Tetra Deka C02 Laser Aftercare Calgary

Proper aftercare following your CO2 laser treatment is essential for achieving optimal results and ensuring smooth healing. At Elysian Laser Aesthetics in Mahogany, Southeast Calgary, we provide comprehensive recovery instructions for all CO2 laser resurfacing and CoolPeel skin tightening procedures. Whether you’ve had a deep CO2 laser treatment requiring one week of recovery or a gentler CoolPeel treatment with 24-48 hours of downtime, following these day-by-day aftercare guidelines will help you heal safely, minimize complications, and maximize your skin rejuvenation results.

This complete CO2 laser aftercare guide covers everything you need to know from the day of treatment through full recovery, including detailed instructions for cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection, and recognizing warning signs that require immediate attention. Our Calgary clinic team is here to support you every step of the way as your skin transforms and heals.

Recovery Timeline:

  • Day 0: Treatment day – Red, swollen
  • Days 1-2: Peak swelling, very red
  • Days 3-4: Sandpaper texture begins, skin is pink
  • Days 5-7: Active peeling and flaking, pink skin
  • Days 6-14: Light Pink skin, nearly healed

How to care for your skin after a Deka C02 Treatment:

Day of Treatment:

  • Return home immediately after treatment
  • Infection is a risk for the first 1-2 days after treatment and you must be VERY cautious of keeping skin clean, hydrated and safe.
  • Swelling, oozing and mild bleeding are normal. If this occurs, wipe off excess ointment, cleanse skin and clean off blood. Allow skin to be dry for 15 minutes for clotting to finish and then reapply the ointment.
  • Apply ice packs if needed, ensuring that they are CLEAN prior (Clean with dish soap, rinse and then dry thoroughly)
  • Always ensure your hands are thoroughly clean before touching face. Keep touching skin to a minimum
  • Sleep with head elevated to minimize swelling (use 2 pillows)
  • Use only clean pillowcases daily. Change pillowcase daily for first 2-3 days. Add an extra pillow for the first 2-3 nights to reduce swelling.
  • Cleanse skin twice per day using gentle cleanser, cool water and clean hands only. Gently pat dry with a CLEAN towel.
  • Apply prescribed healing ointment/creams every few hours or when skin feels tight (do not let skin dry out, keep it very hydrated!)
  • Take anti-viral medication for cold sores if required
  • Stay indoors and away from all sun exposure
  • Avoid prolonged hot showers – steam can irritate healing skin. No saunas, hot tubs or swimming. Keep the treated area out of shower water spray as much as possible.
  • Drink plenty of water as well as electrolytes
  • Continue taking vitamins and eating healthy food.
  • Absolutely NO alcohol or smoking until skin has fully healed, this will impair the healing process and could make skin look worse. Minimum of 7 days, 2 weeksstrongly suggested.
  • If you suspect that your skin came into contact with something unclean (ie. Food, pet kisses or pet hair, accidental touch with dirty hands, etc), then immediately wipe off creams, cleanse skin and reapply creams again.

Days 1-2:

  • Skin will feel tight, will likely be swollenand appear very red (similar to after a sunburn)
  • Continue sleeping elevated on clean pillowcases. Change pillowcase daily.
  • Cleanse hands thoroughly before each skin touch or product application
  • Avoid hot showers – steam can irritate healing skin. Keep the treated area out of water spray as much as possible.
  • No hot tubs, saunas or swimming of any kind for a minimum of one week.
  • Gently cleanse with prescribed cleanser using cool water twice per day
  • Pat dry with clean towels only
  • Apply prescribed healing ointment every few hours or when skin feels tight (do not let skin dry out, keep it very hydrated!)
  • Absolutely no outdoor UV exposure (after dark it is ok to go outdoors, ensuring that skin stays clean and safe from wind, dust, dirt, etc)
  • NO regular skincare products, makeup, or sunscreen
  • Drink plenty of water as well as electrolytes (ideally 2L per day for healing)
  • Continue taking vitamins and eat healthy food. Absolutely NO alcohol or smoking until skin has fully healed (minimum one week), this will impair the healing process and could make skin look worse.
  • If you suspect that your skin came into contact with something unclean (ie. Food, pet kisses or pet hair, accidental touch with dirty hands, etc), then immediately wipe off ointment, cleanse skin and reapply ointment again.

 

Days 3-4:

  • Skin begins developing sandpaper texture and may look very crinkled and crepey. It will soon begin flaking.
  • Maintain strict cleansing routine with clean hands only
  • Continue sleeping elevated on clean pillowcases. Change pillowcase daily.
  • Do not pick or peel loose skin!!!!
  • Gently cleanse with prescribed cleanser using cool water twice per day. If it doesn’t cause pain, you can gentle wipe off dead skin, but be very gentle!
  • If there is a lot of dead skin, you can try to GENTLY wipe it off using a clean cloth. Stop if this causes any pain and try again the next day.
  • Apply prescribed healing creams every 3-5 hours or when skin feels dry or tight (do not let skin dry out, keep it very hydrated!).
  • Stay indoors – skin is still too sensitive for sunscreen. Absolutely no outdoor UV exposure (after dark or in full shade it is ok to go outdoors, ensuring that skin stays clean and safe from wind, dust, dirt, etc)
  • NO regular skincare products, makeup, or sunscreen yet!
  • Itching is normal as the skin begins to heal. DO NOT SCRATCH!!! Use ice to calm itchiness and take daytime antihistamines if necessary. Cold packs also help with itching.
  • Continue taking vitamins, drink plenty of water and electrolytes and eat healthy food.
  • Absolutely NO alcohol or smoking until skin has fully healed, this will increase swelling and impair the healing process and could make skin look worse.
  • If you suspect that your skin came into contact with something unclean (ie. Food, pet kisses or pet hair, accidental touch with dirty hands, etc), then immediately wipe off creams, cleanse skin and reapply creams again.

