CO2 & CoolPeel INFORMATION
What you need to know before & after your procedure
GENERAL INFORMATION
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CO2 treatment is the Gold Standard for Skin Resurfacing. At RejuvNP we have the Deka Tetra CO2 laser that offers ablative CO2 that can be aggressive and also a CoolPeel CO2 treatment that will have less downtime.
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How many treatments will I need?
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CO2 aggressive treatments 1-2 treatments usually.
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CoolPeel CO2 treatment 3-4 usually.
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What is the CO2 laser treatment used for?
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Acne
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Scars,
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Collagen Stimulation
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Some Skin Tightening
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Pigmentation correction
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wrinkles
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For darker skin types it is recommended to have the CoolPeel treatment
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Hydrate and Protect:
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Moisturize skin at least 2x a day (AM/PM) Increase water intake to 8 glasses of water (8oz) or more per day
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Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun If exposure is unavoidable, use a zinc oxide-based sunscreen of at least SPF 30+
Prepare your skin:
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Stop any topical retinoid therapy (3-4 days prior to treatment)
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If you have a history of fever blisters, ask your provider about starting an antiviral prophylaxis 3-7 days before the treatment 7-28 days prior to treatment (to hydrate your skin and optimize treatment results):
POST TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
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Immediately after treatment you may have cool compresses available to help remove any excess heat – it may be used for longer times with more aggressive treatments.
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Apply a topical ointment (like Vaseline or Petrolatum ointment) to the treated area(s) once the perception of heat has been reduced Many patients see redness for 3-5 days or more after the treatments.
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Redness is expected to last longer with stronger treatments To help lessen the potential for swelling, consider sleeping with the treatment area elevated
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Swelling and a mild to moderate sunburn sensation are common after the treatments and may last 1-3 days It’s possible that after the second day, the skin may appear as an exaggerated tan.
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Skin may flake during the healing process Face and Neck – 5-7 days Chest 7-10 days Hands 10-14 + days
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Avoid exercise or any excessive heat for 2 weeks post treatment
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Change your pillowcase daily and as needed for the first 7 days post treatment
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Excessive sun must be avoided for 2 months post treatment
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Minimize the exposure to pets, especially cats Do not allow any pet to lick the treatment area
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Limit alcohol consumption after the treatment to help minimize the risk for additional complications like bruising.
We recommend distilled white vinegar soaks to be applied multiple times a day
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For 1 Cup: 1 Tbsp distilled white vinegar to 1 cup water
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For 1 Quart: 3 Tbsp of distilled white vinegar + 1 Quart water
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For 1 Gallon: ¾ Cup of distilled white vinegar + 1 Gallon water
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Store in the refrigerator between uses to aid in the cooling effect Moisten gauze with the solution and apply to the affected area
Days 2-7 after
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Wash the treatment area with a mild soap or gentle cleanser and gently blot dry. If skin is still tender continue to use Aquaphor/Skin Protectant.
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If a post treatment product was purchased, it may be applied at this time.
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Wait ~ ten minutes to apply a zinc oxide-based sunblock
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Allow the sunblock to rest, undisturbed for 5 minutes
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Apply Vaseline or Petrolatum ointment to the treated areas The layer should be ~ the thickness of a dime or thinner.
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Reapply every 3-4 hours and as needed to maintain a moist environment
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Your provider will inform you when you may resume the use of your usual skin care regime
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Avoid scrubbing or trauma to the treated area
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Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation
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Continue using a zinc oxide-based sun block with an SPF 30+ or higher.