This is because the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) has been removed by the laser. The treated area will leak fluid. This fluid is called serous fluid and is a clear straw coloured liquid. It is normal for the body to leak this kind of fluid following laser resurfacing.
Because this device produces tiny openings in the skin's surface, there is a period of a few days after the treatment when patients experience significant swelling, redness, and some oozing of serum from the treated skin's surface.
There will still be oozing of clear or slightly yellowish fluid and crusting. This is normal. Do not pick crusts.
Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause tiny white bumps to form for a short time. These bumps also are called milia. Infection. Laser resurfacing can lead to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection.
It is possible to see immediate results, such as the disappearance of small capillaries targeted by the treatment. However, most patients can expect to see results two to four weeks after each treatment.
The treated area might look pink or red for a few hours after laser therapy, and you might experience a mild stinging sensation, similar to a sunburn. The sunburn sensations usually dissipate within a few hours. You may also experience mild post-treatment swelling for a few days.
Sun exposure, heat, rosacea, alcohol consumption, weather changes, pregnancy, genes or even a combination of these can be the cause. Clinically known as telangiectasias, broken capillaries appear directly below the skin's surface.
If this occurs please contact your provider. Acne Flare/Milia: Milia are small white bumps that look like a pimple, this can occur as the skin is healing. Acne flare ups can occur related to the inflammation and healing process. If symptoms persist or worsen call your provider.
They form when the treated hairs haven't fully shed from the hair follicles. The melanin-targeting laser destroys the hair follicle but leaves the upper part of the hair shaft intact beneath the skin's surface. As your body works to remove the damaged hairs, they appear as black specks or pepper spots.
Milia, which are small, white bumps, may appear in the laser-treated areas during healing (up to a month after treatment). These may be removed by gentle cleansing with a washcloth. Hyperpigmentation, and more rarely, hypopigmentation, may result in the laser-treated areas.
Ways to Speed Healing:
Soak the treated skin with a plain white vinegar solution at least 4 to 8 times each day. You can't soak too much. Soaking reduces redness and speeds healing! Do not pick, rub, scrub, or irritate your skin while it is healing.
Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
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.
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.
Once the scab forms, your body's immune system starts to protect the wound from infection. The wound becomes slightly swollen, red or pink, and tender. You also may see some clear fluid oozing from the wound. This fluid helps clean the area.
Shedding after a laser hair removal treatment typically occurs around one to three weeks after your treatment, and may look like stubble or blackheads.
Acne flares are relatively common after cutaneous laser resurfacing because of the application of highly occlusive healing ointments and dressings during the short-term recovery process, particularly in patients who are acne prone.
Use a soft washcloth or a mild exfoliating scrub in gentle circular motions. This can help expedite the shedding and smooth the skin. Moisturise regularly: Keeping the skin hydrated is essential. Use a fragrance-free, gentle moisturiser to soothe the skin and enhance its natural regeneration.
Although laser and IPL technology has not been known to cause skin cancer, this does not mean that laser and IPL therapies are without long-term risks.
Although skin resurfacing cannot produce perfect skin, it can improve the appearance of your skin. Potential risks of the procedure include: Burns or other injuries from the laser's heat. Scarring.
Up to a few weeks after treatment, your skin will develop stubble or blackheads as a part of the shedding process that happens from hairs that were partially grown at the time of the procedure. Exfoliation during this period aids the shedding and diminishes the blackhead or stubble appearance.
Telangiectasia is a condition in which there are visible small linear red blood vessels (broken capillaries). These are also called telangiectases. Visible small blood vessels that are blue in colour (spider veins) are called venulectasia because venules are involved.