Before & Aftercare Information

CO₂ Laser Pre-Treatment Instructions

To ensure the safest treatment and best possible results, please follow these instructions before your appointment.

10 days- 2 weeksWeeks Before Treatment

• Avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning products.
• Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30+  sunscreen daily.
• Avoid waxing, chemical peels, or other aggressive skin treatments in the treatment area.
• Inform your provider if you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex), as preventative antiviral medication may be recommended.

7 Days Before Treatment

• Discontinue retinoids (Retin-A, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene) and other potentially irritating skincare products unless otherwise instructed.
• Avoid exfoliating acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic), benzoyl peroxide, and abrasive scrubs.
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
• If medically appropriate, avoid      medications or supplements that may increase bruising or bleeding,      including:
  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
  • Naproxen (Aleve®)
  • Fish oil/Omega-3 supplements
  • Vitamin E
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Garlic supplements
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Alcohol (24 hours before treatment)
    Do not stop prescription medications without first consulting your prescribing provider.

3 Days Before Treatment

• Men should avoid shaving the treatment area if it causes irritation.
• Do not use depilatory creams or wax the treatment area.

The Day of Treatment

• Arrive with clean skin free of makeup, lotions, sunscreen, or perfume.
• Wear comfortable clothing,      especially if the neck or chest will be treated.
• Stay well hydrated.
• Eat a light meal before your appointment.
• Arrange transportation if you will be receiving oral sedation or medications that may impair your ability to drive.

Please Notify Our Office Before Treatment If You:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Have an active cold sore, fever blister, rash, or skin infection in the treatment area.
• Have started antibiotics or new medications.
• Have had significant sun exposure or a recent sunburn.
• Have undergone another laser treatment, chemical peel, or microneedling within the past few weeks.
• Have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
• Have used isotretinoin      (Accutane®) within the past 6–12 months (please discuss with your provider).

What to Expect

Depending on the depth of your treatment, you may experience redness, swelling, warmth, and a sunburn-like sensation immediately following your procedure. Downtime varies based on treatment intensity and will be discussed during your consultation.

Questions? Please contact us prior to your appointment if you have any concerns or develop any illness or skin irritation before your treatment.

• Do NOT manipulate the treated area for 3 hours following treatment. 
• Do NOT receive facial/ laser treatments or microdermabrasion after Botox injections for at least 10 days. 
• Ask your provider if you are not sure about the time frame of certain services. 
• Some providers believe that smiling and frowning right after Botox treatments helps the Botox find its way to the muscle into which it was injected after treated. 
• Do NOT lie down for 4 hours after your Botox treatment. This will prevent the Botox from tracking into the orbit of your eye and causing drooping eyelid.
• It can take approximately 4 to 7 days for results to be seen. If the desired result is not seen after 2 weeks of your treatment you may need additional Botox. 
• Do NOT perform activities involving straining, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise for 6 hours after treatment. This will keep the Botox in the injected area and not elsewhere.

• Follow Your Provider's Instructions
  • Always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your dermatologist or medical professional. The aftercare protocol may vary depending on the type of treatment, intensity, and areas treated.
• Keep the Treated Area Clean
  • Clean gently: Clean the treated skin area with a mild, non-alcoholic, and non-fragranced cleanser (like a gentle baby wash or a prescription one). Use lukewarm water and avoid scrubbing.
  • Avoid touching the treated area: Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face to prevent introducing bacteria to the treated area.
• Moisturize
  • Hydration is key: Use a healing ointment or moisturizer that is specifically recommended by your doctor. These may contain ingredients like petroleum jelly, Aquaphor, or something specifically formulated for post-laser care.
  • Apply frequently: Moisturize at least 3–4 times a day or as directed to prevent dryness and scabbing.
• Avoid Picking or Scratching
  • Let scabs fall off naturally: You may experience peeling, crusting, or scabbing as the skin heals. Don’t pick at or peel the skin, as doing so can cause scarring or infection.
• Sun Protection
  • Avoid sun exposure: Protect your skin from direct sunlight for several weeks after the treatment. UV exposure can cause pigmentation changes or even scarring.
  • Use a physical sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Sunscreen should be used consistently, even on cloudy days, and reapplied every 2 hours.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat: If you need to go outside, wearing a wide-brimmed hat can also help protect your skin.
• Pain Management
  • Use prescribed pain relief: If you experience discomfort or pain, your provider may recommend over-the-counter pain medications (like acetaminophen) or prescription ones.
  • Cool compresses: If your skin feels swollen or warm, a cool (not cold) compress can help soothe the area.
• Avoid Makeup and Harsh Products
  • Wait to apply makeup: Avoid wearing makeup until your skin has healed enough (typically 7–10 days), and it’s okay to do so only if your doctor gives you the go-ahead. This minimizes the risk of irritation and infection.
  • Avoid harsh skin care: Skip exfoliants, retinoids, vitamin C serums, or any irritating products until your skin has fully healed.
• Stay Hydrated
  • Drinking plenty of water helps promote healing from the inside out and keeps your skin hydrated.
• Watch for Infection
  • Signs of infection: If you notice excessive redness, swelling, pus, or warmth in the treated area, seek medical advice immediately, as these could be signs of infection.
  • Antibiotic ointments: Some doctors may recommend a topical antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection in the treated area.
• Avoid Intense Physical Activity
  • For the first few days post-treatment, avoid strenuous exercise that causes heavy sweating, as this can irritate the skin and prolong healing.
• Be Patient with Healing
  • Healing timeline: Healing times can vary, but generally, the outer layer of skin will heal within 5–10 days. Deeper layers may take up to several weeks. It’s important to avoid rushing the process to ensure optimal results.
• Follow-Up Appointments
  • Check-ins: If your provider suggests follow-up appointments, attend them to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.

