Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi | Post-Care Instructions for CO2 Laser Resurfacing

DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Individual results and experience may vary. The information provided in this video is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, or other professional healthcare services including the giving of medical advice and no doctor-patient relationship is formed. The use of information in this video is at the user’s and listener’s own risk.
In this video, Dr. Tansavatdi discusses post-care instructions for CO2 Laser Resurfacing.
Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi is a fellowship-trained double board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Westlake Village, CA. Her focus is providing a personalized experience and expert, state-of-the-art cosmetic care for the face and neck. Dr. Tansavatdi is currently Double Board Certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. In her spare time, Dr. Tansavatdi enjoys spending time with her family, participating in outdoor activities and volunteering in her local community. Dr. Tansavatdi is deeply committed to providing the best experience to all her patients, including Westlake Village Facelift, Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) and Rhinoplasty patients.
To schedule a consultation or appointment, email [e-mail] or call 805-715-4996.
Learn more on our website: www.facesbydrt.com/
CO2 Laser Resurfacing: www.facesbydrt.com/non-surgic...
CO2 Laser Resurfacing Gallery: www.facesbydrt.com/gallery/sk...
Dr. Tansavatdi: www.facesbydrt.com/about.html
Book your consultation: www.facesbydrt.com/contact.html

[@ilovematt856]

Probably the best video for post-care out there. Very thorough and helpful.

[@hm4113]

This is the most comprehensive explanation I have ever seen! Thank you!!

[@francinetsairis3911]

Best video ever!! Thank you so much!

[@ngafongchoi657]

Thanks for your video.

[@karaokay5444]

Thank you so much I just had this done by a nurse and she didn’t really give me any post procedure instructions other than vinegar soaks and aquaphor. I’ve been having intense urges to scratch my face because of the itch and lost sleep the first night because of it. I’m definitely gonna try the Benadryl tonight

[@romanaabo3664]

Doesn't the vinegar burn like hell?!

[@karaokay5444]

@@romanaabo3664 hmm the vinegar didn’t burn for me, make sure you’re diluting it! It actually was my favorite part (doing the vinegar soaks with the gauze, because it felt cool on my skin and I was able to apply gentle pressure on the spots that were extremely itchy. For me the itch was the absolute worst part and the heavy feel of the aquaphor

[@romanaabo3664]

@@karaokay5444 thanks!

[@sharonbostwickrealtorcoldw4045]

Same ere, a N P did mine, zeroe instructions for after. This was ver helpful.

[@whitneyann7018]

@@karaokay5444 Im looking in to having this done soon, but am concerned about the itching or heat. I hear the pain isnt bad, but the itching or heat is whats obnoxious. I have anxiety that gets triggered by things I cant “turn off.” So Im positive the itching will set me off. Did the soaks and/or aquaphor minimize it? How long did the itching last for you? I hear mixed responses - some people say it starts day 1 and is gone by day 2. Others say it lasts up to day 3. Thank you!

[@tammyw274]

Thank u! Great and helpful video

[@rhodamacculloch4158]

Thankyou, explained really well. I wish I had found this sooner. l also would like to know about skin care AFTER 10 days

[@JamieM-n7y]

Thank u. I am about to do this next wk!

[@nancyblair897]

Terrific info. Thank you!

[@FaceliftExpert]

Happy I could help!

[@adamthetoad5852]

My skin fully healed after six days

[@jeanprunty4384]

I watched a video and the doctor said you could use Viva paper towels for the vinegar soak. Viva towels are stretchy, and do not shed any excess residue. They do not fall apart. Just lay the wet towel on your face...and as you said, do not rub your face.

[@annlanham211]

Wednesday is my day for my treatment. Thank you so much for this video. I feel so relaxed about the procedure after watching this video. Love IT and what a great tip for neutralizing red.

[@TheMrfont]

Did u put aquaphore right after the laser? O did u wait some days

[@annlanham211]

Applied Aquafor as soon as I got home. They had already applied after procedure. Almost three weeks and still really pink in areas. Most areas are gone and wonderful. Still babying my skin. Looking forward to what it looks like after three months.

[@TheMrfont]

@@annlanham211 is it was co2 for acne scars? Sorry so many questions. I am in my 2 day ;)

[@annlanham211]

My treatment was for brown spots. I had to really dark spots and about 15 light ones. One of the very dark spots was on nose bridge. It was totally raw. That area was treated the same for recovery. That spot was a little painful but took Tylenol and kept using cool/ice water over the Aquafor sometimes to cool the nose area. Ask your doc what is best for you. If you do exactly what they tell you, you will be so happy with your skin. Best of luck.

