Secret™ PRO CO2 Laser Gentle Peel
What is Secret™ PRO CO2 Laser Gentle Peel
A CO2 non-ablative laser treatment that safely and effectively improves your skin tone and texture by gently resurfacing a thin outer layer of your skin. It helps promote healthy skin and provides results for many common skin concerns, including; uneven skin tone and texture and overall complexion quality.
Who is a candidate?
Secret Pro CO2 Laser Gentle Peel is safe and effective on patients with fair to medium skin tones.
What are the contraindications?
Pregnancy
Cardiac pacemakers or implantable medical devices
Undergoing treatments for skin cancer or having a history of cancer
How should I prepare for treatment?
Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment
Excess hair may need to be shaved. Men should shave within 24-48 hrs of treatment
Avoid direct, prolonged (more than 20 min) sun exposure, including tanning beds, sprays and lotions, etc; using SPF 30 or higher daily, for 4 weeks prior to treatment
Discontinue use of exfoliants and topicals with active ingredients such as: anti-aging and anti-acne products including Retin A, Tretinoin, acids and hydroquinone 3 days prior to treatment
If you have a history of cold sores, consider beginning prophylactic treatment with Valtrex or similar antiviral no later than the day before treatment.
What should I expect during and after treatment?
During the treatment, your provider will move the laser over the treatment area to create thousands of superficial microscopic perforations while leaving the surrounding tissue untouched. This has a warm, static-y sensation. As the perforations heal, new cells appear, leaving your skin with a healthier and refreshed appearance.
The procedure usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes.
Immediately after the treatment, your skin will be pink, feel warm, and sensitive to touch. The warming sensation subsides over 2-3 hrs.
For 24-48 hours post treatment, your skin will take on a rough, fine grit sandpaper like sensation, but will NOT peel, as the microscopic perforations begin to scab and slough off. The exfoliation process typically lasts 3-4 days.
What are the aftercare instructions?
Do not wash your face or apply topicals (other than moisturizer) or make up on the day of treatment. Wiping with a warm washcloth is OK.
Starting the day after treatment, use gentle face wash, pat dry (do not rub) the skin gently twice a day
For first 72 hrs apply post treatment healing cream and gentle moisturizer morning and night
DO NOT forcibly exfoliate the skin. Let crusting naturally exfoliates/slough off
For 2-3 days avoid excessive heat: strenuous exercise, sweating, hot tubs or saunas
You can resume your regular skin care regimen 5-7 days after treatment (once all the crusting has sloughed off) and reintroduce actives such as retinoids, acids and hydroquinone.
Avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to prevent further sun damage
When will I see results?
Most patients will need 3-6 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart. Your provider will create an ideal treatment plan customized for you, depending on your skin concerns.
After the exfoliation process is complete, you should see immediate changes in your skin’s tone and texture that progressively improves after each treatment.