 

Days 5-7:

  • Flaking begins. DO NOT PICK AS THIS WILL CAUSE SCARRING.
  • Skin can be GENTLY scrubbed to help exfoliate peeling skin, only if this does not cause any pain
  • Continue gentle cleansingand healing cream or natural/gentle moisturizer application twice per day
  • Apply prescribed healing creams every few hours or when skin feels tight (do not let skin dry out, keep it very hydrated!)
  • NO regular skincare products or makeup yet unless approved by your technician
  • Mild itching is normal as the skin begins to heal. DO NOT SCRATCH!!! Use ice to calm the itchiness and take daytime antihistamines (Reactine or Claritin) if necessary.
  • May begin mineral sunscreen once most peeling has subsided (typically day 4-7). Test a small spot first and wait several minutes. If stinging or discomfort occurs, then wash off and wait one more day to begin using sunscreen.

 

Days 6-14:

  • Redness should have mostly calmed down, lightly pink skin
  • Use plenty of mineral sunscreen daily, hatsand avoid unnecessary sun exposure
  • May gradually resume normal activities with mineral sun protection
  • Use gentle skincare products, skin may still be more dry than normal
  • NO retinol, actives or acids in skin care (minimum 4 weeks)

 

Important Don’ts Throughout Recovery:

  • No picking, peeling, or scratching at all
  • No regular skincare products or makeup for a minimum of one week
  • No sun exposure without mineral sunscreen (start sunscreen minimum 4 days after the treatment).
  • Going outdoors in full shade only with no wind is acceptable after 2 days. You can go outdoors after dark.
  • No activities causing sweating for a minimum of one week. Gentle exercising is ok if there is no sweating.
  • No prolonged hot showers, baths, swimming or saunas for one week minimum
  • Absolutely NO alcohol or tobacco products for a minimum of 2 weeks. Any use of these substances will increase histamines and delay healing, which will make skin look worse!
  • No touching face without clean hands. Keep touching to a minimum and always be gentle!

What’s Normal vs. Warning Signs during C02 lasers recovery

Normal Recovery Signs:

  • Redness, swelling, oozing (first 1-2 days)
  • Sandpaper texture and flaking (days 3-7)
  • Mild itching (days 3-7)
  • Pink skin (days 6-14)

Warning Signs – Contact Your Technician asap (by TEXT AND EMAIL) If:

  • Severe pain or burning sensation after the first day
  • Signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, oozing after the first 1-2 days)
  • Yellow or green discharge past the first day
  • Fever/Chills
  • Cold sores or major breakouts (some mild breakouts are normal considering the heavy skin care products used)
  • Unusual bleeding after the first day
  • Severe itching (Daytime antihistamines and ice can use used for severe itchiness)
  • Any concerns about healing process

Remember: Patience is key – full results develop over several months as your immune system takes time to heal your skin!

TEXT: (368) 399-4013       EMAIL: info@elysianlaser.ca

 

 CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“The aftercare instructions from Elysian Laser were so thorough! I knew exactly what to expect each day of my recovery. My skin healed perfectly and the results are amazing!”

– Nancy, Calgary

FAQ’s

How long does it take to heal from CO2 laser treatment in Calgary?

CO2 laser recovery at our Calgary clinic typically takes 7-14 days, depending on treatment intensity. The first 1-2 days involve swelling and redness similar to a sunburn. Days 3-4, your skin develops a sandpaper texture and begins flaking. By days 5-7, most peeling subsides and you can start using mineral sunscreen. Full healing with faded redness occurs by days 6-14, though your skin continues improving for several months as collagen rebuilds. Deep CO2 treatments require about one week of indoor recovery, while CoolPeel treatments typically need only 24-48 hours of downtime.

When can I wear makeup after my CO2 laser treatment?

You should wait a minimum of one week before applying makeup after your CO2 laser treatment at Elysian Laser Aesthetics. Your skin needs time to heal completely, and makeup can introduce bacteria or irritate healing skin during the critical first week. Once most peeling has subsided (typically days 5-7) and your technician has approved it, you can gradually resume makeup use. Start with clean, mineral-based products and avoid anything with harsh chemicals or fragrances. Always ensure your skin is fully healed and check with our Calgary clinic team before applying any cosmetics.

What should I do if my skin feels extremely itchy after CO2 laser resurfacing?

Itching is completely normal during CO2 laser healing, especially around days 3-7 as new skin forms. At our Calgary clinic, we recommend using clean ice packs or cold compresses to calm itchiness – never scratch your healing skin, as this can cause scarring. Take daytime antihistamines like Reactine or Claritin if itching becomes severe. Keep your skin well-hydrated with prescribed healing ointments applied every few hours. If itching is accompanied by increased redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge, contact us immediately at 368-399-4013 as these may be signs of infection requiring prompt attention.

 

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