🩺 30-Day CO₂ Fractional Laser Aftercare Guide

Ablative CO₂ • Body Treatment (Not Face)

This guide outlines the correct, evidence-based aftercare following an ablative CO₂ fractional laser treatment on the body. Follow each step precisely to reduce the risk of infection, scarring, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

🧼 1. What You Need to Purchase

• 🧴 Topical antibiotic ointment  (Fucidin – orange label) Thin protective layer during early healing

• 🫧 Gentle cleanser Antibacterial baby foam or mild, fragrance-free wash

• 🩹 Medical-grade silicone gel or silicone sheets For scar modulation after skin closure

• ☀️ Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 50+ Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic (mineral preferred)

⚠️ Precaution:If you have known sensitivities or allergies to antibiotics, silicone, or sunscreen ingredients, consult your clinician before use.

📋 2. Daily Care Routine

⏱️ First 24 Hours

• ❌ Do not wash the area for the first 12–24 hours

• 🧼 Keep the area clean, dry, and untouched

• 🧴 Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment every 4 hours

• 🧊 Cool compress allowed (15 minutes, clean cloth barrier)

• 👕 Wear loose clothing to avoid friction

• 🚫 Do not cover tightly unless instructed

📅 Days 2–7

• 🫧 Clean gently twice daily with mild cleanser

• 🩹 Pat dry with sterile gauze — no rubbing

• 🧴 Continue antibiotic ointment 2–3× daily

• 🚿 Showers allowed (lukewarm only)

• 🚫 No baths, swimming, or soaking

• 🚫 No exercise, sweating, or heat exposure

• ❌ Do not peel, scratch, or remove flaking skin

📅 Days 8–14

• 🧴 Switch to light, fragrance-free moisturizer (twice daily)

• 🩹 Begin silicone gel or sheets

  • Sheets: minimum 12 hours/day

  • Gel: thin layer 2× daily

• ☀️ Start SPF 50+ sunscreen every morning

• 👕 Cover treated area when outdoors

• 🚫 Still avoid acids, retinoids, scrubs, or perfumes

📅 Days 15–30

• 🩹 Continue daily silicone therapy

• 🧴 Continue moisturizing regularly

• ☀️ Strict sun protection daily

• 🚫 No tanning or intentional sun exposure

• ✅ Resume normal activity only if skin is fully healed

🚫 3. What NOT to Do

• ❌ Do not scratch, peel, or pick the skin

• ❌ No sun exposure for at least 30 days

• ❌ No makeup, perfumes, exfoliants, acids, or retinoids

• ❌ No hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or swimming (7–10 days)

• ❌ No intense exercise or sweating (3–5 days)

• ❌ Do not use unapproved creams or home remedies

⚠️ 4. Watch for Complications

Contact your clinician immediately if you notice:

• 🔴 Worsening redness after Day 3

• 🟡 Yellow discharge, crusting, or foul smell

• 💥 Increasing pain or swelling

• 🌡️ Fever or chills

• ⚫ Sudden darkening of treated skin (PIH)

If symptoms appear:

• 🧼 Resume gentle cleansing

• 🧴 Reapply antibiotic ointment

• 🚫 Stop all other products

• 📞 Contact your treating clinician immediately

✅ Key Notes

• Body skin heals slower than facial skin

• Moist healing reduces scarring

• Sun protection is non-negotiable

• Silicone therapy improves final skin outcome

• When unsure — do nothing and ask your clinician

🧼 1. What You Need to Purchase

• Fucidin ointment (orange label) – thin healing layer

• Gentle antibacterial baby foam – for cleaning

• Medical-grade silicone sheet or gel – to promote faster healing and reduce scarring

• Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) – non-comedogenic, fragrance-free

📋 2. Daily Care Routine

Step-by-Step Care

• First 24 Hours:

  • Keep the area clean and dry.

  • Do not wash for the first 12 hours.

  • Apply Fucidin ointment in a thin layer every 4 hours to protect the skin barrier.

• Days 2–7:

  • Gently wash with antibacterial baby foam twice a day.

  • Pat dry with sterile gauze — never rub.

  • Reapply Fucidin ointment 3× daily until peeling resolves.

• Days 8–14:

  • Switch to a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer twice daily.

  • Start applying medical-grade silicone sheet or gel daily (minimum 12 hours wear per day).

  • Begin applying SPF 50+ sunscreen every morning (even indoors if exposed to light).

• Days 15–30:

  • Continue using the silicone sheet or gel daily.

  • Continue sunscreen protection strictly.

🚫 3. What NOT to Do

• ❌ Do not scratch or peel off flaking skin — allow natural shedding.

• ❌ Avoid sun exposure for at least 1 month — wear a wide-brim hat if outside.

• ❌ No makeup or harsh skincare (acids, retinoids, scrubs) until cleared by your provider.

• ❌ Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or swimming for 7–10 days.

• ❌ Avoid heavy sweating and exercise for 3–5 days post-treatment.

⚠️ 4. Watch for Complications

Seek help if you notice:

• Severe or worsening redness after Day 3

• Yellow crusting or discharge

• Painful swelling or spreading rash

• Sudden darkening of treated skin

If symptoms occur:

• Resume gentle washing and Fucidin ointment

• Keep area clean and dry

• Contact your treating clinician immediately
  

  

  

  

✅ Final Tip

CO₂ fractional laser results improve gradually over several weeks. Be patient, protect your skin from the sun, and maintain consistent aftercare — including daily silicone application — to optimize healing and achieve the best outcome.