• Avoid significant movement or massage of the treated area. Unless instructed by the provider. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. 
• Avoid extensive sun or heat for 72 hours. 
• Avoid consuming excess amounts of alcohol or salts to avoid excess swelling. 
• If you have swelling you may apply a cool compress for 15 minutes each hour. 
•  Use Tylenol for discomfort.
• Try to sleep face up and slightly elevated if you experience swelling.
• Take/ apply Arnica to help the bruising and swelling

• Ice (but avoid firm pressure) for 15 minutes 3 times the day of treatment
• You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness/discomfort 
• Massage the areas 5 times a day, for 5 minutes each time, for 5 days after treatment 
• After treatment there will be moderate swelling and redness with possibility of bruising.  These symptoms will resolve in about 7 days.  You may apply or take Arnica tablets to help decrease the amount of bruising 
• Avoid extended UV exposure until any redness/swelling has subsided.  Apply SPF. 
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours to reduce bruising.  You may resume other normal activities/routines immediately  
• Avoid laser, IPL, or skin tightening treatments of the area for at least 2-3 weeks 
• You may continue your topical products as mentioned above 1 week after injection 

• It is normal to experience bruising, redness, itching, swelling and/or soreness that may last from 2-5 days following your treatment. If you experience any pain or discomfort you may take Tylenol or other Acetaminophen-containing products as directed.
• You may have a bruise at the blood draw site.
• You may notice a tingling sensation while the cells are being activated.
• In rare cases, skin infection or reaction may occur, which is easily treated with an antibiotic or inflammatory. Please contact our office immediately if you notice unusual discomfort.
• Try to refrain from applying ice to the injected area as ice acts as an anti-inflammatory. Ice or cold compresses can be applied to reduce swelling if required.
• Continue to avoid aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Voltaren and other anti-inflammatory medications for 3 days after your procedure (if possible, try for 7 days).
• Avoid vigorous exercise, sun and heat exposure for at least 2 days after your treatment.
• For the first 3 days, use shampoo that is pH balanced.
• Do not use any hair products for at least 6 hours after your treatment.
• Be sure to take a hot shower and wash your hair that evening, after the treatment, to promote the effects of PRP.
• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, swimming for 2 days after your treatment.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking for 3 days after treatment. Smokers do not heal well, and problems recur earlier, and results may take longer.
• Avoid resuming Minoxidil (Formula 82M, Rogaine®), hair coloring, and straightening for 3 days.
• Continue increased water intake the first week after your treatment.
• Do not use blood thinning agents such as vitamin E, vitamin A, Ginko, Garlic, Flax, Cod Liver Oil, Essential Fatty Acids and at least one week after your treatment.

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
• Sleep elevated on 2 pillows to improve swelling
• Avoid touching your face for at least 4 hours
• Do not expose the area to intense heat or sunlight (eg solarium or sauna) 
• Pain relief such as paracetamol may be taken as directed by your physician
• Consider in clinic or at home LED. (Available from The Manse)
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
• Do not use active skin care eg AHA, Retinols/Vitamin C
• Avoid facials, facial waxing, Glycolic or AHA peels, IPL or energy based treatments and microdermabrasion for 2 weeks after treatment (unless advised by your injectable doctor). Please check with your physician before undergoing other facials within this time.
• Do not massage the treated area unless instructed by your physician.
• No makeup until the day after the procedure is ideal
• Do not smoke if it can be avoided