The first week after
Day 5 to 7 – Continue washing the treated areas with Cetaphil cleanser. Begin using Cetaphil moisturizer instead of Vaseline/Aquaphor if skin is smooth, without crusts and not oozing.
In most cases you do not need to continue Aquaphor after one week. People can develop an irritation to the Aquaphor. After three days please call our office if the swelling continues or the area becomes more red, as this could be a reaction to the Aquaphor.
Use cold compresses: Applying cold compresses during the first 24 to 48 hours after your treatment can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Stay cool: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise for the first few days after treatment. Heat can increase inflammation and slow healing.
Immediately following laser treatment, a liberal amount of white soft paraffin (Vaseline) is applied to the area(s). This may soften and drip off the treated area along with any serous fluid. Do not worry this is normal. These areas must be cleansed every 3 to 4 hours during the first 2-3 days following treatment.
Apply Aquaphor or Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly immediately after cleansing. It is imperative that the treated skin does not dry out; otherwise it may increase the risk of scar formation and/or infection. To that end, please reapply the Aquaphor or Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly if the treated skin feels tight or dry.
Although you may think that a moisturizing lotion helps make your skin smooth after laser hair removal, it could do the opposite and irritate the skin further. Your best bet is to leave the area of skin where you had laser hair removal free of any product, aside from aloe vera, for at least 24 hours.
In general, the areas heal in five to 21 days, depending on the nature of the condition that was treated and type of laser used. Once the areas have healed, makeup may be worn to camouflage the pink to red color that is generally seen after laser skin resurfacing.
Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
During the first 24 – 48 hours, apply cold compress for 15 minutes every 2 hours if the skin is red and swollen. Do not ice the skin directly. Apply a thin film of petroleum gel (or moisturizer) on the skin until it recovers fully.
Overexposure to laser light can result in skin burns, varying in severity from mild redness and discomfort to more blistering, severe burns. Individuals with sensitive skin or undergoing multiple laser therapy sessions in a short timeframe are at a higher risk of experiencing these burns.
After 3 or 4 days of using the Aquaphor ointment, you may notice small specks of color come off as you rub the ointment in. This is healing skin, and an indicator that you should stop using the Aquaphor as often.
After undergoing a full ablative laser skin resurfacing, it's crucial to give your makeup a rest for no less than 10 days. This pause is essential to sidestep any risk of infection while your skin is on its healing journey.
However, anyone who develops any of the following symptoms after applying Vaseline should stop using the product: skin redness or soreness. itching. swelling or inflammation.
✓ Moisturize – Re-apply Aquaphor® for first 2 or 3 days, then after than stop using Aquaphor® and replace it with Medical Barrier Cream. Pain: Other than a mild burning sensation for the first few hours, most patients experience no other pain.
Individuals up to their 50s benefit greatly from laser fractional resurfacing treatments. Skin concerns like sun damage and deeper wrinkles are common in this age group.
The first week after laser skin resurfacing is challenging in terms of care. You will be swollen, covered with Vaseline and not presentable to leave the house. This all begins to change at about day 5-6. After this the recovery is much easier.
Wear a protective covering within the first few hours after you've left your doctor's office. After that, you just have to wait until the next morning (at least 12 hours after) to wash your face. Avoid scalding water—tepid is best—and only use a gentle cleanser as recommended by your doctor.
The journey of collagen rebuilding after laser skin resurfacing is a gradual but transformative process. Patients can witness immediate improvements in the weeks following the procedure, with continued enhancement over the next several months.
During ablative laser resurfacing, an intense beam of light energy is directed at your skin. This laser beam destroys the outer layer of skin, also called the epidermis. At the same time, the laser heats the underlying skin, called the dermis.
Cons of Laser Resurfacing
Risk of Side Effects: Potential side effects include redness, swelling, and temporary discomfort. In some cases, changes in skin pigmentation or scarring may occur.
The short answer is Yes. The treated area may experience some reddening and swelling. After treatment, you can apply Vaseline, after-sun cream, or aloe Vera gel to the treated area for soothing skin. The area might need to be soothed by applying an ice pack when you use old laser technology.
The healing process after laser treatment typically occurs in three stages: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.
During this stage, look for lotions that focus on moisturizing the skin rather than products that actively fight wrinkles. A lotion with hyaluronic acid is often ideal during this period.