Erbium Laser Aftercare Instructions
These are my instructions for before and after Erbium laser resurfacing. Keep them available during recovery, follow the timing that applies to you, and call the office if your skin is not healing as described.
23+ YEARS EXPERIENCE | BOARD CERTIFIED MD | FORMER ASST. PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE | 5.0★ ACROSS 136 REVIEWS
About the Procedure
Erbium laser resurfacing removes controlled layers of damaged skin so new skin can heal in its place. Redness, swelling and peeling are expected parts of recovery. The depth of treatment determines how quickly the skin closes and when products and activities can safely return.
Before Your Treatment
In the weeks before
- Keep the treatment area out of direct sun for at least four weeks. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher when the area cannot be covered.
- Avoid deep chemical peels, dermabrasion and strong exfoliants for at least four weeks before treatment.
- Tell me if you have a history of cold sores in the treatment area. I may prescribe antiviral medication beginning two days before treatment and continuing for three days after.
- Use only the preparation creams I have recommended for you.
The days before
- Stop these products before your treatment:
- Oral isotretinoin (Accutane): at least 6 months before
- Retinoids (tretinoin, retinol): 7 days before
- Hydroquinone: 7 days before
- Acne creams and gels, such as benzoyl peroxide: 5 days before
- Alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHA / BHA): 5 days before
- Vitamin C: 3 days before
- Scrubs and other exfoliants: 3 days before
- If you take doxycycline, minocycline or another medicine that increases sun sensitivity, ask the prescriber before making any change. Do not stop any prescribed medication without checking with the prescriber first.
- Keep your skin hydrated and follow the individual preparation plan I gave you.
- Arrive with clean skin and no makeup, lotion or other product on the treatment area.
After Your Treatment
Your first priorities are cooling the skin, keeping it moist, and allowing the surface to close without picking or rubbing. Follow the cleansing and ointment instructions below until I tell you the next stage can begin.
First 24 to 48 hours
Do
- Apply a cool compress or towel-wrapped ice pack for 15 minutes every one to two hours.
- Apply a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly or the occlusive moisturizer I recommended twice daily until the redness resolves.
- Clean the area twice daily with one teaspoon of white vinegar mixed into two cups of water, soaking clean gauze for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping gently.
Do Not
- Do not apply bacitracin or Neosporin, which can irritate healing skin.
- Do not apply makeup or shave for at least 48 hours, and wait longer if the skin remains open or irritated.
- Do not lie flat at night. Sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first four nights.
Days 2 to 10
- Let peeling skin release on its own. Do not pick, scratch or pull it.
- Continue the moisturizing and gentle-cleansing plan I gave you.
- Avoid direct sun, hot tubs, chlorinated pools and saunas until the skin has fully healed, usually 7 to 10 days.
- Avoid smoking during recovery because it slows skin repair.
Weeks 2 to 4
- Skip strenuous exercise and any activity that causes flushing for two weeks.
- Once the surface has healed, apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning.
- Restart retinol, acids and other active products only when I tell you the skin is ready.
- Keep the skin hydrated while redness fades and remodeling continues.
What to Expect and What Is Normal
Redness, swelling, warmth and tightness are expected early. Peeling commonly begins between days 3 and 7, with fresh pink skin becoming visible as it subsides. Most clients are comfortable returning to daily activities by days 6 to 10, while residual redness can fade more gradually.
Call the office at (415) 644-8301 if you notice:
- Increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, drainage or pus
- Blistering, open sores, skin that turns white or dark, or an area that does not heal
- Fever or a cold-sore outbreak
Erbium Laser Aftercare FAQs
Questions About Your Care?
Keep these instructions for reference between sessions, and do not hesitate to call the office with any questions. Your comfort, safety and result are the priority at every session.