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.
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.
Ablative Lasers
Deeper treatments will naturally require more downtime but can greatly improve the skin's appearance. It significantly reduces wrinkles, lines, and pigmented spots, in addition to improving skin texture. Initial healing typically takes 7 to 10 days, with redness potentially lasting several weeks.
Laser resurfacing can cause treated skin to become darker or lighter than it was before treatment. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation when the skin darkens and postinflammatory hypopigmentation when the skin loses color. People with brown or Black skin have a higher risk of long-term skin color changes.
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.
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.
It typically manifests as brown or dark spots in the treated area and can be distressing for individuals seeking a smoother, more even complexion. While PIH is generally a temporary condition, it can last for weeks or even months, depending on various factors such as skin type, treatment intensity, and aftercare.
For many people, laser therapy, which is also called photorejuvenation, is an effective method of diminishing wrinkles and making skin look younger. Results may last as long as 10 years. Dermatologists at NYU Langone use fractional CO2 lasers and erbium lasers on the face, hands, chest, and neck.
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.
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.
After your first session, you'll notice an immediate reduction in hair growth on the treated area. The laser technology targets hair follicles, effectively disrupting their ability to grow new strands. This is excellent news for those who are tired of the constant cycle of shaving and waxing.
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.
Ablative lasers are best for individuals with significant skin damage or aging concerns who are looking for substantial improvements. However, because they are more aggressive, they come with longer recovery times and a higher risk of side effects like redness, swelling, and scarring.
The biggest risks with laser skin resurfacing are burns, scarring and infection. Some lasers, like the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, require an especially skilled hand.
You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments.
Strenuous activities: Sweating can irritate treated skin, so we ask that you avoid activities or exercise that cause excessive sweating for at least 48 hours post-treatment. Harsh skincare products: Avoid using exfoliants, retinoids, or products containing alcohol for at least one week post-treatment.
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.
The best in class for wrinkle removal, treatment of crow's feet, sun damage removal and overall skin rejuvenation is the Fraxel Re:pair laser. Yes, there is some downtime with Fraxel, but after a couple days looking like you have a sunburn, your skin will look 10 years younger, tighter and completely refreshed.
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.
There are many things that can cause the price of laser skin treatment to change a lot. 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.