[@maltal8352]

How are your results ? Worth the money ?

[@rossysullenberger4616]

20 hours after the procedure now. The worst part of it is the wash section. I feel like I am almost passing out cleaning the last night ointment and reapplying it.😢

[@chem3066]

So true!!!!

[@nuearth305]

Does this apply to CO2 PIXEL as well? (the vinegar soaks and all)

[@lynjanis]

What about sun protection cream? And hydrating creams? After aquapor or before?

[@venomsorceress]

I found the burning sensation very painful while in doors. The cool air outside made it bearable. For the next time I was thinking of taking Tylenol before the procedure.

[@eurikafernandez476]

Is it okay to resume using retinoid (at night) after 10days post fractional co2 laser?

[@ericarona8599]

Do the Antibiotics and COX inhibitors interfere with the heal or rejuvenation?

[@TheMrfont]

Please do i have to put aquaphore right after the láser ?? Is it good?

[@yvette7493]

Is it okay to use red light near infrared light to heal skin faster

[@sonamsamuel877]

Is it okay to use Vaniply ointment instead of Aquaphor?

[@Sunshine-zw4ic]

What about exercise ? How long after the procedure I can start exercising again? Thank you for the video very informative.

[@FaceliftExpert]

I usually recommend waiting at least 2 weeks after the procedure and even then it is important to take it slow. You would have to be careful touching your face with your hands and washing your face after you exercise.

[@arunjp7188]

Two days bfr I had done my procedure on my arm..Now i feel some itching sense, so can i use ice pack ??

[@phaniprabha5827]

Co2 Laser treatment good for open pores.How many sessions take. pls tell me 🙏 🙏

[@almamarisoul]

Would love for you to try Miel Healing Balm for the recovery vs aquaphor ❤

[@Planewatchers]

What brand of suns block u prefer for us ?

[@riyaslifejourney4741]

I was working in IT can i allow to use laptop ? If no what to do ? Give some suggestions

[@farzanaakther7603]

Hi, Where are you located? I am looking into getting CO2 laser done but can't find any place near me

[@jyimata171]

Burning sensation happened after my procedure. 6 hrs after that I can able to breathe again . 😊

[@karaokay5444]

I was burning from the minute she started the procedure, the numbing cream didn’t do justice and I suffered greatly and especially after, I had to have my face against the AC for 2 hours otherwise It felt like my face was literally on fire 😅

[@xiannvzhang2544]

Dear Dr, what is the proper setting for Asian skin like Chinese/Korean/Japanese?

[@amerfipaulino27]

Can i use cicapair ? The green cream with spf?

[@aigerimbalabiyeva4208]

For 7 days after co2 laser just to do vinegar soaks, no need to wash the face with cetaphil cleanser? Only after 7 start to wash the face with cetaphil? Thank you for an answer

[@FaceliftExpert]

Please speak with your doctor who has performed the laser. I recommend vinegar soaks for my patients because I am performing deep laser resurfacing. Lighter treatments may be amenable to a light cleanser like cetaphil earlier than 7 days while deeper resurfacing may take 10 days or more before all the skin is healed and pink and ready for the cleanser.

[@scarface3793]

Does the vinegar soaks help remove some of the ointment left on the skin that water can't ? For how many days do i need to apply ointment on my face?

[@FaceliftExpert]

The washcloth helps remove some of the ointment. The length of time you will be using the ointment depends on how long it takes to have pink healed skin throughout. I would check in with your doctor. This video is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice from an established physician you have an existing relationship with. Thank you

[@goata007]

Are these instructions for non-fractional/fully ablative laser? I'm getting fractional laser for acne scar and the doctor said 2 -3 day downtime.

[@TheMrfont]

I got co2 for acne scars at day 5 scars start to pull away while I was putting my cream ( eucerin aquaphore) so it was impossible to not remove them while I was putting the cream on. I do not know if it is safe… my láser sessions I think are not deep enough cause I have got 4 and listed and I am in my second one. Maybe they are less deep because of that.

[@karengreen462]

I would avoid Aquafour. It contains glycerin that burns when applied. Vaseline is the very best thing to use, as it doesn't contain glycerin.

