Tetra® CO2 Laser Resurfacing Pre- and Post-Treatment Instructions

Pre-treatment instructions:

• To enhance results and limit complications, you will be prescribed a ZO® program based on your skin type 4-6 weeks prior to having your treatment. Pigment Control™ and Pigment Control + Blending™ plus tretinoin may be used in patients with a high risk for pigmentation problems. It is mandatory to complete this pre-conditioning prior to your laser procedure.
• Discontinue the use of topical retinoids and tretinoin (such as Retinol, Retin-A®, Renova®, Differin®,Tazorac®, and Refissa®) 4-5 days prior to treatment.
• Discontinue the use of alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid, etc), beta hydroxy acids (salacylic acid), benzoyl peroxide, retinols and other potentially irritating products 2-3 days prior to treatment.
• Avoid tanning (in sun or tanning bed), including the use of sunless tanner, 2 weeks prior to your treatment.
• If you have a history of oral herpes infection ("cold sores"), you will need to start an anti-viral medication (i.e. acyclovir or valacyclovir) one day prior to treatment and continue for 5 days. Notify the office if you need a prescription. *FOR CO2 LASER, we recommend this prophylaxis for everyone, even if you've never had a cold sore. Please notify the office if you need a prescription.

Post-treatment instructions:

• Your skin will likely be red and tender, like a sunburn, and feel dry and gritty, like sandpaper. This may last for several days. You may also have some swelling, pinpoint bleeding, or oozing from treated areas.
• You may apply clean, cold compresses to minimize discomfort. 2 tablets of Tylenol 500mg every 6 hours may also be helpful. Try to avoid anti-inflammatories like Advil, Aspirin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, etc.
• We recommend that you sleep with your head elevated and on a clean pillowcase for the first several days following treatment. This helps to minimize swelling and prevent infection.
• You may notice dry, dotted areas which will turn reddish-brown and then come off in 5-10 days. Do not pick at the peeling areas.
• SKINCARE Protocol
  
  • First 24 hours: Apply a thin layer of BioGel to keep skin hydrated, reapply frequently. Do not use any other skincare. Do not wash your face.
  • Post-procedure Day 1-5: After 24 hours, you may carefully wash your face with a MILD cleanser such as ZO Skin Health Hydrating or Gentle Cleanser, or Balancing Cleansing Emulsion. Do not scrub. Pat dry with a CLEAN towel. Apply a pump of PLATED (if using) and allow to dry for 5 minutes, then apply BioGel. BioGel can be reapplied throughout the day as needed for hydration. PLATED can be reapplied in the evening after washing the face as well
• Starting on Day 6-7, once skin is healed, you may begin using your regular skincare regimen, but continue using PLATED at least once a day after cleansing and toning the skin. BioGel can be used if additional hydration is still needed, but it may also be discontinued for moisturizer at this time.
• Mineral-based makeup may be applied once the skin has finished peeling.
• While your skin is healing and for at least four weeks after, it is especially important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 45 or higher and wear a wide-brim hat when outdoors.
• You may resume exercise and other extracurricular activities once skin is nearly healed and swelling has resolved.

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