Searching for the most effective way to erase summer sun damage such as brown spots, roughness and wrinkles? Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing removes the old sun damaged skin and replaces it with healthy, bright, youthful-looking skin by stimulating the production of your own natural collagen. These treatments do have about one week’s downtime and it is important to follow our instructions carefully to enhance healing and achieve the best possible results. With sun protection and a home maintenance program, the benefits of laser skin resurfacing from our Toronto-based practice are long-lasting. Patients will enjoy a fresher complexion for several years.

Here are our instructions to manage the side effects, avoid complications, and optimize the results of laser resurfacing:

  • Start taking prescribed antiviral pills the day before your treatment and continue for 5 days to prevent a cold sore (herpes simplex) outbreak. If you have discomfort, you may take acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  • Your skin will be red and then brown spots will develop. Expect your skin to feel rough and have some crusting and weeping for an average of 4-5 days.
  • Use ice or cold packs every 2 hours for 10 minutes maximum for swelling and discomfort.
  • Soak treated regions with cold, dilute acetic acid soaks for at least 5 minutes 4 times a day. After soaks, gently dry the treated areas using a gauze pad or clean wash cloth. Do not scrub or pick. Continue soaks until new skin growth occurs (as soon as 5-10 days).
  • After soaking, apply the recommended occlusive ointment to keep the treated area moist and reapply the ointment as often as necessary if you feel dry or itchy.
  • To reduce swelling, keep your head elevated by using 2 or more pillows when lying down.
  • Notify the office if there are concerns about an increase in pain or skin redness.
  • Avoid sun exposure for the first month following the procedure. Sunscreen with SPF 50+ should be used for any transient exposure. If possible, cover treated areas with clothing or use a broad brimmed hat to reduce sun exposure.
  • Normal activities may resume when you are comfortable; however, no swimming or using hot tubs or whirlpools for the first week.
  • Once you feel comfortable, the recommended skin care regimen, including make-up or shaving, can be resumed.
  • Keep all follow-up appointments to assess your treatment progress.

To learn more about laser skin resurfacing, contact Toronto-based Gidon Aesthetics & MediSpa. Call us at 416-483-4541 or fill out a contact form to request an appointment.