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Full-Field CO₂ Laser Eyelid Resurfacing Aftercare Protocol

What to Expect After Full-Field Eyelid Resurfacing

Full-field ablative CO₂ laser on the eyelids causes complete epidermal removal and controlled thermal injury to the dermis, resulting in longer downtime and more intense healing than fractional treatment.

  • Immediate redness, warmth, and swelling are expected.
  • Swelling may be more pronounced than fractional treatment and can cause temporary difficulty opening the eyes.
  • Peeling and crusting appear within days as new skin regenerates.
  • Redness and skin tightness may persist for weeks to months.
  • Delayed pigmentation changes or sensitivity may occur, especially in darker skin types.

Timeline of Healing

Period Typical Findings
Days 0–3 Redness, warmth, marked swelling, possible bruising; eyes may swell shut partially
Days 4–7 Peeling and crust shedding; new pink skin emerges under crusts
Days 8–14 Re-epithelialized skin; redness persists but swelling subsides
Weeks 2–8 Gradual fading of erythema; skin feels tight as collagen remodels
3–6 Months Continued improvement in texture, tone, and tightness with collagen synthesis

Immediate Care (First 48 hours)

Cooling and Comfort

  • Apply cold saline-soaked compresses wrapped in clean gauze for 10-15 minutes every 1-2 hours while awake.
  • Keep your head elevated (using 2-3 pillows) during sleep to minimize swelling.
  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed to manage discomfort.

 

Skin Protection

  • Keep the treated area continuously moist with a thin layer of healing ointment such as Aquaphor, Vaseline, or the clinic's recommended emollient.
  • Reapply ointment every 2-3 hours, especially after cleansing.
  • Avoid rubbing, picking, or touching the eyes except when applying aftercare products with washed hands.

Active Healing Phase (Days 3 to 14)

Cleansing

  • Begin gentle cleansing twice daily:
    • Use lukewarm water with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser like Cetaphil.
    • Pat skin gently with fingertips only; no scrubbing or washcloths.
    • Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
    • Avoid getting water directly in the eyes.
  • If debris or crusts resist removal, do not forcibly remove; continue gentle cleansing and ointment application.

Moisturizing

  • Continue applying healing ointment generously after each cleansing.
  • If skin feels dry or tight, supplement with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer as advised by your practitioner.

Swelling and Bruising

  • Swelling may peak during days 2-3 and can cause temporary eyelid closure.
  • Mild bruising is possible and typically resolves within 7-14 days.
  • Cold compresses can alleviate both swelling and bruising.

Transition Phase (Days 14 to 30)

  • Once skin appears pink and fully healed without open areas or flaky crusts, gradually transition from heavy ointment to a gentle moisturizer.
  • Continue moisturizing frequently (every 2-3 hours) as new skin may remain dry.
  • Some areas may heal slower; maintain ointment on partially healing zones.
  • Start applying broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen daily (SPF 30 minimum; SPF 50 preferred).
  • Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if outdoors and wear protective sunglasses.

Recovery and Results Phase (Weeks 2 to 12+)

Skincare

  • Makeup can usually be resumed around 10-14 days once skin is healed with your practitioner's approval.
  • Avoid active skincare ingredients (retinoids, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, exfoliants) until cleared by your clinician, typically after 4–6 weeks.
  • Maintain gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection daily.

Activity Restrictions

  • Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 7-10 days to prevent overheating or sweating.
  • Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms for at least 2 weeks.
  • Avoid excessive exposure to heat sources such as hot showers and high heat hair dryers.

Important Avoidances

  • No direct sun exposure for 2 to 4 weeks; UV exposure greatly increases risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol to promote optimal healing.
  • Avoid harsh skincare products or interventions (waxing, threading, chemical peels) in the healing phase.
  • Avoid dusty or dirty environments that increase infection risk.

Signs Requiring Medical Attention

Contact your clinic immediately if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening pain not controlled by over-the-counter medication.
  • Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness after the initial 3 days.
  • Yellow or green discharge, pus, or crusting that looks infected.
  • Fever or flu-like symptoms.
  • Blistering or rash not typical for expected healing.
  • Development of cold sores or unusual skin lesions.

Medications

  • Antiviral prophylaxis: If prescribed, start 2 days before and continue for 7–10 days to prevent herpes simplex virus flare-ups.
  • Antibiotics: Take as prescribed, typically starting pre- or Day 0, continuing for 5–7 days to reduce bacterial infection risk.
  • Pain relief: Use paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed.

Optimizing Your Results

  • Maintain proper nutrition with adequate hydration and vitamins A, C, E, and zinc.
  • Avoid smoking and minimize stress to support collagen synthesis and healing.
  • Follow all aftercare instructions precisely; your commitment directly impacts outcomes.
  • Consider maintenance treatments or follow-up fractional CO₂ resurfacing as recommended.

Expected Results

  • Visible improvement typically starts at 2-4 weeks post-procedure.
  • Continued improvement over 3-6 months as collagen remodeling progresses.
  • Final outcomes typically assessed and stable by 6 months.