Pre & Post Treatment Care

Erbium laser resurfacing removes controlled layers of skin to stimulate renewal and collagen production.
Proper aftercare is essential for healing, comfort, and optimal results

1. What to Expect After Treatment

Normal and expected reactions include:

• • Redness and swelling
  • Oozing or pinpoint bleeding during the first 24 hours
  • Crusting or scabbing as the skin heals
  • Tightness, burning, or tenderness
  • Pink or red skin after crusting resolves

Initial healing typically occurs over 7–10 days, though redness may persist for several weeks and gradually
fade.

2. First 24–72 Hours (Critical Healing Phase)

Expect swelling and oozing during the first 1–2 days.

• • Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
  • Apply cool compresses as directed to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
  • Take prescribed medications exactly as instructed (antivirals, antibiotics, pain medication if prescribed).

3. Cleansing and Wound Care

Follow your provider’s specific wound care instructions. General guidance includes:

• • Cleanse the treated area gently 2–4 times daily using the recommended cleanser or saline.
  • Pat dry gently. Do not rub.
  • Apply the prescribed healing ointment (such as petrolatum-based or occlusive barrier) to always keep the skin moist.
  • Do not allow the skin to dry out or scab excessively.
  • Do not pick, scratch, or peel flaking skin or crusts. This increases the risk of scarring and pigmentation changes.

4. Skin Care Products

Until fully healed:

• • Use only products approved by your provider.
  • Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, or active skincare products.
  • Avoid makeup until the skin is fully re-epithelialized (usually 7–10 days).

Once healed, your provider will guide you on when to slowly reintroduce active products.

5. Sun Protection (Extremely Important)

• • Avoid direct sun exposure completely during healing.
  • Once the skin has healed, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30–50+ daily.
  • Wear wide-brimmed hats and protective clothing.
  • Avoid tanning beds and self-tanner until cleared by your provider.

Sun exposure too soon after treatment greatly increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

6. Activity, Heat, and Environment

• • Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy sweating, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs for 7–10 days.
  • Avoid swimming pools, oceans, or lakes until fully healed.
  • Stay in a clean environment and avoid dust, smoke, or pet hair exposure to the treated area.

7. Pain and Swelling Management

• • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used for discomfort.
  • Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs unless specifically directed.
  • Swelling typically peaks at 48–72 hours, then gradually improves.

8. Results and Healing Timeline

• • New skin forms within 7–10 days.
  • Redness may persist for several weeks and fades gradually.
  • Texture and tone continue to improve over weeks to months as collagen remodels.
  • Multiple treatments may be recommended depending on the patient’s goals.

9. When to Contact the Office Immediately

Contact the clinic if you experience:

• • Increasing pain, redness, or swelling after the first few days
  • Yellow drainage, foul odor, fever, or signs of infection
  • Excessive bleeding that does not stop
  • Severe or worsening pigmentation changes
  • Any symptoms that feel unusual or concerning

10. Follow-Up

• • Follow-up visits are typically scheduled to monitor healing.
  • Your provider will advise when additional treatments or skincare can be resumed.