AESTHETIC NEWS
You’re likely familiar with the concept of exfoliation. And you may even use facial scrubs with exfoliating ingredients. These remove old, dead skin cells from the surface of your skin so that the new skin layers are revealed. Exfoliation can make your skin look more vibrant, but it has limitations. If you have problematic skin, you may be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing. The ablative procedure is like a clinical-grade type of exfoliation that uses laser energy to remove the outer layers of skin. A more gentle type of skin resurfacing, the non-ablative procedure, corrects problems like rosacea and spider veins without removing any of the outer skin layers. The type of laser skin resurfacing procedure you have significantly influences the healing time.
Healing timeline for laser skin resurfacing
The initial healing period may last between three and 10 days. However, recovery from ablative laser resurfacing can take up to three weeks. Even after this initial recovery period, it’s possible to still experience some pinkness of the skin for several months, up to one year. The deeper and more intensive the procedure is, the longer the recovery time is likely to be.
The recovery period also depends on the specific type of laser used. Patients receiving Erbium laser resurfacing may have an initial recovery time of one full week. Patients undergoing CO2 laser resurfacing can expect up to two weeks of initial healing time.
It’s important to note that, while the plastic surgeon may advise patients to avoid makeup during the initial healing period, makeup can be used afterward to camouflage the lingering pinkness. Patients may get good results using a green-based makeup, which can effectively neutralize red colors.
Supporting the healing process
There are a few things you can do to support your speedy healing process. First, always follow the post-procedure instructions from your plastic surgeon. Your provider will likely recommend cleansing the treated skin gently two to five times daily with a diluted vinegar solution. Apply generous amounts of moisturizer every day. You should also avoid sun exposure whenever possible, as the treated skin will be quite sensitive to the sun. When you must go outdoors, wear plenty of sunscreen formulated for sensitive skin. Re-apply sunscreen every two hours. Cover up as much skin as possible, such as by wearing a wide-brimmed hat while outdoors.
Laser skin resurfacing 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.
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