What should you know about CO2 laser right after?

CO2 laser removes or heats selected layers of skin. During the first hours, warmth, swelling, tightness, pinpoint bleeding, and a stinging feeling can occur, depending on the treatment depth. The surface may weep slightly before it dries and forms crusts. These changes are part of the repair process, but your clinician should give instructions matched to the area and settings used.

Wash your hands before touching the area. Cleanse only as directed, using a gentle method rather than rubbing or picking. Apply the recommended ointment or dressing and keep the skin comfortably moist if instructed. Avoid exfoliants, retinoids, fragranced products, hot showers, swimming, strenuous heat, and unapproved makeup until the surface has healed. Keep direct sun away from the treated skin and use the sunscreen your clinician recommends once appropriate.

Contact your treatment provider promptly if pain or swelling is worsening instead of settling, redness spreads beyond the treated area, or the skin develops increasing pus-like drainage, a strong unpleasant smell, or fever. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, facial swelling affecting the eyes or throat, or a severe reaction after a product or medicine.

Ask which cleanser, ointment, dressing, and pain-relief options are suitable; when you may wash your hair, exercise, wear makeup, and return to work; and which changes should trigger a same-day call.