Laser Resurfacing is among the most popular of anti-aging skin treatments. People contemplating this laser-based treatment should also be aware about the minimal demands that it presents in the form of post-treatment care requirements.
Immediately Following Treatment
The degree of redness or inflammation of the skin immediately after treatment largely depends upon the kind of laser resurfacing technique used. It is more pronounced among ablative laser resurfacing methods rather than contemporary, fractional resurfacing methods. The redness is usually temporary, lasting for a few hours or a day after treatment. However, among people with sensitive skins or those who have very light skin tones, it may take a little bit longer.
Usually, ice packs are recommended during this phase. The skin is kept moist using non-cosmetic ointments that are specifically prescribed by the attending laser resurfacing specialist. If there is some pain, the patient might be prescribed some over-the-counter pain-relieving medications, but this is rather rare. Light surgical dressings are needed to fasten the skin’s recuperation process, and the patient is advised to avoid sunlight to the maximum possible extent.
Few Days Following Treatment
After the initial blushing has subsided, the skin develops a slightly pink-colored hue. This is indicative of the fresh and slightly vulnerable layer of new skin cells. It needs to be protected from sunlight but the patient can step outdoors. It is critical that the patient uses a sunscreen lotion or any cream that has the desired SPF formulation. However, this period can prove tricky for individuals who have an allergy or sensitive skin. The inherent reactivity of skin is further augmented by the peeling-like effect that resurfacing has on the skin’s surface. Thus, their chances of reacting to sun-block creams are raised exponentially. Such people might need to take a short course of anti-allergic medications, like anti-histamines, for a few weeks after the treatment.
Patients are advised not use strong cosmetics on the face. Some people might develop hypopigmentation spots, i.e. skin spots that seem lighter than the rest of the skin. These aren’t a cause of worry, but indicative of the lighter skin tone developed due to greater penetration of laser beams in certain areas of the face. However, if this makes the patient conscious, some brands of camouflage make-up can be used.
Individuals with inherently dry skin might notice increased skin flaking for some days. Skin flaking usually takes about 5-to-6 days to cease, but this can vary across different people. Certain brands of moisturizers, particularly the hypoallergic, water-based varieties are recommended to minimize the flaking.
Few Weeks Following Treatment
Nearly all symptoms cease during this period. The skin develops a new, fresher-looking outer surface. However, it is recommended that harsh cosmetic aids like acne-zapping ointments and scrubbing solutions are not used. Though the outer layer of skin is visible, its keratinization or hardening with natural skin proteins is yet not complete and thus, it is still vulnerable.
This is particularly true for people who have treated acne scars with laser resurfacing. The hyperpigmentation marks formed by scar tissue seem to be camouflaged appreciably during this period, but harsh scrubbing can harm the new skin cells that are still developing in and around the acne scar sites.
A few weeks after the treatment, the patient should be careful in assessing the improvement in the skin’s overall condition. If any kind of pigmentation or unevenness is still visible, it is advised to seek a consultation with a laser resurfacing specialist. Many reputed cosmetic clinics don’t charge separately for any follow-up treatments that might be needed.
