Skin Resurfacing

Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment.

Excess hair may need to be shaved. Men should be cleanly shaved.

No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment (Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc.)

Avoid skin irritants (examples below) a few days before treatment (Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, vitamin C/ascorbic acid, astringents, etc.)

Notify the clinic with any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment.

History of herpes or cold sores may require an antiviral medication prior to treatment, contact your pharmacy.

Purchase the following supplies prior to CO2 laser treatment: (New, fresh bottle of plain, white vinegar, a generous supply of 4x4 inch white gauze sponges (from drug store) or white cotton face cloths, new, large container of Vaseline or Aquaphor Healing Ointment.

Fill your prescriptions before your treatment since you have to start taking the antibiotics and antiviral pills the day before treatment.

Any discomfort during the procedure will be managed with numbing cream applied beforehand at the clinic. An oral antianxiety medication is available if needed (notify us at 519-270-0833 if you intend on asking for one of these). Please make sure you have someone to drive you home if you are planning on asking for this medication. If you do not have a driver we will cancel the procedure. We do not recommend taking a taxi.

Do not take any Aspirin or any anti-inflammatory medications for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your laser treatment.

What To Expect: There will be mild to moderate discomfort after your C02 treatment. This should be easily managed by taking OTC analgesics such as Tylenol or Advil as directed. Bruising and/or swelling are expected after the treatment and may last 7-10 days. To minimize swelling we recommend sleeping with your head elevated for 3-4 days post treatment. Your skin will be bright red after the procedure and this redness will last up to 2 weeks. During this time, avoid vigorous exercise and significant physical activity. Please take it easy. The redness will gradually fade over time but some residual pink or light red color can last 6-12 weeks. The length of time it will take for a complete return to normal skin colour is variable. People with red hair and freckles may be red for longer. Do not wear makeup until after your 14 day follow up appointment. We will determine at this appointment if it is safe for you to do so. Avoid sun exposure and use a good sunscreen for at least 6 months (ideally forever!) after your treatment. Sun exposure may lead to hyperpigmentation post-treatment. Do not resume your regular skincare routine until we advise that it is ok.

Do not wash or touch your face for at least 6-8 hours post-treatment.

Prepare the vinegar solution - add 1 tsp of white vinegar to 1 cup of cool water. See below for further information on this.

After this time, you may wash and pat dry the skin gently twice day until the crusting naturally exfoliates/sloughs off.

Do Apply a mild/non-fragrant moisturizing cream to the treatment area twice a day (or more if needed) for 2 weeks or until the area is fully healed. We recommend SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair Cream.

A visible fine scab or crusting will develop 3 and 5 days after your treatment. Do not remove it forcibly or scratch it.

You may feel redness, dryness, swelling, and some pain for 2 to 3 days. You may apply the moisturizer as frequently as needed and layer it with Vaseline or Aquaphor.

Apply sunblock every 3 to 4 hours for a minimum of 2 weeks to a month after your procedure to help prevent UV-induced pigmentation. We recommend SkinCeuticals, Tizo or ColorScience brand. Remember, UV rays pass through car and house windows. Wear sun protection even if it is cloudy outside. Exposure to UV rays can cause the skin to hyperpigment (darken).

Do not wear a face masks until the fine scabbing/crusting has exfoliated or sloughed off (up to 5 days).

Avoid skin irritants (examples below) for 7-10 days after treatment, all products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, vitamin C/ascorbic acid, astringents, etc.

Avoid sauna and aggressive exercises for 1-2 weeks.

Optional: to keep your skin cool and moisturized by spraying with cold water during the healing process.

Ways to speed healing: • Soak the treated skin with a plain white vinegar solution 4 to 8 times each day. • You cannot soak too much. Soaking reduces redness and speeds healing! • Apply plain Vaseline to treated areas after soaking. • Re-apply frequently as needed to maintain a continuous layer on your skin. • Do not pick, rub, scrub or irritate your skin while it is healing. • Vinegar Soak Recipe: 2 cups of water and 1 tsp plain white vinegar

How to Soak: Dip a clean, soft, washcloth or white cotton gauze into vinegar solution and place the wet cloth against your skin, gently pressing to ensure the vinegar solution wets the skin. Rinse and repeat for 10 to 15 minutes. ■ Most of the Vaseline should come off during the soak (do NOT rub). o Solution: ■ 1 teaspoon of plain white vinegar to 2 cups of water. ■ Solution may be mixed up ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator. o Apply a layer of Vaseline ointment to the treated area immediately after soaking. If the skin gets dry or scabbed, you need to soak more often.

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.

Multiple treatments may be required.

Notify the clinic of any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, persistent grid pattern, etc.)

Book your Follow up for 2 weeks after your treatment. You may receive additional instructions at this time.

For best results please follow these instructions.