Treatment FAQ

what does face look like after laser treatment

by Orlando Halvorson Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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After a laser treatment, skin often looks worse on its way to looking better. Redness, flakiness, and crusting are all common after laser treatment. You might be tempted to cover up that redness or to minimize the appearance of flakes and scabs using foundation or other types of makeup.

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.Mar 22, 2021

Full Answer

What does laser skin resurfacing feel like?

Laser skin treatment resurfacing may help your skin look younger and healthier. Laser skin treatment removes skin layer by layer with precision. The new skin cells that form during healing give the skin a tighter, younger looking surface. The procedure can be done by itself or along with other cosmetic treatment on the face. Treating just parts ...

How to take care of your face after laser treatment?

Erbium Fractional Laser Treatment Recovery Time – 7-10 days Non-Ablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing Recovery Time – 1-3 days Depending on the intensity of your treatment, your skin may be pink or red for anywhere between a week to a month. Just take special care with your post-treatment routine and you’ll be radiant in no time.

What will my skin feel like after BBL laser treatment?

Expect Changes in Your Skin After Laser treatment Depending on the type of laser treatment you select, the possibility of redness may be as short as a couple of hours or as long as several days post treatment. After a BBL or Halo laser treatment, patients can expect the former. Furthermore, some amount of skin peeling afterward is to be expected.

How long does redness last after laser treatments?

Redness, flakiness, and crusting are all common after laser treatment. You might be tempted to cover up that redness or to minimize the appearance of flakes and scabs using foundation or other types of makeup. Like other skincare products, however, …

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How long does it take for skin to heal after laser treatment?

Five to seven days after laser resurfacing, your skin will become dry and peel. Depending on the problem that was treated, healing typically takes 10 to 21 days. Once the skin heals, you can wear oil-free makeup to minimize redness, which usually fades in two to three months.Jul 26, 2021

What does your skin look like after laser?

The skin will be raw, oozing and may even blister. A yellow liquid may ooze from treated areas to form a crust. Do not scratch or pick at crusts because this can cause scarring. Usually, about five days to a week after laser skin resurfacing, your skin will become dry and peel.

What should I do after laser treatment on face?

Laser treatment aftercareClean the treated area regularly. Be sure to clean your skin two to five times a day after treatment. ... Use the right sunscreen. ... Reduce swelling and redness. ... Moisturize your treated skin. ... Avoid picking the treated area.

How long does it take to see results from laser treatment on face?

You will start to see the results of your treatment as soon as your skin finishes healing from the laser resurfacing treatment. For most people, this means it may take two to three weeks to see any significant results of this treatment.Apr 16, 2021

Is laser treatment good for face?

By stimulating collagen formation deep in the dermis/epidermis, lasers can be a useful tool to improve the appearance of deep set wrinkles, fine lines, enlarged pores, and severe acne scars.May 16, 2020

What are the side effects of laser therapy?

What are the risks?bleeding.infection.pain.scarring.changes in skin color.

What should you not do after laser?

Laser hair removal aftercare don'tsSpace recurring treatments no sooner than 4 to 6 weeks apart. ... Don't tan. ... Don't use tanning lotions. ... Don't apply lotions with fragrances or perfumes to the treatment area. ... Don't apply deodorant to the underarms if laser hair treatment was targeted in this area.More items...•Sep 13, 2021

Can you moisturise after laser?

Moisturizing lotion can replace lost moisture and also soothe your skin. The key is to use gentle moisturizing products — and apply them according to your technician's instructions. During the first 24 hours after treatment, avoid products with retinol or acids to reduce the risk of irritation.

Can I wash face after laser treatment?

You may want to wait 72 hours after skin treatment before you start washing your face. Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap to clean the area and pat it dry. You can use a cool compress if you experience any swelling or discomfort. You can also use a light moisturizer if your skin feels dry or tight.Dec 19, 2021

How often can I laser my face?

How often do I need to get Laser Hair Removal? Depending on the hair, skin type, and body area being treated, you will require treatments at 4-6 weeks intervals. For the facial area, treatments can be done at 2-4 week intervals.

Does CO2 laser make you look younger?

By removing damaged skin layer by layer, CO2 laser treatments reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, turning back the clock to restore a more youthful looking complexion. Scars and other imperfections can be reduced or eliminated along with laugh lines, crow's feet and other signs of aging.Dec 9, 2019

Can laser make scars worse?

