Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
Coastal Hills Dermatology
Lucas Bingham, MD
Dermatologist located in Ladera Ranch, CA
Secret™ PRO Fractional CO₂ Resurfacing
Ablative fractional laser resurfacing for advanced photoaging, scars, and deep wrinkles.
What to Expect:
Laser treatment following topical appication of anesthesia to induce controlled skin renewal.
Downtime:
Moderate. Redness, swelling, oozing, and peeling typically 5–10 days or longer depending on treatment depth.
Contraindications:
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Pregnancy
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Active infection or impaired wound healing
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Recent isotretinoin use (provider dependent)
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History of keloid scarring (relative)
Pre-Care:
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Strict sun avoidance for several weeks prior
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Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating agents 1 week prior to treatment
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Pre-treatment antiviral therapy if you have a history of cold sores
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Full Pre and Post Care
For best results please follow these instructions
BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT:
- Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment
- Excess hair may need to be shaved. Men should be cleanly shaved
- No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment
- Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc.
- Avoid skin irritants (examples below) 5-7 days before treatment
- Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, vitamin C/ascorbic acid, astringents, etc.
- Notify clinic with any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment
- History of herpes or cold sores may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment
- Avoid blood thinning medications, supplements, and alcohol for 48 hours prior to treatment
- Pacemaker or metal implants in treatment areas are contraindications for RF microneedling
- If using Alastin Duo Kit, start applying Skin Nectar daily for 1 week prior to procedure.
- Highly recommended to receive medical grade facial with esthetician 2-4 weeks prior to procedure to prep skin for best results.
AFTER YOUR TREATMENT (CO2):
- Do not wash your face/neck/chest for at least 6-8 hours post-treatment
- Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat dry the skin gently twice day until the crusting naturally exfoliates/sloughs off
- Recommended doing vinegar soaks for the first 3 days. Soak sterile gauze in 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water and leave on the face/neck/chest for 20 minutes. May do this several times a day to help reduce irritation.
- Apply a mild/non-fragrant moisturizing cream to the treatment area 2-4 times daily for 2 weeks or until the area is fully healed. Alastin Nectar is recommended
- A visible fine scab or crusting will develop 3 to 5 days after your treatment
- Do not remove it forcibly or scratch it. Ok to apply Vaseline/Aquaphor to any scabs
- You may take an oral antihistamine to help with any itchiness that may occur
- You may feel redness, dryness, swelling, and some pain for 2 to 3 days
- Start applying sunscreen 2 days post treatment to help prevent UV-induced pigmentation for 6 weeks post treatment
- Do not wear a face masks until the fine scabbing/crusting has exfoliated or sloughed off (up to 5 days)
- Avoid skin irritants (examples below) for 10-14 days after treatment
- Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, vitamin C/ascorbic acid, astringents, etc
- Avoid sauna and aggressive exercises for 1-2 weeks. Gentle exercise is ok starting 48 hours post treatment.
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
- Notify clinic of any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, persistent grid pattern, etc.)
- Diamond Glow is recommended 7-10 days after treatment with our esthetician.
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