What’s the Recovery Time for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Healing timeline forlaser skin resurfacing

The initial healing period may last between three and 10days. However, recovery from ablative laser resurfacing can take up to threeweeks. Even after this initial recovery period, it’s possible to stillexperience some pinkness of the skin for several months, up to one year. The deeperand more intensive the procedure is, the longer the recovery time is likely tobe.

The recovery period also depends on the specific type oflaser used. Patients receiving Erbium laser resurfacing may have an initial recoverytime of one full week. Patients undergoing CO2 laser resurfacing can expect upto two weeks of initial healing time.

It’s important to note that, while the plastic surgeon mayadvise patients to avoid makeup during the initial healing period, makeup canbe used afterward to camouflage the lingering pinkness. Patients may get goodresults using a green-based makeup, which can effectively neutralize redcolors.

Supporting thehealing process

There are a few things you can do to support your speedyhealing process. First, always follow the post-procedure instructions from yourplastic surgeon. Your provider will likely recommend cleansing the treated skingently two to five times daily with a diluted vinegar solution. Apply generousamounts of moisturizer every day. You should also avoid sun exposure wheneverpossible, as the treated skin will be quite sensitive to the sun. When you mustgo outdoors, wear plenty of sunscreen formulated for sensitive skin. Re-applysunscreen every two hours. Cover up as much skin as possible, such as bywearing a wide-brimmed hat while outdoors.

Laser skinresurfacing in Manhattan, NYC

Are you interested in revitalizing your tired, dull skin and revealing a fresh new you? Visit the New York City office of Dr. Thomas Loeb—a board-certified plastic surgeon who puts patient health and safety first. During your consultation, Dr. Loeb will discuss the procedure, ask you some questions about your health history and aesthetic goals, and determine if you could be a good candidate for laser resurfacing. You will also have the opportunity to view some laser resurfacing before and after pics in NYC. Take the first step toward skin that looks as young as you feel, and call Dr. Loeb’s office today, 212-327-3700.