CO2 Pre & Post Care

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.