How to Take Care of Your Skin After a Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment

The laser skin resurfacing procedure involves getting rid of layers of wrinkled or damaged skin using certain lasers (the Carbon Dioxide or CO2 and Erbium Yag lasers) to make way for a fresher layer of skin to appear on the surface. The results prove to be effective and will leave a reduced appearance of fine lines, uneven pigmentation of the skin, blemishes and scars.

To get the best results from the procedure, skin aftercare needs to be practiced. Like any treatment, there are bound to be temporary side effects. For laser skin resurfacing, you may experience mild discomfort and swelling of the skin, but this can be controlled with prescribed medications and cold compress. After the treatment, you may have to ask someone to drive you home and assist you for a few days, especially when the procedure required general anesthesia.

Days after the treatment, you may develop a reddish crusted appearance on the treated skin, which you should not prick to avoid forming scars.

It is also important to avoid exposure to the sun until your skin has returned to its normal color. Your doctor will likely request you to put on sunblock that has a sun protection factor (or SPF) of 30 or more. Usually, women are allowed to wear makeup only a few weeks after the procedure.

However, not all these dos and don’ts are the best aftercares, as your doctor may provide you with what is really appropriate for your skin. Always trust and comply with the instructions of your doctor to get the full positive effects of laser skin resurfacing treatment.