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REVIDA Full Field (Traditional) CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Aftercare

 What to Expect After Treatment

Full field CO2 laser resurfacing removes the entire outer layer of skin in the treated area, creating a more intensive wound than fractional treatment. This produces dramatic results but requires more extensive aftercare and a longer recovery period. Your face will be swollen, red, and covered with serum and healing ointment. This is normal and expected.

Timeline of Healing

  • Days 0-3: Significant swelling, redness, warmth, and oozing; most challenging period
  • Days 4-7: Bronzing of skin, crusting, and peeling; swelling begins to subside
  • Days 7-10: New pink skin emerges; most raw areas should be healed
  • Days 10-14: Pink, smooth skin; residual redness continues to fade
  • Weeks 2-8: Gradual return to normal activities; continued improvement in texture and tone
  • Months 3-6: Collagen remodelling continues; optimal results appear

Immediate Post-Treatment (Day 0)

First Hours

  • You will feel a sunburn-like sensation with significant heat and discomfort
  • Apply cold compresses continuously using clean gauze or soft washcloths soaked in ice water
  • Replace compresses every 5 minutes as they warm up
  • A thin layer of healing ointment (Aquaphor) and or antibiotic ointment will be applied before you leave the clinic
  • Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows to reduce swelling

First Night

  • Continue cold compresses every 1-2 hours while awake
  • Reapply antibiotic and healing ointment after each compress session
  • Keep the skin moist at all times—dry skin will delay healing
  • Use Avène Thermal Spring Water spray if available for additional comfort
  • Take prescribed or recommended pain medication as directed

Days 1-3: Critical Healing Phase

Cleansing Routine

  • Begin gentle face washing twice daily from Day 1
  • Use lukewarm water and a very mild, fragrance-free cleanser (Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser)
  • Use only your fingertips—no washcloths, sponges, or mechanical devices
  • Do not scrub—the goal is light cleansing, not removing all residue
  • Pat dry gently with a clean towel
  • Men must not shave for at least 10 days

Vinegar Soaks (Highly Recommended)

  • Mix 1 teaspoon of white vinegar with 1 cup of cool tap water
  • Soak clean gauze in the solution
  • Apply to face for 10-15 minutes
  • Perform 4 times daily for first 3 days (optional but beneficial thereafter)
  • Benefits: Reduces pain, antimicrobial action, helps dissolve yellowish exudate and crusting

Keeping Skin Moist

  • This is the most important step for optimal healing
  • Apply a generous layer of antibiotic and healing ointment (Aquaphor) immediately after cleansing or soaking
  • Reapply ointment every 2-3 hours or whenever skin feels dry
  • Avoid excessive ointment near eyes to prevent irritation
  • Do not let the skin dry out or form thick crusts

Managing Exudate

  • Yellow, waxy residue (“Nature's Band-Aid”) will form, especially under the eyes
  • This is normal—do not attempt to scrub it off
  • Gentle soaking and patting will help remove excess buildup
  • It will resolve naturally over 5-7 days

Days 4-7: Continued Healing

Skin Changes

  • Skin will develop a bronze or brown appearance
  • Peeling and flaking will begin
  • Some areas may form thin scabs or crusts
  • Gently remove loosened crust during soaks—never pick or pull at adhered areas

Cleansing and Moisturising

  • Continue twice-daily gentle cleansing
  • You may now shampoo your hair carefully
  • Continue vinegar soaks as desired (2-4 times daily)
  • Continue generous application of antibiotic and healing ointment after each cleanse/soak

Itching

  • Itching is common during this phase as new skin forms
  • Do not scratch—use gentle patting or cold compresses instead
  • Antihistamines (as advised) may help if itching is severe

Days 7-10: Transition to New Skin

Skin Assessment

  • New pink skin will begin to appear as old skin peels away
  • Healing occurs at different rates across the face
  • Eyelids typically take longest to heal

Changing Products

  • Once areas are smooth and pink (no longer raw or oozing), transition from heavy ointment to a gentle moisturiser
  • Continue ointment on any remaining raw areas
  • Average transition time is 9-10 days, but this varies by individual
  • Apply moisturiser generously at least every 2 hours

Recommended Moisturisers

  • Cetaphil Moisturising Cream
  • Calecim Multi Action Cream (if purchased)
  • CeraVe Moisturising Cream
  • Any fragrance-free, alcohol-free, gentle formulation

Days 10-14: Recovery Phase

Sun Protection (Essential)

  • Once skin is healed, apply mineral sunscreen (minimum SPF 30, ideally SPF 50) every morning
  • Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
  • Avoid direct sun exposure for a full month post-treatment
  • UV exposure can cause permanent hyperpigmentation on healing skin

