CO2 laser resurfacing is a procedure used to rejuvenate and correct aging or damaged skin. The procedure is most commonly used to minimize the appearance of fine lines, especially around the mouth and the eyes. It is also effective in treating acne scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. Laser resurfacing can also be done with other cosmetic operations such as eyelid surgery.

Laser resurfacing effectively removes the upper layer of skin in problematic areas. New skin is then formed in those areas. The new skin appears younger, more elastic, and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of age. We specialize in laser resurfacing around the eye and mouth areas.

Laser resurfacing can be a rewarding experience. However, it comes with a daunting recovery time. It also requires more pre-surgical preparation and after-surgery care than many other cosmetic procedures. After your CO2 laser skin resurfacing procedure you will experience, for a short time, a recovery process that will make your skin look and feel its absolute worst. You may even wonder why you decided to undergo such a procedure. But the final results of laser resurfacing can be remarkable.

This is why MN Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Specialists have chosen SkinCeuticals, a topical treatment plan, and VitaMedica, a vitamin supplement program, to help provide a quicker recovery time and increase your procedure benefits. This product line will aid in the healing process making your procedure as quick and comfortable as possible.

When you arrive for your initial consult at our office, a skin care program will be given to you as a part of your package plan for your procedure. In the next few pages there is a list of what some of those products might include.

Laser resurfacing won't completely remove all facial flaws or prevent further aging. We can suggest ways to help you preserve and maintain your results by protecting your skin from sun exposure and by applying other lifestyle changes.

As with any procedure, risks are involved, including burns, scarring, and obvious lightening or darkening of the treated skin. Ask our doctors about your level of risk. Not everyone is a candidate for laser resurfacing. Our physicians can help direct you in your best treatment options. Call 952-925-4161 for a consultation.

There are several steps you can take in order to ensure optimal results of your surgery that can begin well before your surgery is performed. During the 4-6 weeks prior to your surgery, you should maintain a well balanced diet as well as staying hydrated (6-8 glasses of water a day).

Blood thinners, including smoking, should ideally be avoided two weeks prior to surgery. However we understand that certain prescribed medications cannot be or need to be gradually weaned off of. Always talk to your doctor before going off of any prescription medication as they are most familiar with your specific medical needs.

To prepare your skin before the procedure, several products are included in your treatment plan. These include a custom package of SkinCeuticals products for daily use, as well as a VitaMedica Healing Supplements Program.

Finally you will be sent three prescription medications in the week prior to your surgery. These can be filled at your local pharmacy and should be started one day prior to your surgery.

These prescriptions include:

• Ciprofloxacin 500 mg- This is an anti-bacterial that is to be taken twice daily beginning one day before your surgery and continuing for fourteen days following the resurfacing.

• Acyclovir (Zorvirax) 400 mg- an anti-viral that is to be taken three times a day beginning the day before your surgery and continuing for ten days.

• Fluconazole 400 mg- an anti-fungal that is only taken once the morning of your surgery on an empty stomach with a small sip of water.

This daily home skin care routine can be started as soon as surgery is scheduled. For optimum results, start the regime four to six weeks before you undergo your procedure and continue it long after your initial healing has finished.

In the A.M.

1. Cleanse- Use the Gentle Cleanser to gently clean the face.

2. Tone- Use Equalizing Toner or the Revitalizing Toner depending on your skin type. Gently use a cotton ball or cotton facial pad.

3. Antioxidant- Apply CE Ferulic on the face and Eye Gel around the sensitive eye area.

4. Pigment Control- Apply Phyto+ gel on entire face to treat spots.

5. Moisturize- Apply Skin Firming Cream on face and Eye Cream around eyes.

6. Protect- Always finish with SkinCeuticals SPF Protect Line of sunscreen for the daytime when sun exposure is at the highest. This includes during the wintertime as well.

In the P.M.

1. Cleanse- Wash your face using the Gentle Cleanser in the evening.

2. Tone- Gently apply the toner using a cotton ball or cotton facial pad.

3. Pigment Control- Apply The Phyto+ gel for dark spots.

4. Moisturize- Apply Skin Firming Cream and Eye Cream.

VitaMedica's Healing Supplements Program is a ten day supplement routine designed to minimize bruising, swelling and general inflammation associated with many surgical procedures. It is ideal for less extensive procedures including blepharoplasty, Botox and cosmetic filler injections, forehead and brow lifts, and the Co2 laser resurfacing.