[@MD-rw6uh]

How can I remove the aquaphor? It is very oily and if I continue applying aquaphor more and more during the day it just build up too much oil 😢

[@909lynn1]

Im on day 8 and the scabs were completely off by day 5. Did they come off too soon because I have a very rough texture that looks scarred and I am worried this will not go away!

[@carlossalinas8512]

How is it now?

[@andromeda6086]

What is the other substitute for Aquaphor if it is not available?

[@Skeptouchos]

Vaseline

[@kristenschunemann615]

The pimples are my problem. Deep facial contour also BBL 4 weeks tomorrow.

[@pnevlud]

Will Tetra co2 yield any tightening to the skin?

[@birdlover7776]

You mentioned that the laser doesn’t really help on the neck. Why would that be?

[@alejandrazavala1557]

Hi dr I had co2 laser in my 5month old scar I got from a accident I didn’t get instructions on after care is it still ok to use my silicone gel or at this point it wouldn’t do anything to me ?

[@DallasNatureLover]

If someone’s skin does not handle Aquaphor, can Cerave Healing Ointment be used instead?

[@dn612]

Yea mine is breaking out like crazy white heads everywhere its diguisting and its hurts even more!

[@Skeptouchos]

Yeah I think Cerave Healing Ointment does the same thing, but if your skin gets irritated easily, then just use straight vaseline.

[@niuk6165]

Question. I am from the south east Asia and a therapist suggested that CO2 laser resurfacing is not ideal for our skin tone. What can you say about that?

[@maltal8352]

Doesn’t matter what skin tone . A therapist isn’t a doctor .

[@karaokay5444]

Darker skin tones are not ideal for this procedure. It can cause a lot of hyperpigmentation

[@violetfloris9927]

I didn’t get any redness and any peeling after a week from CO2 laser surfacing treatment . What does it mean ? Do you think the procedure has been correctly performed ?thank you

[@AUniqueHandleName444]

Was it a full ablative treatment or a fractional treatment like fraxel or clear+brilliant? Fractional treatment pretty much clears up within a week.

[@aniketsshinde]

hey i look forward to go beaches after 3 weeks of my laser is it ok ? and i also dont have any redness on fe=ace after 7 days of my treatment (it was mild laser treatment by the way)

[@salvatore1915]

Dr. may I ask how long do results last?

[@AmritGrewal31]

Apparently, your skin keeps improving for upto a year latet

[@GraceReed-fj8un]

Is it safe to use organic Aloe a day after treatment?

[@birdlover7776]

I did. Worked great

[@gudsrainham8208]

Hi I’ve just had this treatment yesterday but I was told to stay away from any products such as vinegar soaks & aquaphor as this all will burn open wounds which I can understand. So why is it these treatments are recommended time & time again?

[@vanea3821]

Always follow the instructions given by your doctor/therapist because each laser is different and they have different levels

[@yvette7493]

Can this procedure be used on eyelids

[@vanea3821]

Yes :-) at a lower level

[@klarab122]

I had my laser treatment today, was for acne scars, and it was a deep prefractional laser, my dermatologist told me to use just luke water not vinager, will I have the same results if I don't use vinegar? And if I can use vinegar can it be the one with the mother? Thank you!

[@TheMrfont]

Did u put cream right after the laser? I did it and i am scared i did it wrong ;(

[@Skeptouchos]

Generally I think the vinegar should be Distilled White Vinegar

[@bahadarkhanv196]

Excuse me sir, my CO2 laser treatment is tomorrow. What is necessary before the treatment. I have confused about side effects and the duration of complete treatment. Kindly tell me that how much time is required to completely treatment and side effects. I shall be very thankful to you for this act of kindness.

[@bahadarkhanv196]

I am student of university. Do it affect on my study?

[@rahulbhaldand8164]

I am from india I have one medical query pls ans it ,I have taken first session of fractional co2 laser for acne scar but I didnt notice any redness or skin peeling or crust does that mean co2 laser didnt work or my skin is not reacting to co2 laser ,I asked about this to my dermatologist and he told me it happens sometimes but want to know medical reason of no peeling or redness

[@julietteivers5875]

Maybe he used low settings

[@rahulbhaldand8164]

@@julietteivers5875 ys

[@aniketsshinde]

hi i am also from india had my laser treatment on low setting i wanted to ask can i go out on holiday to beaches after 3 weeks of my treatment

[@nerrea5525]

Is this about all the lasers Co2

[@AravindSanthosh03]

I had a laser treatment yesterday and i do bought a sun screen as said.I apply sunscream at 10am daily.My doctor told me that it isn't required to reapply sunscreen as iam staying indoors all time. So what is your opinion? Should I follow as my doctor said, or is she wrong about this? Should I really reapply sunscreen when indoors?

