Depending on the treatment, some people may have what looks like a severe sunburn. The skin will be raw, oozing and may even blister. A yellow liquid may ooze from treated areas to form a crust. Do not scratch or pick at crusts because this can cause scarring.
Immediately after CO2 or UltraClear laser, the treated skin feels warm, similar to a sunburn, and appears red and swollen. This is normal and should be an expected reaction. You may also experience a temporary stinging sensation and mild oozing or pinpoint bleeding depending on the depth of treatment.
Immediately after treatment, your skin will be red and feel sensitive and sunburned. Redness, swelling, itching or stinging may last for a few days. Depending on the treatment, skin may even appear raw, ooze a yellow liquid and even blister.
Immediate results and short-term effects
Or those who are struggling with the discomfort of ingrown hairs. Right after your first laser hair removal treatment, you'll likely notice some redness and swelling, which is perfectly normal. These symptoms typically subside within a few hours to a couple of days.
Ablative laser treatments can achieve dramatic results, and most patients are satisfied after a single treatment. Ablative treatments work fast but have traditionally come with a long recovery time.
Searching for over-the-counter products meant for dry, sensitive skin will be a good place to start finding the right moisturizer for you. Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
With fractional nonablative and fractional ablative procedures, you'll need 2 to 4 treatments to get noticeable results. These sessions are usually scheduled over weeks or months. As you age, you'll continue to get lines from squinting and smiling. New sun damage also can reverse your results.
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.
Shedding after a laser hair removal treatment typically occurs around one to three weeks after your treatment, and may look like stubble or blackheads.
After the procedure
You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal. To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, the doctor might apply a steroid cream to the affected area.
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.
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.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated: Laser treatments can leave your skin feeling dry and sensitive. Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer several times a day to replenish moisture and protect the skin's barrier. Apply Sunscreen: Your skin becomes especially sensitive to UV rays after laser treatment.
Laser focuses heat energy on the follicle structure. This can destroy hair that will start to shed 1-3 weeks after treatment. Seeing an increase of dead hairs falling out indicates the laser has hit its target.
Laser resurfacing helps reduce the appearance of acne scars; however, it is not for clients who still have active acne. Patients who have very dark skin, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take specific medications like Accutane may not be viable candidates for laser resurfacing.
Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% mixed with either Vaseline®, Aquaphor® or Aloe Vera gel, up to three times daily or as needed until resolved. Apply cold packs (wrapped in a barrier like a towel) to the affected area(s), taking them on and off every three to five minutes for one to two hours.
You'll have some redness and swelling. You may also experience itching or stinging for a few days after the procedure. Depending on the treatment, some people may have what looks like a severe sunburn. The skin will be raw, oozing and may even blister.
While the number of laser hair removal sessions for the face can vary significantly based on individual factors, on average, most people require between 4 to 6 sessions to achieve lasting results. These sessions are typically spaced out over several weeks to ensure that hair in all growth phases is effectively treated.
Laser treatments usually result in visibly tighter skin while improving pigmentation and wrinkles in the treated area. Regardless of your skin type, the skin usually heals with an improved texture after resurfacing treatments. Usually, your face looks younger, tighter, and smoother.
Immediate Care Tips for Post-Laser Recovery
Keep It Cool: Use cool compresses to soothe the skin. Apply gently to reduce swelling and discomfort. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and Moisturize: Hydration is key to skin recovery. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to help maintain moisture balance.
Fractional CO2 Lasers: These are powerful treatments that target deep wrinkles, scars, and severe sun damage while allowing for faster recovery than traditional ablative lasers.
Microneedling is better for darker skin tones, whereas Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing is used more frequently with lighter skin tones. Many clients believe the results with Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing are better than with Microneedling.
For the facial area, treatments can be done at 2-4 week intervals. Each part of the facial and body area has a different growing cycle, so hair reduction will vary depending on what stage your follicles are in at the time of the treatment.