The type of laser treatment that doctors call profractional resurfacing is a kind of newly devised “middle way” between traditional ablative lasers that aggressively treat outer layers of skin, and other “non-ablative” laser types that slowly treat underlying tissues. With profractional resurfacing, a ‘fractional’ laser actually targets small “channels” under the skin, creating small disturbances that the body heals. This promotes fibers like collagen and elastin under the skin for a change in skin pigmentation, texture and smoothness.
Recovery Lifestyle with Profractional Resurfacing
Because profractional resurfacing is a less aggressive procedure than ablative laser therapy, less recovery time generally applies. Where ablative lasers might necessitate some local anesthesia and include recovery times of up to one week, by contrast, patients who receive profractional resurfacing treatments can usually go back to their regular schedules on the day after their treatment. However, there are some key things to watch out for after getting this kind of cosmetic dermatology procedure.
Guidelines for Post-Profractional Resurfacing Lifestyle
One of the first things that a doctor might tell you after getting profractional resurfacing is to stay out of the sun for several months. If you do need to go out in the sun, doctors recommend a sunscreen of 30 SPF or stronger. In addition, some doctors add that it’s best to avoid extreme heat on the face for several months.
Another part of profractional resurfacing lifestyle that patients should practice is watching for any rare side effects of the procedure. In a few cases, patients can have excessive pain, swelling or discoloration from a profractional resurfacing procedure. In the first few days after the treatment, some redness and peeling of the skin is normal. After about a week, this period of normal side effects should be over. In one to three months, the optimal improvement for the facial areas should be visible.
More on Post-Profractional Resurfacing Lifestyle
Another thing that doctors might point out is that for most patients to get the optimal benefit from profractional resurfacing, they need to take two or three sessions one month apart. All of the above guidelines applied to every profractional resurfacing session, from the first to the final treatment.
As with all kinds of cosmetic dermatology treatments, part of maintenance with profractional resurfacing is to generally take care of your body. A good healthy diet with plenty of fresh produce is ideal for including antioxidants and vitamins that will help keep skin fresh. Doctors may recommend some topical products as well. Stress reduction is also a key part in keeping skin looking young and vibrant.
When you’re getting information from your doctor about profractional resurfacing treatments, it’s useful to go over the lifestyle and maintenance guidelines that will help you get the most out of this innovative procedure. Good pre-treatment counseling also helps patients to practice home care and to rest easy about the final results of a procedure.