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There are many different ways to rejuvenate your skin, but one of the most popular is with laser resurfacing. While the basic concept of laser treatments is fairly straightforward (encouraging cell turnover with heat from the laser), there are many things to consider when planning your skin rejuvenation. Here are 10 quick facts and tips for laser skin resurfacing.
1. Don’t Limit Your Options
Laser resurfacing has come a long way in the last few decades, and most dermatologists and plastic surgeons who offer laser services have a few different options for resurfacing and rejuvenation. Your provider will be able to give you specific advice on which laser is best for you based on your skin type and desired results, so keep an open mind about which laser treatment you want. A trustworthy doctor will always have your best interests at heart and will try to come up with the best treatment for you.
2. Laser Resurfacing Does Not Address Sagging Skin
Laser resurfacing removes the outermost skin and encourages new, smooth, and tight skin to emerge, but these treatments do not treat sagging skin the way Ultherapy® and other treatments do. Laser resurfacing is best for wrinkles, discoloration, and overall skin tone and texture.
3. Consider a Combination
If you’re trying to look younger, you will probably need to address a number of different signs of aging, including wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. Laser treatments can address overall skin quality, mild to moderate wrinkling, and discoloration, but deeper wrinkles and facial volume loss may require other treatments, such as dermal fillers. By working with your doctor, you can come up with a custom treatment combination for great results. While combination treatments cost more, they can provide comprehensive rejuvenation.
4. Talk to Your Doctor About Skin Problems
If you frequently get cold sores or skin issues, make sure to discuss them with your dermatologist before undergoing laser treatments. Lasers can trigger or aggravate certain problems, and it’s important to be honest about your skin problems before the treatment. You may need a prescription or other preparation.
5. Treatment Times Vary
Depending on the depth and type of your laser resurfacing treatment, your treatment time may range anywhere from half an hour to two hours. Laser resurfacing is typically done under local anesthetic, so there’s no worry from general anesthetic risks.
6. Consider Your Skin Tone
Different skin types and colors react differently to lasers, and if you have darker skin, there may be a risk for changes in pigmentation. It is important to discuss this possibility and understand the risks before you proceed.
7. Recovery Is Necessary
While laser resurfacing is performed under local anesthesia in most cases, it does require some recovery time. The skin will swell, peel, and be red following treatment, but should be back to normal within one to two weeks. Following recovery instructions is extremely important for a good result.
8. Wait on the Makeup
The skin needs time to heal following laser resurfacing, and cosmetics can disrupt this process. By the time your skin is healed enough for you to return to your normal activities, it should be safe to use makeup. Before this, it is best to let the skin heal on its own. Some gentler treatments may allow you to use cosmetics right away, but never assume. Always ask your doctor.
9. Use Sunscreen After Treatment
Skin is extremely sensitive and tender after resurfacing, and it’s important to protect it from the damaging rays of the sun. Wearing sunscreen is always important, but it is particularly so following skin treatments. Keep your sensitive skin out of the sun as much as possible, and protect it with sunscreen when you must go outside.
10. Choose the Right Provider
Despite the fact that laser treatments might seem simple and straightforward, they actually require a great deal of skill and artistry to produce a good result and avoid complications. Choosing your dermatologist or plastic surgeon is a very important step, one that could have a tremendous impact on your results.
It’s best to choose a provider with extensive experience in cosmetic dermatology, such as Dr. Diane Walder or Dr. Stacy Chimento of Miami. Both doctors are acclaimed cosmetic dermatologist who offers a wide range of effective rejuvenation options. If you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Walder or Dr. Chimento, call 305-866-2177 today.