VitaMedica's Healing Supplements Program contains several nutraceuticals. These include Bromelain with Quercetin, which are two natural ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, and Arnica Montana 30X, which is designed to reduce bruising and swelling.

However you should always check with your doctor before going on any supplements program especially if you are:

• Pregnant or Lactating

• Diabetic

• Have a history of abnormal heart rhythms

• Are taking prescription blood thinners like Coumadin

• Are allergic to pineapple

Begin taking Bromelain with Quercetin three days before surgery. It should be continued after surgery until the inflammation and swelling have subsided. This is usually 7-10 days post-operatively but can vary depending on your individual healing process.

The Arnica Montana 30X is started immediately following surgery and should be continued until bruising and swelling subsides. Please refer to the back of the box given to you for proper instruction.

A post-operative appointment will be made for you within a week to ten days following your procedure. During that time keep physical activity and outside sun exposure to an absolute minimum. Do not touch the affected area unnecessarily, and never pick or scratch at the affected area.

Remember: DO NOT EXPOSE THE SKIN TO THE SUN FOR 6-12 MONTHS FOLLOWING YOUR PROCEDURE. SKINCEUTICALS SPF SUNBLOCK MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHILE OUTDOORS AND IN ALL SEASONS.

Most procedures go normally. However, risks of complications always exist. Please call our office immediately if you experience any of the following:

• A temperature exceeding 100 degrees

• Extreme swelling, stinging or itching, as this may be a sign of injury or allergic reaction.

• If you have a flare-up of pre-conditioned cold sores or fever blisters

If any of these conditions happen outside of regular office hours our doctors can be paged through our answering service at 952-925-4161

After surgery, the target areas of CO2 resurfacing will weep a clear, reddish liquid for 3 to 7 days. It may be very pronounced within the first 24 hours. Keeping a towel around the neck at all times to absorb run-off may be helpful. However, the towel is only for any fluid that may drip and should not be used to pat or rub dry the area.

You may experience a mild pain or burning sensation after surgery. A mild pain medication will usually be enough to relieve this discomfort. This will usually be prescribed at the hospital following surgery.

Swelling is also expected during the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Sleeping with your head elevated by pillows is recommended.

Redness is expected over the targeted area. In the beginning the redness can be very intense and appear like severe sunburn. This is very normal and will gradually fade over a period of 3-6 months.

Follow all labeled instructions when administering prescription medications.

Aquaphor will be applied to the target area before you leave the hospital. This product is an ointment that should be applied shortly after resurfacing and for approximately one week thereafter. Aquaphor will form a protective barrier over the sensitive skin allowing the skin to remain moist and minimizing crusting and irritation.

Days 1-2 following resurfacing

• The Aquaphor on your face that you are sent home with must not be disturbed for the first 24 hours.

• On the second day post-op, cleanse the affected area for several minutes, using a solution of 1 tablespoon white vinegar in 1 cup of cool water. Do this 4 times per day.

• Use gauze or a Q-tip to gently roll over the surface of your skin removing any excess debris that may have collected on the skin. Gently pat dry the area with a soft towel and apply a thick layer of Aquaphor after every cleansing.

• The Aquaphor should be applied 6-8 times a day or whenever the skin begins to dry out. Remember your skin must remain moist at all times.

• DO NOT PICK OR SCRUB AWAY DEAD SKIN OR SCABS. THIS WILL ONLY DELAY THE HEALING PROCESS AND MAY RESULT IN SCARRING.

Days 3-7

• Cleanse twice daily using SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser

• Apply Aquaphor after each cleansing

Days 8-14

• Continue to cleanse with the gentle cleanser twice a day

• Apply Physical Defense SPF every day before leaving the house

• On the 15th day your normal pre-operative skin care regime can resume as well as the application of cosmetics (hypo-allergenic or mineral based).

• Remember you will need to keep your skin out of the sun for at least one year. During that time your SkinCeuticals SPF should be worn at all times when outdoors.

At least three days should be taken off before returning to work, however if your job is image conscious, such as high end sales, or involves environmental dust or debris, or involves sun exposure, we recommend taking up to two weeks off of work.

We hope this procedure will be a rewarding experience for you. Minnesota Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Specialists we do everything we can to make your healing time as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions about the information you have just read, please do not hesitate to call our office at 952-925-4161.

To download an easy to use product instruction sheet, click here.