Possible risks or side effects may include pain, burning, bruises, blister formation, stinging sensations, infection, pigmentary changes including decrease or increase in skin color at the site of treatment, scar formation, laser induced “cold-sore-like” blistering, skin eruptions known as “herpetic” skin eruptions at the site of treatment, and poor cosmetic outcome. You should expect skin redness, swelling, bruising, and crusting for several days after the procedure. It is imperative that you follow all post op instructions. Prolonged redness and swelling will last over a month (especially when higher treatment settings are used), and are part of a normal reaction to the treatment. Once the initial healing phase is over, makeup can be applied while the redness dissipates. Burns and resulting pigmentation change and scarring are rare and may happen in skin that is not taken care according to instructions. Skin infections are very rare but can occur. Any adverse reaction should be reported immediately.
Although very, very rare, some patients can experience a reaction to the topical anesthetic applied prior to treatment. Patients may experience redness, itching, and/or blistering, which is short-lived and treated with mild topical cortisones. It does not leave any scarring or have permanent effects.
Patients with defibrillators or pace makers cannot be treated due to possible interactions between the device and the radio frequency pulses.
For any of the treatments, there may also be possible hair removal at the site of treatment even if this was not the intended purpose of treatment.
Our specific plan for post care is below.
CO2RE Post Care
– Wash 5-7x daily using 1 cap full of white vinegar to one 16oz bottle of water. SOAK OFF SCABS each time. Avoid wash clothes, Clarisonic, or any scrubs for at least 2 weeks. You do NOT want your face to be crusty, peely, or scabby. Soak off all skin that appears like this.
– Apply a thin coat of Vaseline to the treated area for 7-10 days – enough times so your skin remains moist and hydrated. Continue the Vaseline until scabbing over and peeling has resolved. Look for clean, fresh, pink skin. You should apply the Hydrocortisone to any areas that are very itchy, but apply the Vaseline over this.
– Continue taking the Acyclovir, 2 a day for 4 days.
– OTC Arnica can be purchased to help lessen bruising and swelling.
– Apply ice packs only if you feel very hot or burning sensations. Do not use more than 15 minutes at a time, once an hour.
– Sleep with your head slightly elevated.
– Avoid excessive sun exposure and apply sunscreen several times a day.
– You may want to change pillowcases each night for 5 days.
– Do not sleep with your animals or allow them near your face until all scabbing is resolved.
– Your skin will be red or brown with scabbing. You may also be swollen or bruised. This will occur for about 7-10 days which is why it is imperative you follow the cleaning and moisturizing guidelines so the new, healthy skin can appear.
– Light makeup is allowed after 7-10 days. Oxygenetix or Dermablend Flawless Creater can be used after 24 hours as these are specially designed for post care ablative procedures.
– Any signs of excessive redness, heat, or throbbing pain, please contact our office immediately if during business hours or call Dr. Rueckl’s cell phone after hours.
