Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours. Pigment changes. Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin.
After laser hair removal, it's normal to experience some redness and swelling in the treated area. You may also feel a mild stinging or burning sensation. These side effects usually subside within a few hours to a day. In rare cases, blistering or scarring may occur.
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.
Glare, halos and double vision.
You may have a hard time seeing at night after surgery. This usually lasts a few days to a few weeks. You might notice increased light sensitivity, glare, halos around bright lights or double vision.
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.
The healing process after laser treatment typically occurs in three stages: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.
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.
If you're wondering how can I speed up healing after CO2 or UltraClear laser treatments, the key is to follow your provider's instructions. You can ensure a smoother recovery and better results by avoiding picking at treated skin, keeping healing skin moist and hydrated, using sunscreen, and using gentle skin products.
The recovery time is up to 3 to 5 days for the non-ablative lasers, and 1 to 2 weeks for the ablative lasers. You should avoid sun exposure, or use a good sunscreen, for several weeks afterwards to minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Conclusion. Laser hair removal offers a convenient and long-lasting solution to unwanted hair, making it a popular choice for those seeking smoother, hair-free skin. While it may not be completely permanent, the significant reduction in hair growth and the convenience it provides often make it worth the investment.
Most clients will require 6-8 sessions to achieve optimal results from laser hair removal, though the exact number can vary depending on factors like hair type, skin tone, and the treatment area.
Hair Shedding – After a laser hair removal treatment, it's common for the treated hair to shed. This shedding process can take 10-14 days post treatment. And during this time, it may appear as though the hair is growing back thicker and darker. However, this is simply the hair follicle shedding the treated hair.
Wait at least 48 hours before swimming after laser hair removal. This period allows your skin to begin the healing process and close up any open pores. If for any reason you skin reacted stronger to the treatment and redness takes longer to subside, please avoid swimming until the skin has returned to normal.
You can expect your laser hair results to last years and in most cases, results are permanent. However keep in mind you may need occasional touch-up treatments to keep the area looking its best, particularly with facial treatment.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, Niacin supplements, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods for 48 hours after treatment.
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.
A typical result is an 8-10 year reduction in age appearance when laser treatment on the face is done on a highly effective setting so that a 55 year old may look 46 after treatment and healing is complete. Milder treatments can be done, but are not as effective.
If you're in your 50s-60s: At this point, you want your laser skin resurfacing treatment to remove the topmost dermis layers, as that's the best way to reveal glowing skin. For these reasons, we suggest using one of the following laser resurfacing systems: EndyMed Intensif, Fraxel Dual, and Fraxel CO2.
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.
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.
Determining the Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost
A single treatment session usually costs between $500 and $3,000. But it's important to keep in mind that you might need more than one lesson to get the results you want.
Months 2-6. The magic of collagen rebuilding becomes more apparent in the months following the procedure. Patients often observe a tighter and smoother skin texture as the newly stimulated collagen continues to develop. The skin feels rejuvenated, and the results become increasingly noticeable.