Is it okay to use tap water to wash your face after fractional CO2 laser?

Question

Was given printed instructions after my treatment saying I should use a white vinegar and distilled water mixture to soak my face, should I also be washing my face with distilled water or is water straight from the faucet ok?

William Groff, DO · Answer

The concern after a treatment like this is infection, which can come from tap water. I recommend sticking with your doctor’s instructions to use the vinegar and distilled water for the first few days to ensure a healthy healing process. If you follow aftercare instructions very carefully, you are likely to see the best result from your procedure and the lowest risk for complications.

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

Using tap water for your regular washes is fine.  I recommend rinsing 4 to 5 times daily with tepid water and using the fingertips for appropriate amounts of abrasion.  The vinegar soaks should be made with distilled water as they are left in place for 10 minutes or so and are done twice daily.  I usually also prescribe antibiotics for the first 5 days after treatment as well.

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

Treating your skin with lasers makes it temporarily raw and vulnerable to infection. Untreated tap water may be filled with bacteria that could cause an infection if you use it to wash your face. That’s why your doctor recommended mixing distilled water with white vinegar, which is an antibacterial. Always follow your board-certified dermatologist’s instructions after a cosmetic procedure.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I have all my patients do vinegar soaks, and I have a very specific post operative wound care regimen. If you have questions about your after care, I recommend following up with your Doctor. I recommend skin care with vitamin c, b5 hydrator, silicone based scar gels with growth factors and enzymatic washes with papaya enzyme. PDT therapy can help calm inflammation. Typically I recommend adding clear and brilliant, fraxel, viva 4-6 weeks after co2 to improve results along with microneedling/prp to get the best outcomes with texture and tone.  Please see an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Bradley J. Chastant, MD · Answer

Very good question. After a laser treatment, the skin is fairly raw and vulnerable to infection. This is why your physician prescribed the vinegar soaks, because they will help to keep bacteria at bay. Use of tap water immediately following your treatment could increase your risk for infection, which is why many plastic surgeons advise against it. I recommend following your surgeon’s instructions very carefully, and if you have any questions about your aftercare, contact their office for specific information. Best wishes for a healthy recovery!

Paul Carniol, MD · Answer

We too use a mixture of white vinegar and water after fractional laser treatment.It's best to use the mixture recommended by your physician.Typically there is a very quick recovery after this procedure.  If we treat someone on a Thursday afternoon they are usually back at work on Monday.  For someone who cannot take any time off work we recommend microneedle radiofrequency.  After this procedure most patients can return to their regular activities the following day.

Carolyn Jacob, MD · Answer

If you have been prescribed antibiotics by your provider, tap water is fine to use for washing your face. Make sure to moisturize frequently with a gentle formula. I also recommend using Alastin Skincare Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology twice a day for even faster results and healing!

Aurora DeJuliis, MD · Answer

Fractional CO2 laser is a great technology for skin rejuvenation, but there is some down time afterwards. One needs to carefully follow the after-treatment instructions to avoid possible bacterial skin infections. I do not recommend tap water but bottled water or distilled water with the vinegar solution. That should be enough for cleansing.

Harrison C. Putman III, MD (retired) · Answer

I recommend white vinegar soaks over tap water because of the antimicrobial effects to reduce the risk of infection. However, after about 5 days, gentle cleansing with soap and tap water should be fine, along with adequate moisturizing.

Is it okay to use tap water to wash your face after fractional CO2 laser?

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