If you are worried about the aging process that your skin is going through, if you are concerned about sunspots that have surfaced over the years, or if you worry about your acne scars, lines, wrinkles, or sagging, chances are good you have at least thought about the idea of undergoing laser resurfacing treatment.
Without a doubt, there are almost countless options at your disposal in this day and age. Options that vary from simple facials to invasive options like cosmetic surgery. However, for many, a non-invasive alternative that renders incredible results is laser resurfacing.
Laser skin resurfacing procedures take care of sunspots, aging and saggy skins, lines, wrinkles, and scars by removing skin layer by layer with incredible precision. The new skin cells created during the skin’s natural healing process give way to a tighter and younger-looking surface.
Skin laser resurfacing is quickly becoming one of the most preferred forms of skin treatment because it renders results similar to invasive surgery while allowing patients to avoid much of the pain and many of the risks of going under the knife.
The results are often more natural-looking than radical treatments in facelift plastic surgery.
But what goes into laser resurfacing, and how long do the positive impacts last before another procedure? Are a series of procedures necessary to get you the results you desire? Do you need maintenance? Continue reading to learn more!
How to correctly prepare for skin laser resurfacing
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The very first step to preparing for skin laser resurfacing is to find a certified medical professional in your area that is well-regarded and well-reviewed. Without a doubt, you want to make it a priority to work with the best professionals that you can find.
Once you meet with them, make sure to let them know about any medical issues you have and the medications you use. Medical conditions that often make laser resurfacing impossible include diabetes, getting cold sores, and fever blisters.
From there, your doctor may advise you to stop your medications leading up to the procedure. This is because such supplements can complicate the healing process. The same can is true for smoking – and smokers should quit for at least two weeks leading up to the procedure.
Finally, you can expect to possibly get a prescription for an antibiotic to prevent the risk of bacterial infections.
What you can expect during and immediately after laser resurfacing
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One of the main reasons laser resurfacing is such a popular treatment amongst people looking to have skin that looks and feels younger is that it is an outpatient procedure. That means that you will be able to leave and go home shortly after the treatment.
If you have spot treatment on small areas of your face, you will likely undergo some local anesthetic. However, if you are looking to have your whole face treated – or larger parts of your body as well – the chances are good that your doctor recommends general anesthesia.
Typically, the entire procedure will take somewhere between 25 and 45 minutes for specific parts of your face. However, a full facial treatment will likely take closer to two hours.
After the laser resurfacing procedure has concluded, you will receive bandaging on the treated area to protect it and allow it to heal. After 24 hours, you will be able to remove the bandages and begin to take care of the treated area by cleaning it multiple times a day and applying moisturizing and protective ointment to avoid scabbing.
Remember that it is not rare for people to experience stinging and low-level discomfort for 12 to 72 hours following the procedure. Then, in between five and seven days, you can expect your skin to begin peeling.
For the two or three months following the procedure, some patients experience slight redness of the skin. Therefore, oil-free makeup to conceal this redness is allowed.
Following the procedure, it is essential to remember to protect yourself as much as possible from the sun’s UV rays. This means wearing sunscreen of at least 30 SPF and wearing protective clothing such as wide-brim hats.
Moreover, it is crucial to keep your skin well moisturized as your skin continues to heal!
While patients will be able to see a marked improvement in texture and tone of the skin within the first week following treatment, the three-month mark is considered the point at which patients will be able to see the final results of the procedure.
How long does laser resurfacing last?
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Depending on the type and strength of the laser, patients can expect laser skin resurfacing results to last anywhere from three to five years after the procedure.
Additionally, people can ensure that the positive impacts of skin laser resurfacing last longer than even that five-year mark. There are some key things that everyone who undergoes laser resurfacing can do to make the most out of their procedure.
1- Constantly protect your skin from the sun as much as possible
2- Focus on taking antioxidant supplements that encourage healthy skin
3- Remain well hydrated at all times
4- Once your skin is fully healthy, ask your doctors about the best way to clean, moisturize and exfoliate your skin
5- Maintain a healthy diet that encourages a healthy body and skin
6- Exercise regularly to stimulate the production of HGH and collagen
Conclusion
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Overall, laser resurfacing treatment is an effective, non-invasive procedure that has costs that pale compared to plastic surgery. Laser resurfacing can be two or three times cheaper than the costs connected to a typical facelift.
For those reasons and more, they are quickly becoming the most popular form of skin revitalization. If you are curious about what a laser resurfacing procedure could do for you, reach out to your local dermatologist’s offices or certified medical spas in your region.
If you look for treatment plans that can get you solid results without breaking the bank, click here to see our Treatment Plans.
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