AcuPulse™ CO2 Laser – Skin Resurfacing with Precision and Depth

Procedure, Technique, and Medical Expertise

After a thorough assessment, treatment intensity is individually determined.
Using SuperPulse mode, both fractional (spot-based) and fully ablative treatments can be performed, depending on desired depth and indication.

The medical team at Clinic Beethovenstrasse AG has many years of experience with laser and resurfacing procedures and, if required, combines treatment with medical skincare protocols or biostimulators to optimize results.

Pre-Treatment Information

• Avoid sun exposure for two weeks before and after treatment
• No active infections or open skin lesions
• Patients prone to herpes simplex receive preventive antiviral therapy
• Discontinue retinol or fruit acid products one week prior to treatment

Duration of Treatment

• Depending on the area: 20–60 minutes
• Large-area resurfacing (e.g. full face): approx. 60–90 minutes including preparation

Type of Anesthesia

• Local anesthesia with numbing cream or infiltration
• For larger areas: optional twilight sedation or short general anesthesia

Time Off Work

Depending on treatment intensity:

• Mild resurfacing: 2–3 days
• Moderate to deep resurfacing: 5–10 days

Redness may remain mildly visible for up to 3–4 weeks but can be concealed with makeup.

Aftercare

• Regular cooling during the first hours
• Occlusive, moisturizing skincare until full re-epithelialization
• Strict UV protection (SPF 50+) for at least 6 weeks
• No sauna, sports, or sun exposure during the first 10 days
• Follow-up appointment after 7–10 days

Risks

Temporary redness, swelling, crusting, tightness, pigment changes, or rarely infections may occur.
Darker skin types have an increased risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH); careful preparation and aftercare are therefore essential.

Costs

Depending on treatment area and depth:

• Small areas (e.g. perioral, periocular): from CHF 1,200.–
• Partial face: from CHF 2,500.–
• Full face: from CHF 3,800.–
• Additional neck: CHF 500.–
• Additional décolleté: CHF 800.–
• Pigment spots on hands/face etc.: from CHF 250.–

Prices include local anesthesia, materials, and follow-up visit.
General anesthesia incurs additional costs.

Internal Pre-Treatment Preparation

Careful preparation is essential to minimize complications and support optimal healing:

• Sun protection: Consistent UV protection (SPF 50+) for 2–3 weeks prior to treatment. Avoid sunbathing and self-tanners
• Skincare: Discontinue retinol, fruit acids, and peeling products at least one week before treatment
• Infections: Open wounds, acute inflammation, or active acne must be fully healed prior to treatment

Herpes Prophylaxis

For patients with a history of herpes simplex (especially perioral):

• Zovirax® (aciclovir) 400 mg twice daily, starting 1–2 days before treatment and continuing for 5–7 days afterward
• Alternatively: Valaciclovir 500 mg once daily for the same duration

Antibiotic Prophylaxis

Not routinely required for purely aesthetic, non-surgical laser resurfacing.
May be considered in cases of:

• Treatments in the perioral or perinasal region with bacterial colonization
• Diabetic patients, smokers, or patients with known wound-healing disorders
• Very deep or extensive resurfacing protocols

→ Example: Cefuroxime (Cinecef) 500 mg twice daily for 5 days, starting on the day of treatment

• Nicotine & alcohol: Avoid for 48 hours prior to treatment
• Coagulation & medication: Discontinue blood thinners, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, ginkgo, or aspirin at least 7 days before treatment if medically acceptable
• Allergies & skin type: Prior assessment for parameter adjustment and risk reduction (PIH risk in darker skin types)