Clinical Aesthetic Services

Title: Fractional CO2

Policy: All clinical aesthetic staff rendering client care will adhere to this protocol

Purpose: To safely and properly administer fractional laser resurfacing to the face, neck or hands with the Equinox™ Fractional CO2 Laser System.

Scope: All licensed aestheticians rendering client care

Definition: Clinical Protocol

Indications: To resurface the skin, stimulate collagen production, improve appearance of scars, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, rejuvenate skin from discoloration and hyperpigmentation due to solar damage, aging, acne and acne prone skin, and large pores.

Contraindications:

Do not treat if client has a sunburn. Cannot treat clients with frequent unprotected sun exposure or tanning bed usage. Cannot treat tan skin.
Do not treat if client has a Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) outbreak. If client has a susceptibility to HSV, avoid common outbreak area with solution. Can take prescription Valtrex or Zovirax prior to treatment, or immediately after treatment if beginning signs occur. If client needs a prescription, notify Overseeing Medical Director.
Do not treat if client has significant product irritation.
DO NOT use on open lesions, rashes, burns, or suspicious lesions.
If client is pregnant, written authorization is required from her medical provider approving laser treatment during pregnancy.
Cannot treat skin if client has been on Accutane (Isotretinoin) within the past 6 months.
Do not treat if client is on blood thinning medication or supplements.

Procedure:

All clients treated will have a skin history consultation, sign a Fractional CO2 Consent form during which time questions are answered, as well as discussing potential risks, complications, and anticipated results. These completed forms will be present in the chart.
Any drug allergies will be noted on the front cover of the chart.
Review proper post-treatment instructions as well as product use after treatment. Provide client with typed home care instructions.
Photographs must be taken with client standing.
Client will lay in treatment chair, supine and in a reclined position.
Clinician to perform service in latex or non-latex gloves.
The client is properly draped, using linens that are laundered after each use.
Use latex of non-latex gloves.
The skin will be cleansed, with appropriate cleanser and soft gauze, removing all make-up including eye make-up.
Degreasing the skin with 70% alcohol.
Apply topical anesthetic (BLT) cream to skin. Keep on the skin for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
After 30 minutes, remove the topical anesthetic from the forehead area first with 70% alcohol or acetone. Continue in this fashion of removing the topical from the skin just before you begin treatment in this area. Use latex or non-latex gloves.
Cover the eyes with metal ocular shields.
Protect clinician eyes with appropriate wavelength protective eyewear.
The Laser Tech will set machine to appropriate setting for desired outcome.
Begin treating in the center of the forehead, between the eyebrows. Perform one pass over the entire forehead and then move counterclockwise around the face. End with treating the upper lip and nose.
Skin will be stimulated and appear pink, inflamed and a white grid pattern may be visible in some areas.
Perform a second pass if directed to do so by the Laser Technician.
Apply Aquafor to the skin. Instruct client to use Aquafor till the skin peels.
Clean goggles with 70% alcohol.
Empty and clean steel water bowl with cavicide solution spray for 10 minutes.

Complications:

In case of complications or emergency, clients are advised to contact Natural Skincare Clinic owner or manager immediately. If clinicians cannot resolve the matter, the physician is to be contacted and available within 30 minutes or the client should call 911.
Refer to Complications Policy and Procedure.