Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Skin Restoration and Laser Institute

Recovering from Level III CO₂ Laser Resurfacing can be an exercise in patience and faith; but if you’re concerned by wrinkles, rough texture or acne scars, it can also be one of the most rewarding decisions you will make for yourself. Knowing what to expect in advance is key to having a more peaceful recovery.

Day 1-7

It’s start with most prominent question first –

WILL I BE IN PAIN AFTER MY SURGERY???

This surgery is not particularly “painful.” You will experience a sunburn sensation that comes and goes over the first few days and your skin will be tender to touch. You can expect some swelling as well. With in 7 days, these sensitivities should be resolved.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE FIRST 7 DAYS OF MY RECOVERY?

Once your surgery is complete, you will spend about 1/1/2 hours in the recovery room with your personal recovery staff member (that’s me). You will find yourself in a very comfortable recliner with warm air system to keep you cozy. We will go over your at-home instructions in detail with you and your caregiver and answer any questions you may have.

You will leave Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center in a facial bandage with opening for your eyes, nose and mouth. You will be sent home with a special post-laser ointment. You will apply this ointment to any areas where your skin is not covered by your bandage such as around the lips, nose and eyelids.

24 hours after your surgery you will return to our office to have your bandages removed. We will apply an ointment to your skin and apply a new bandage for another 24 hours.

48 hours after your surgery, you will return to our office for the second post op visit. At this visit Dr. Castillo will remove your bandage permanently. Now that your bandage is off, your main job at home is to keep your skin covered with a special post-laser ointment for the next 5-6 days and of course to avoid ALL sun exposure. We will review your post op instructions again and answer any questions you or your family may have. And remember we are always here if you have a question.

On day 6 or 7, you will return to our office for your third post-op visit. You will be healed at this point but your skin will still be red or pink. But that’s okay… Get ready to feel like a new person!! It’s camouflage day!!!. After visiting with Dr. Castillo, you will be escorted back to our skincare suite – the fun room!!   Here you will meet with me, the skincare and laser specialist at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center. This is an important step in feeling more like yourself! It’s tough hiding out for a week but by the time you leave the office today you will be ready for a lunch date! You will be amazed at how easy it can be to cover any signs of redness with the proper cosmetics and technique. Don’t worry; we will get you set up with everything you need to look fabulous at your next social event!

During this camouflage appointment, you also learn how to prevent future sun damage and how to properly maintain your new radiant, smooth skin in the short term and in the long term. It will be imperative that you avoid sun exposure for the next 6 months, as your skin will be very sun sensitive. This means we recommend you always use a wide-brim hat, UV protective sunglasses and apply Castillo MD Skin Science Physical Defense, Prime Defense or Sun Defense sunscreen when going outside or traveling in your vehicle. When applying sunscreen, apply one layer, let it dry, then apply an additional layer before going out.

HOW WILL I CARE FOR MY SKIN AT HOME?

Day 7-15:

1. MORNING –

• Moisturize: Remove any Elta, Aquaphor or Bacitracin remaining on your skin from the night before.
• Apply the moisturizer Dr. Castillo has selected for you (Restore or Calmative Cream by Castillo MD Skin Science). This product is a moisturizer. You will need to re-apply it to the lasered areas a few times during the day to avoid getting dry.
• Protect: Before going outside or traveling in your vehicle, apply Physical Defense, Prime Defense or Sun Defense Sunscreen, let it dry for 3 minutes, then apply an additional layer.

You will need to re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours if outside or traveling. You will need to apply every 80 minutes if sweating or if your skin becomes wet.

2. NIGHT-

• Cleanse: Apply Gentle Cleanser by Castillo MD Skin Science to damp skin with your fingers. Then wet your sponge and cleanse in a circular motion, removing any dead skin or yellow/green exudate. Rinse, and pat dry.

• Moisturize: Apply the ointment Dr. Castillo has selected for you, (Elta, Bacitracin, or Aquaphor) to the lasered areas.

When you are ready, generally within 3-5 weeks, I recommend scheduling a skincare check up with me. This allows us to customize your daily skincare routine to your specific skin needs. From here on out, simple maintenance is key!

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

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800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)