CO₂ Fractional Laser Resurfacing

☐ Aquaphor

☐ Gentle cleanser (fragrance-free, non-foaming)

☐ White vinegar (for diluted vinegar soaks)

☐ Distilled water (optional for sensitive skin)

☐ Ice packs or gel packs

☐ Soft washcloths or gauze

☐ Extra pillow (to keep head elevated)

☐ Acetaminophen (if approved by your provider)

☐ Broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen (SPF 30+; zinc or titanium based)

☐ Wide-brim hat

☐ Clean pillowcases

☐ Humidifier (optional but helpful in dry climates)

• Avoid direct sunlight and keep skin moist and cool to aid healing
• Avoid environmental irritants during the healing process (dust, dirt, aerosols, cleaning agents, etc.)
• Stay hydrated, eat healthy foods, and avoid alcohol
• Neck redness is more persistent and will usually last several days longer than face redness.

• Hydrate throughout the day (before and after treatment — hydration is very important)
• After treatment, keep treated areas covered with topical Aquaphor
• Repeat lubrication multiple times
• Apply cooling compresses (bag of frozen peas, wet paper towels frozen in a Ziploc bag, ice packs). Do NOT apply ice directly to skin, and do not use towels alone — detergents may irritate skin
• Sleep with head elevated on an extra pillow
• Place a clean pillowcase or towel over your pillow to protect it from Aquaphor
• May take Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for discomfort, if approved by Dr. McConnell

• Redness similar to a sunburn
• Swelling (peaks at 48 hours)
• Oozing/crusting for 2–5 days
• Bronzing and peeling
• Pink skin for several weeks
• Initial healing typically 5–7 days (longer for aggressive treatments)
• For best healing, skin must remain moisturized

• Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat
• Cleanse 3–5 times daily with gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat dry — do NOT rub
• Reapply Aquaphor immediately after washing and gently drying treated skin
• Vinegar soaks (if recommended): Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar in 1 cup cool water. Apply soaked gauze for 5–10 minutes
• May shower and wash hair. Avoid hot water. Avoid hot hair-dryer air blowing on treated skin
• Keep skin constantly moist with petrolatum or healing ointment. Do NOT let skin dry out
• Use ice packs (10 minutes on / 10 minutes off) to reduce swelling
• Sleep with head elevated
• Avoid strenuous exercise
• AVOID picking or scratching

Skin may feel gritty. Itching tends to begin on this day. Continue gentle moisturizing and Aquaphor applications. You may use dilute vinegar soaks if desired. Keep skin hydrated and moisturized.

• Itching has usually subsided
• Continue gentle cleansing
• Continue ointment until skin is fully re-epithelialized
• Do NOT pick or scrub peeling skin
• Once skin is fully closed (no raw areas), transition to gentle moisturizer and mineral sunscreen daily

• Strict sun avoidance for 4–6 weeks
• Daily mineral SPF 30+ sunscreen
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours outdoors
• Wear a wide-brim hat outdoors

☐ Retinoids

☐ AHAs/BHAs

☐ Vitamin C (unless directed)

☐ Exfoliation

☐ Makeup until fully re-epithelialized (usually 5–7 days)

☐ Hot tubs, pools, or heavy sweating for 1 week

• Increasing pain after day 3
• Pus-like drainage
• Fever
• Expanding redness
• Cold sore outbreak
• Severe itching or rash