It is also possible that the laser scar treatment could prove ineffective or worsen the scar's appearance.Jul 16, 2019

What is facial laser therapy?

Here’s a quick rundown of the main types of facial laser therapies you may be considering: Laser Hair Removal – This process uses a laser to damage hair follicles and delays unwanted hair growth in certain areas. It often takes several laser appointments to maintain the desired results.1.

How to stop itchiness after laser resurfacing?

Chemical exfoliants, like glycolic acid-laced peels and fruit enzymes (even the most gentle!). Straying away from these is a great way to stop itchiness after laser resurfacing. Scented lotions, cleansers, and serums because they can also cause redness and irritation. UV exposure at least one week after treatment.

What is fractional laser?

Fractional lasers meet the skin in a distinct pixelated pattern. This causes tiny holes to be created in the skin, which helps the skin heal faster.

What are the two types of laser treatments?

The two main types of aesthetic laser treatments are laser hair removal and skin resurfacing. To grasp why conditioning your face before a treatment is vital, you first have to understand just how intensive they can be. Here’s a quick rundown of the main types of facial laser therapies you may be considering:

What is the difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers?

The main differences between ablative and non-ablative lasers are their recovery time, level of invasiveness, and effectiveness. Because ablative lasers are more intensive, they require more downtime to heal. Non-ablative lasers are less invasive, which reduces your recovery time.

How many nonablative treatments are needed for laser?

However, the deeper the laser goes, the more results you’ll see. For example, it would take between 4-6 non-ablative treatments to achieve the same results as just 1-2 ablative procedures. So even though you’ll need more downtime, you’ll need fewer treatments.

How long before IPL should I prep my face?

Whether you’re going in for an IPL treatment or laser skin resurfacing procedure, you should never overlook the importance of prepping your face a few weeks before walking into your doctor’s office.

How long does it take for skin to change after laser treatment?

Depending on the type of laser treatment you select, the possibility of redness may be as short as a couple of hours or as long as several days post treatment. After a BBL or Halo laser treatment, patients can expect the former. Furthermore, some amount of skin peeling afterward is to be expected.

How to care for skin after laser treatment?

After the first several days after laser treatment, you might be able to stop using the protective barrier of petroleum jelly on your skin but you’ll still want to be very gentle and cautious about caring for the skin. During this stage, look for lotions that focus on moisturizing the skin rather than products that actively fight wrinkles. A lotion with hyaluronic acid is often ideal during this period. Hyaluronic acid helps your skin cells hold and regulate moisture, keeping your skin appearing hydrated and plump.

What is the best laser for fine lines?

For those who want to diminish fine lines and texture nuances on the skin with no downtime at all after treatment, the Sciton Halo laser is your best bet. The Halo laser provides aggressive laser resurfacing that will restore your youthful glow without the commitment to hiding away for days as the skin heals.

What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing may be just the thing you need to restore your skin and achieve a more youthful appearance that looks completely natural. Laser treatments range in their abilities, but there are primarily two options we use here at Quintessa Aesthetic Center: BBL lasers and Sciton Halo lasers. Broadband Light ( BBL) therapy laser treatment ...

What to use after laser treatment?

Once your skin is fully healed after laser treatment, you may use your corrective or restorative skincare products once again (as approved by your healthcare provider). These contain more aggressive ingredients such as retinoids which help maintain the results of your laser treatment by fighting wrinkles or by keeping hyperpigmentation at bay. The goal is to encourage a healthy amount of cell turnover and to protect the skin from sun damage and other factors that contribute to the signs of aging. Even though it’s tempting to save money on drug store brands, prescription-strength products usually contain more active ingredients and are only available at medical spas and doctor’s offices.

What is BBL laser?

Broadband Light ( BBL) therapy laser treatment specifically targets brown and red spots. It works by heating the upper layers of the skin with non-coherent light. This light energy is absorbed by the brown and red spots, this triggers a chemical process that promotes skin cell and collagen regeneration.

Does laser skin resurfacing last forever?

Even with the best skincare routine, the results from laser skin resurfacing treatment won’t last forever. You can help extend the necessary time between laser treatments by considering other, less intense treatments in the meantime.

How to clean your face after laser treatment?

During the first few days after laser treatment, your surgeon might recommend washing your facial skin with saline or with a very dilute vinegar solution. If you usually use a cleanser with acids or other harsh ingredients, you’ll want to hold off on using it until you get the “go ahead” from your doctor.