Makeup

  • You may apply makeup once all areas are smooth and healed (typically Day 10-14)
  • Use only gentle, non-comedogenic, mineral-based products initially
  • Remove makeup carefully with gentle cleanser

Activity

  • Avoid strenuous exercise, gym, or heavy lifting for 10-14 days
  • Avoid activities causing excessive sweating
  • Resume normal activities gradually as tolerated

Weeks 2-8: Recovery Continues

Skincare

  • Continue gentle cleansing and moisturising twice daily
  • Use sunscreen daily without exception
  • Redness will gradually fade over 6-12 weeks
  • Pink colour is normal during this period

When to Resume Active Skincare

  • Do not use retinoids, acids, vitamin C, or exfoliants until cleared by Dr Brad (typically 4-8 weeks)
  • May resume medical-grade skincare products when advised
  • Gradual reintroduction is recommended

Important Restrictions

Avoid Until Fully Healed (Minimum 2 Weeks):

  • Sun exposure and tanning beds
  • Swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms
  • Vigorous exercise and perspiration
  • Alcohol and smoking
  • Harsh skincare products
  • Picking or peeling skin manually

Avoid for 4-6 Weeks:

  • Active skincare ingredients (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs)
  • Facial waxing, threading
  • Other laser or energy-based treatments
  • Microneedling or mechanical exfoliation

Medications

Antiviral Medication

  • Acyclovir: Start 2 days before treatment, continue for 7 days total
  • Helps to prevents herpes simplex virus infection or re-activation

Antibiotic Medication

  • Typically Cephalexin 500mg twice daily
  • Start the morning of your procedure
  • Continue for 7 days to reduce the risk of bacterial infection

Pain Management

  • Paracetamol 1g every 4-6 hours as needed
  • Ibuprofen 200-400mg every 6-8 hours as needed
  • Co-codamol 8/500 for breakthrough pain (available over the counter)

Warning Signs

Contact the clinic immediately if you experience:

  • Increasing pain, redness, warmth, or swelling after Day 3
  • Yellow-green discharge or pus
  • Fever or chills
  • Blisters or rash spreading beyond the treated area
  • Signs of infection
  • Extreme or unexpected discomfort

Expected Results

Full field CO2 laser provides the most dramatic improvement in skin quality, texture, wrinkles, and pigmentation. Final results develop over 3-6 months as collagen remodelling continues. Most patients see significant improvement that can last for years with proper skincare and sun protection.

 

General Advice for All CO2 Laser Treatments

Lifestyle Factors That Support Healing

Nutrition

  • Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc
  • Stay well hydrated (2 litres water daily)
  • Avoid alcohol for at least 7-14 days post-treatment (impairs healing)

Smoking

  • Do not smoke during the healing period
  • Smoking dramatically impairs wound healing and collagen formation
  • Increases risk of infection and poor scarring

Sleep

  • Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly
  • Sleep with head elevated if facial treatment
  • Clean pillowcases daily during healing

Stress

  • Minimise stress—stress hormones can impair healing
  • Rest and relax during the recovery period

Sun Protection Cannot Be Overstated

Why Sun Protection is Critical:

  • UV exposure on healing or recently healed skin can cause permanent hyperpigmentation (dark marks)
  • This is especially important for patients with darker skin types (Fitzpatrick III-VI)
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can take months to years to fade if it occurs

How to Protect:

  • Use SPF 50 broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen daily
  • Reapply every 2 hours outdoors
  • Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
  • Seek shade
  • Avoid sun exposure between 10am-4pm
  • Use sun protection even on cloudy days and indoors near windows

Contact Information

For any concerns, questions, or complications, please contact us.

In Case of Emergency:
If you experience severe symptoms outside of clinic hours (severe pain, signs of serious infection, allergic reaction, breathing difficulties), seek immediate medical attention at your nearest Emergency Department or call 999.

 

Final Notes

These aftercare instructions are based on current best practice and are designed to optimise your healing and results. Every patient heals differently, and you may experience variations from the timelines described. The most important principles are:

  1. Keep the treated area moist (for resurfacing) or clean and protected (for lesion removal)
  2. Do not pick, scratch, or interfere with scabs or peeling skin
  3. Protect from sun exposure rigorously
  4. Watch for signs of infection and seek help promptly
  5. Follow the instructions exactly as provided

Your commitment to proper aftercare will directly impact your results. If you have any questions or concerns at any point during your recovery, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Brad's clinic.

We are here to support you through your healing journey and help you achieve the best possible outcomes.