For our Sandwich office, please schedule through our Hyannis Office.
What Is The Day To Day Recovery Of Laser Skincare?
Laser skincare treatments can help solve a variety of problems. From anti-aging solutions for lines and wrinkles, to helping address specific blemishes on almost any area of the body, laser treatments continue to be one of the most popular ways to address skin rejuvenation goals. But if you have never had laser treatments before, or you are thinking about trying a different laser treatment, you will probably want to get some information on what to do before your treatment, what to expect after your treatment, and methods for helping your skin thrive as your results begin to surface. In this article, we will cover those topics. If you are in the Cape Cod area, our team would be happy to discuss laser services with you in greater detail. With our three offices in Plymouth, Hyannis, and Sandwich, our team works with thousands of patients each year to help them achieve their aesthetic goals.
How Can I Prepare For My Laser Skin Treatment?
Before getting laser skincare treatments it is important to avoid damaging your skin. Patients seeking laser skincare treatments should avoid tanning and heavy sun exposure before their treatment. If you will be outdoors for longer periods of time, make sure to use sunscreen to protect your skin from damage caused by sunlight. It is also recommended to stay hydrated. Proper hydration can help our skin stay healthy and prevents our skin from drying out.
What Laser Treatment Are You Receiving?
CO2 Lasers
CO2 lasers or lasers that use fractionated carbon dioxide are different from other lasers. CO2 lasers have a reputation of providing stronger results but also having a longer recovery process that is accompanied by symptoms included soreness, swelling, itching, and feelings similar to a sunburn.
BBL Lasers
BBL lasers or lasers that use broadband light are known for their ability to treat larger areas of skin and for their gentler feeling during the treatment. Patients who receive these laser treatments might notice a quicker or more comfortable recovery experience.
How Long Is Recovery For Laser Skin Treatments?
On average laser skincare treatments can have recovery windows from 3 to 14 days. It is important to note that recovery is different from downtime. Laser treatments have little to no downtime, and patients are able to return to their normal daily life immediately after their treatment. However, many patients might want to take the day after their treatment to handle any symptoms associated with recovery.
Most practices that provide laser treatments will apply soothing balm or other skincare products that can help reduce soreness or swelling. They will also likely provide you with recommendations on medications to apply to your face throughout your recovery after your treatment.
Many patients report that their faces feel warm, hot, and similar to the sensation of having a sunburn from the beach. Patients often also notice that their faces might appear greasy. Your provider will give you recommendations on how to care for your skin including using a clean pillowcase, sleeping with your head elevated, and not cleaning your face or applying makeup for a little time after the treatment.
The first few days after your treatments you may continue to notice the symptoms that feel similar to a sunburn. Patients will need to continue following the advice provided by their laser skincare treatment provider including applying any soothing balms to the treated area. It is recommended to stay hydrated and avoid sunlight.
With each passing day symptoms should lessen. Most of the redness tends to disappear within the first week after a treatment. Depending on the laser you used, you may also begin to notice your full results as the days pass.
Our Patient's Tetra CoolPeel Journey
A patient of ours who was completely new to laser treatments, offered to write her day to day recovery experience from her consultation until her skin had fully healed after the treatment. This includes going over the postcare recommendations our team gave her as well as her feelings about her results and
"The treatment was over in about 10 minutes. Very quick! Zara gave me some Aquaphor, and she told me to remember to apply it regularly to keep my skin from drying out. This is essential because your face does get very dry and feels sort of leathery or rough in certain spots.
Next, I left and returned to work. I wasn’t in any pain. There was zero downtime!"
