Laser resurfacing works to combat the effects of aging and sun damage and is customizable based on your skincare goals. Laser resurfacing can reduce the effects of aging, like fine lines, or deep wrinkles. This laser treatment can also brighten your skin tone and smooth unwanted texture. Blemishes like sun spots, age spots, and freckles can also be removed using this treatment. Laser resurfacing is an effective way to combat the results of sun damage.
While laser resurfacing is a common cosmetic procedure, there are still some risks. Some people have experienced a change in the tone of their skin afterward. There is sometimes redness, itchiness, swelling, or pain after the procedure. Some people temporarily experience acne like
milia as a side effect. Laser skin resurfacing can also cause scarring or infection. Talk with your doctor and your MedSpa specialist about your concerns ahead of your appointment.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind ahead of your appointment. Laser resurfacing may not be right for you if you have an auto-immune disease or a weak immune system. Doctors may not recommend this procedure if you have had radiation therapy on your face or previous laser resurfacing procedures. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should wait until you are no longer pregnant before getting this procedure done. If you have darker-toned skin, you should be careful considering this procedure could change the tone of your skin.
Before your laser treatment, you will need to have a
consultation appointment with your doctor to discuss a few things. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history to check for anything that could affect your results. They will also look at the current state of your skin to check the tone and thickness before agreeing that laser resurfacing is right for you. Ask your doctor any questions you might have before your procedure so you can be sure laser resurfacing is right for you.
For your actual laser procedure, you can start preparing as long as a month in advance. If you are smoking, you must stop at least 2 weeks before your appointment. If you have a history of viral infections, your doctor may prescribe you an antiviral medication you must take before and after your procedure. Ahead of your appointment, avoid unprotected sun exposure as this could damage your skin. On the day of your appointment, shower before your procedure, as you may need to rest afterward.
While you can opt to do one round of laser resurfacing, you can do more if you want. You will still get excellent results after just one session, but your Med Spa specialist may recommend you do one round per month for about three months - the decision is all yours based on your goals and comfort level.
During the procedure, your doctor will numb the skin with medication. If you are getting major resurfacing done, your doctor may give you a mild sedative. During the procedure, the laser will burn off your outermost layer of skin, while heating and healing the layer beneath it, to encourage collagen production. Usually, your procedure will be over within 1-2 hours.
Right after your laser treatment, your doctor will apply heavy creams and moisturizers to your skin, and cover it with a dressing. There is no way to speed up healing after your laser treatment. Be patient and rest while you wait for your excellent results to reveal themselves. Be sure to have a ride pre-arranged for after your procedure. You may be sedated and unable to drive yourself home.
As you rest and heal, you may experience redness, itchiness, and swelling. Take any pain reliever and use ice packs to calm these sensations. At
Dr. Yates Lifestyle MedSpa, we use
non-ablative lasers, which means your recovery time will move a lot faster than done with an ablative laser. You should notice smoother and less textured skin within
4 weeks. During and after those 4 weeks, be sure to use sun protection every day. Too much sun exposure can reverse the results of your laser treatment. To ensure you get the best results from your laser treatment, follow your doctor’s instructions in both preparation and aftercare.
Think laser skin resurfacing might be right for you? Get a
free consultation with any of our board-certified Med Spa specialists today!
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