[@MariaOSullivan42]

No of course not. There is no sun indoors

[@AravindSanthosh03]

@@MariaOSullivan42 actually there is...Sunlight passes through windows

[@justchill-launde]

From last 2 months redness is not fading away what to do

[@birdlover7776]

Cortisone cream

[@stackingnpacking946]

When can we stop using the Aquaphor and start using regular moisturizer?

[@TheMrfont]

Did u put aquaphore rigth after the laser ? Did u get co2 laser ( acne scars)??

[@stackingnpacking946]

@@TheMrfont Yes I did put Aquaphor right after the laser treatment. And yes it was Co2 for acne scars.

[@TheMrfont]

@@stackingnpacking946 i was scared cause i thought i had to wait some days to put the aquaphore in order to not avoid natural procces of skin regenerarion ! But i think we did it rigth

[@stackingnpacking946]

@@TheMrfont I sure hope we did haha. I might just try regular moisturizer for my next treatment.

[@TheMrfont]

@@stackingnpacking946 i wish the best for you! I don’t know what is that cause English is not my first language but I hope It works perfectly for you!

[@pnevlud]

Question I am at week 8 from co2 fractional laser Apparently I had a festoon which this treatment has left me with a small lump of edema on one cheek 🤦‍♀️ lymphatic drainage, jade rolling, ice and pressing on it will not get it out. 🤦‍♀️ maybe in time? and second question, my neck and chest looks kinda waxy Wondering if that will settle down ? Thanks ❤

[@FaceliftExpert]

Usually CO2 fractional laser is a treatment for malar festoons so it’s unusual you developed it after the laser. Have you had any other procedure such as filler injections with Juvederm or Restylane or fat grafting? This can add more swelling after laser resurfacing. In regards to your chest, the skin quality is different on the chest and can react differently than the face. I would check in with your surgeon about what can be done for the waxy appearance.

[@pnevlud]

Thank you for your response yes I had cheek filler last year. And the chest is waxy looking on and off if that makes sense and the edema on the cheek looks better after massaging it My doc says just give it time. Initially I thought it was old filler and she should try to dissolve it but she is saying no 🤦‍♀️ so confusing. I hate the wait 😂 my doc is saying it is only 9 weeks today see how things resolve themselves before I think if a second round

[@L.Alexie]

I had co2 laser on the 19th I’m on day 3. I woke up nauseous and dizzy is that normal. I’m scared the antibiotic and antiviral are making me sick

[@wilton2ttina]

how did you like your results? I'm getting ready to have this done in 3 months... I'm very nervous...

[@L.Alexie]

@@wilton2ttina I took the antiviral and antibiotic for 3 days and was so sick and dizzy. My dr told me to stop taking them. It cost $1500 and I kinda feel like it was a rip off. They numbed my face but it was still a lil uncomfortable in some spots. Around my lips were the worse. It was bearable though. My face got darker each day and the most swelling was around day 3. I was nervous seeing that lol. I was scary looking. You have to keep your face covered in aquaphor and it was hard for me to sleep propped up on my back. Once the brown spots started coming off I was like oooh! My face was red but it was so tight and smooth. As the days go on it just started looking how I looked before I got it done. I use cerave night cream and wash with cerave face wash. I know they say it takes up to 6 months for collagen to build up and see full results I’m at 4 months but feel like the results are hardly noticeable. I almost didn’t get it done after seeing so many before and afters that looked no different. The dr did say some people need another treatment but I can’t see myself spending another $1500. I saw a video of a dude who had really deep rolling and ice pick scars looking hardly no different after 6 treatments.

[@chem3066]

The pain and burning feeling is horrible

[@kaa6734]

You didn't mention anything about. Antibiotic medicine for cold sores if you have your. Lots of things you did not. But your comments are positive so I won't say no more 😢

[@jhonastrologo3914]

can i smoke after co2 laser

[@AmritGrewal31]

Then what the phck is the point?

[@colleendavis2102]

I have this done 17 days ago and my skin is still burning

[@dn612]

Omgggg 😢😢😢

[@marileen._.]

How is your skin now?

[@vanesag2937]

😂😂

[@helentuttle7864]

Very difficult to hear you speaking.