your hands prior to touching your face.
 Apply Aquaphor, Vaseline or Cetaphil Cream to the treated area 3 times a day or more if needed to
keep your skin flexible.
 You may experience redness, blistering and oozing. Use the SOAK SOLUTION with a gentle
wiping motion. This keeps the skin moist but also loosens and removes dead skin cells and keeps the
skin clean.
 Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be taken if needed. If you experience itching, you may use an overthe-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl.
 Skin will usually start peeling on day 3 or 4. Do not pick at it but allow skin to peel off.
Days 5 – 7: When peeling is complete and new skin is formed
 The treated area may be red for 4 - 7 days or longer then turn darker as the skin begins to peel. It is
normal for skin to feel “sunburned” and tight. Swelling may occur. Sleeping on 2 pillows with your
head elevated will help alleviate the swelling.
 Do not expose your skin to the sun. Wear sunscreen with a SPF 20 or higher after peeling to
maintain results and help prevent post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darker skin.)
 After the skin is healed and all of the scabs/crusts are gone a good skin care regimen is
recommended. Using a mild cleanser (Cetaphil) will help maintain and improve the results of this
procedure. Biomedic and Obagi are too strong for immediate healing phase.
 If you experience increased pain, drainage, severe redness or fever, increased itching, or cold sores
please call our office right away
 1 month after procedure - You may resume skin care regimen