After CO2 laser I use Aquaphor and get breakouts, it's seems too occlusive. Can I use a tube of hydrogel for burns instead?

 The heart of this question boils down to the initial phase of healing after creating a very controlled wound.  It is truly a wound healing response that we are manipulating for a cosmetic benefit, so with that idea of having a wound in mind, you need some sort of a "dressing." Initially that occlusive ointmrnt or balm is your dressing unless your laser surgeon chooses to use a physical dressing, which is more rare.  Adding growth factors in that initial healing phase achieve great penetration and significantly improves you in time and results,  which is supported by the literature.  What your individual laser surgeon chooses is likely based on a myriad of factors,  and the foundation should be the experience of what works for them.  If you choose a reputable physician with lots of experience with ablative lasers, not just somebody who happens to have one in their office and uses it every once in a while, you should be in excellent shape. To ensure you are receiving the highest level of care, seek out a modernly trained, new-school dermatologic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who is board certified and fellowship trained in one of these "core four" cosmetic specialties.

We use aquaphor for a few days with a silicone based scar gel with growth factors.  After 3 days we switch to no occlusives. I suggest you see an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Similar to Dr Emer, we use occlusive (QV intensive ) for 4 to 5 days, then swap over to aqueous cream. Always place patients on abs such as doxycycline. Having said all this, follow your specialists dressings and most importantly follow ups. All the bestDr Davin LimLaser DermatologistBrisbane, Australia.