Are you unhappy with the quality of your skin? Do you have sun damage, uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, or irregular texture? A CO2RE treatment can help fix these skin issues. However, due of the nature of this treatment, it requires preparation and aftercare.
CO2RE treatments can be done in one session. To get the most benefits and results, you must follow the proper care routine. This is what to do before your CO2RE treatment and how to take care of your skin afterward.
Am I Right for CO2RE?
The skin issues listed above are great candidates for a CO2RE treatment. Make sure you know the risks, costs, and time requirements necessary so that you can achieve the full benefits of the procedure.
Colored skin does not react well however with CO2RE lasers. Because hyperpigmentation is a trait of how darker skin heels and this treatment requires prolonged healing, darker skin can have adverse side effects.
Months of topical treatments and laser treatments may be needed to reverse these effects. Darker skin would have to be treated with multiple, more gentle treatments.
Women who are pregnant are not recommended for this treatment. And if you have used isotretinoin (Accutane) within six months of treatment, it’s not recommended. A history of cold sores or herpes virus should be made aware of pre-treatment.
How Does CO2RE Treatment Work?
CO2RE treatment uses a laser to perform fractional and resurfacing treatments. These fractional lasers create micro-channels in the dermal layer of skin. These channels induce collagen production and cell renewal.
This laser treatment is designed as a deeper treatment that minimizes discomfort and downtime. Recovery down varies by the intensity of the treatment. Lighter treatment can take a few days to heal, while more intense treatments heal over two weeks.
Results are visible after the skin has healed. Depending on the type of treatment, healing can occur 2-3 days after the treatment or up to two weeks after treatment. Results after recovery are long-lasting.
Before Your CO2RE Treatment
Your skin should be in the proper condition to receive this treatment. Without this proper care, there can be long-lasting complications with your skin. This is how you should prepare for laser skin resurfacing.
You should avoid tanning and heavy sun exposure for four weeks prior to treatment. The sun’s rays can be damaging to the skin. Since this treatment uses lasers, it’s best to keep skin damage at a minimum – you should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
Another thing you should avoid is any kind of facial peel procedure. Aggressive chemical peels and dermabrasion are two treatments that should be avoided four weeks before treatment.
Medicines that cause photosensitivity can cause poor results with CO2RE treatment. If you are taking a medicine such as doxycycline or minocycline, you should halt using them 72 hours prior to treatment.
If the treatment area has or has had shingles or you have a history of herpes, you should let your doctor know beforehand. Start an antiviral medication like valacyclovir or acyclovir and use as directed.
You should start the antiviral medication two days prior to treatment and continue it three days after treatment.
Follow these preparation instructions and any instructions given at a consultation to make sure you get the best results.
After Your CO2RE Treatment
Your skin after treatment is fragile, so it’s important to follow aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. Keep your skin moist for the best healing results. Dry skin can take longer to heal and cause pigmentation changes.
You should put a cold compress on your treated area every 3-4 hours for at least three days. However, the neck and chest will need an extra day or two. Afterward, you should wipe off ointments and dead skin gently.
Use Aquaphor every 3-4 hours or alternatively, olive or coconut oil every 1-2 hours. You should use plastic wrap overnight to seal in moisture after doing the last step. Do this each night before bed.
In the first 24 hours, if there are blood dots, dab them with q-tips. If there is swelling, use a plastic wrap as a barrier between your skin and ice.
You should avoid direct sunlight and sunbathe. Do not rub your skin and avoid picking or scratching your skin. Stay away from salty foods as they can cause swelling, and avoid heavy exercise for three days.
In the days following treatment, you should not apply makeup or sunblock to the treated areas. Wait until you have your follow-up appointment to get the confirmation to use these products again. This is typically about three days post-procedure.
For itching, you can take an antihistamine like Benadryl or Zyrtec. A couple of drops of peppermint oil in olive oil can also alleviate itching. Take pain medicine as prescribed and directed.
In order to sustain the results from your treatment, aftercare instructions must be followed carefully. Be sure to ask your physician questions to ensure you understand the best procedures to follow.
Your Best Skin with CO2RE
When there are issues with your skin, it can affect your self-confidence. Luckily, with treatments like CO2RE, you can improve the appearance in one session. But it will require caring for your skin before and after to ensure the best results.
With this treatment, you can see results in one session. As long as you follow the proper preparation and aftercare, you can sustain these results for a long time.
Are you trying to get your best skin? Allow us to help you find the treatment that’s right for you.