07588971425 info@doctorbrad.co.uk

REVIDA Full Field (Traditional) CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing Aftercare

Bespoke Deep Medical Healing Protocols by Dr Brad

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

Understanding your intensive recovery roadmap.

Days 0-3: The Most Challenging Period

Significant swelling, redness, warmth, and oozing.

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.

Phase 1: 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.
  • Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows to reduce swelling.

First Night

A thin layer of healing ointment (Aquaphor) and/or antibiotic ointment will be applied before leaving the clinic.

  • 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.

Phase 2: Days 1-3 (Critical Healing Phase)

Cleansing Routine

Begin gentle face washing twice daily from Day 1 using 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 and apply to the face for 10-15 minutes.

  • Perform 4 times daily for the first 3 days (optional but beneficial thereafter).
  • Benefits: Reduces pain, provides antimicrobial action, and 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.

Phase 3: Days 4-7 (Continued Healing)

Skin Changes

The skin will develop a bronze or brown appearance, and 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.
  • Itching: Common as new skin forms. Do not scratch—use gentle patting or cold compresses. Antihistamines may help if itching is severe.

Cleansing & 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 immediately after each cleanse/soak.

Phase 4: Days 7-10 (Transition to New Skin)

Changing Products Safely

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

  • 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 individually.
  • 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

Phase 5: Days 10-14 (Recovery Phase)

Essential Sun Protection

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 & Activity

  • 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, and remove carefully.
  • Activity: Avoid strenuous exercise, gym, or heavy lifting for 10-14 days. Avoid activities causing excessive sweating. Resume normal activities gradually.

Phase 6: Weeks 2-8 (Recovery Continues)

Daily Maintenance

Redness will gradually fade over 6-12 weeks; pink color is normal during this period.

  • Continue gentle cleansing and moisturising twice daily.
  • Use sunscreen daily without exception.

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, step-by-step reintroduction is strongly recommended.

Important Restrictions

Failing to adhere to these restrictions can severely compromise your clinical results and cause scarring.

Avoid Until Fully Healed (Min 2 Weeks):

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

Avoid for 4-6 Weeks:

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

🚨 Warning Signs Requiring Clinical Attention

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 active infection.
  • Extreme or unexpected discomfort.

Clinical Medications & Pain Management

Antiviral Medication

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

Antibiotic Medication

Typically **Cephalexin 500mg** twice daily. Start the morning of your procedure and 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.

Expected Clinical 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 & Hydration

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

Smoking & Oxygenation

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

Sleep Hygiene

  • Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly.
  • Sleep with your head elevated if recovering from a facial treatment.
  • Use clean pillowcases daily during the healing phase.
  • Minimise stress—stress hormones can actively impair recovery. Rest and relax during your 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 Your Skin:

  • Use SPF 50 broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen daily.
  • Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
  • Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
  • Seek shade and 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 immediately.

General Clinical Support

During normal business hours, please reach out to the clinic staff directly for guide clarifications, general healing questions, or non-urgent queries.

07588971425 • info@doctorbrad.co.uk

In Case of Emergency

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

Final Medical 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:

  • Keep the treated area moist (for resurfacing) or clean and protected (for lesion removal).
  • Do not pick, scratch, or interfere with scabs or peeling skin.
  • Protect from sun exposure rigorously.
  • Watch for signs of infection and seek help promptly.
  • 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 my clinic. We are here to support you through your healing journey and help you achieve the best possible outcomes.

Dr Brad

Aesthetic Medicine Expert • CO₂ Laser Specialist
Bristol, South West England
GMC Registered • NHS GP • University of London Distinction in Aesthetic Medicine

4.9★ on Fresha (379 reviews) | 4.4★ on Google
Your Acne Scarring & Laser Expert Doctor

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