Your recovery guide
For fractional ablative Er:YAG (Fotona F-22) and CO₂ (eCO2) laser treatment.
Your clinic’s instructions come first. Follow the care plan and review date given to you. Healing time depends on your treatment.
Move to the next stage when your skin is ready, rather than on a fixed day.
This includes skin that is raw, weeping or bleeding.
Once your clinic says to start washing: follow this routine 2–4 times a day, or as directed.
Use clean fingertips when touching the treated skin.
Use lukewarm water or the solution supplied by your clinic. From day 2, use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser only if your clinician agrees and it does not sting.
Use clean gauze or a soft, clean towel. Do not rub, scrub or pick off crusts. Only remove loose material that comes away easily.
Choose 100% plain white petroleum jelly, such as plain Vaseline. Use a thin layer so the skin looks lightly shiny. Reapply whenever it wears off, including between washes. If your clinic prescribed a different product or dressing, follow that plan.
Keep the skin moist with ointment, not water. Do not let raw skin dry out. Keep makeup and sunscreen off raw or weeping areas. Use shade and a broad-brimmed hat for sun protection.
There are no raw, weeping, bleeding or open areas. The skin may still look pink. If you are unsure, ask the clinic before changing your routine.
Follow your clinic’s advice on when to restart these activities and products.
No scrubs, peeling off skin, rubbing or shaving the treated area.
Avoid hot showers, saunas, spas and heavy exercise.
Avoid retinoids (including retinol), acids, strong vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, fragranced balms and essential oils.
Avoid pools, ocean water, dusty places and shared towels.
Do not add antibiotic creams, patches or dressings unless the clinic tells you to.
Stay out of direct sun. Sunscreen can start once the skin surface has closed.
These changes should gradually settle. Contact the clinic if they worsen or you are unsure.
For eye pain, any change in vision, severe face or eyelid swelling, or rapidly worsening illness, seek urgent medical care. Do not wait for the clinic to reply.
For difficulty breathing or a life-threatening emergency, call 000.
If you cannot reach the clinic and need advice, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, available 24 hours a day.
Choose 100% plain white petroleum jelly, such as plain Vaseline. It is also called petrolatum. Avoid scented versions or products with added ingredients. If you have been given another product or dressing, use it as instructed.
You do not need to choose between different wound dressings yourself. Contact the clinic if your product irritates your skin.
This depends on the laser settings, treated area and your skin. Deeper treatment can take longer. Follow your personal care plan and attend your review. Pinkness can remain after the surface has closed.
Call the clinic if an area is still raw or open by the review date you were given.
Simple wound care and early petroleum jelly use are supported by expert guidance. Your treating clinician may adjust the products and timing for your treatment.
Other providers may use different care plans. Follow your own clinic’s instructions.