How to prevent dark spots after laser?

Stay Out of the Sun. Right after a laser treatment, your skin is going to be very sensitive. Any damage from the sun’s UV rays is likely to be even worse than it normally would be. To reduce the risk of causing discomfort, dark spots and other forms of sun damage, it’s very important that you minimize the time you spend out in ...

What to do for redness after laser?

Some swelling and redness are common after laser treatments, particularly after ablative treatments that affect the outer layers of skin. Cold compresses and ice packs can help to bring down swelling and minimize redness. They can also feel soothing to irritated skin.

What is laser surgery?

From minimizing wrinkles to getting rid of dark spots, is there anything a laser can’t do? Laser treatments are an effective way to improve the look of your skin and get comprehensive rejuvenation.

How to reduce swelling after laser?

Keep Your Head Up. Sleeping with your head elevated can help to reduce swelling after a laser treatment. You might to try propping yourself up with pillows in the bed and sleeping on your back for a few weeks. During the day, try to avoid bending forward or lowering your head down below the level of your heart.

Can you use petroleum jelly after laser?

Your surgeon will most likely recommend a particular type of moisturizer for you to use after a laser treatment. It’s common for people to apply petroleum jelly to the skin after an ablative treatment, such as Fraxel re:pair.

Can you use makeup after laser treatment?

You might be tempted to cover up that redness or to minimize the appearance of flakes and scabs using foundation or other types of makeup. Like other skincare products, however, makeup can irritate your healing skin. It’s better to wait a few weeks until the skin has had a chance to fully heal.

How does laser skin resurfacing feel?

Skin that's treated with laser resurfacing may react in different ways. But most of the time, it will feel like a mild sunburn. 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.

How long does it take for skin to peel after laser resurfacing?

A yellow liquid may ooze from treated areas to form a crust. Do not scratch or pick at crusts because this can cause scarring. Usually, about five days to a week after laser skin resurfacing, your skin will become dry and peel.

What to do if you have laser resurfacing around your mouth?

Bacterial infection. Your doctor may recommend taking an antibiotic prior to the surgery and afterwards. Cold sore reactivation. This may occur if you have laser resurfacing around your mouth. Be sure to tell you doctor about your history of cold sores (herpes).

How long does it take for pink skin to go away?

After that, the new, rejuvenated skin will be pink, but it will gradually lighten over two to three months. It may take up to a year for the pinkness to go away. It is very important to protect your skin during this time of healing.

Can you use sunscreen on a plastic surgeon?

No exceptions! Your plastic surgeon will help you select the correct type of sunscreen to best protect your treated areas. If directed to do so by your plastic surgeon, use a liberal amount of moisturizer each day on your new skin. You can expect that the treated area will peel.

How long after a mineral makeup treatment can you get acne?

After day 7, most of the signs that you’ve had a treatment will have resolved or can be easily hidden with mineral makeup. However, some people experience acne breakouts following the treatment, so I wouldn’t plan anything for 2 weeks to be safe.

How long does it take for collagen to show results?

Multiple treatments are recommended for the best results. However, you’ll see results in just a few weeks after each treatment .

What is CO2 laser treatment?

In a nutshell, the treatment uses CO2 laser energy to create ‘controlled micro-trauma’ to the skin layers to stimulate the skin’s innate repair and renewal processes. The stimulation helps with skin tightening, decreasing sun damage, and increased collagen production.

How long does it take for swelling to go down after a syringe?

Within about 7 days, most of your swelling will be gone, but you still may have some redness and residual swelling for another week or so. This varies from person to person and also relates partially to the strength of the treatment (there are numerous settings that are changed to treat particular skin conditions or skin types).

How long does it take for redness to go away after laser treatment?

With more aggressive lasers (CO2), the skin will usually look good only after 2 months. On rare occasion, topical or oral steroids may be used for excessive redness.

How long does it take for a laser to heal?

With more superficial treatments (such as Erbium or Fraxel), your skin may appear healed in 2 weeks. With more aggressive lasers (CO2), the skin will usually look good only after 2 months. On rare occasion, topical or oral steroids may be used for excessive redness. You do not have to stay indoors but sunlight exposure should be kept to a minimum for several months following laser skin resurfacing. I hope you find this helpful. Good luck.

How long does it take for a laser to return to normal?

Most patients can return to normal activities in 3 to 5 days, and makeup can be used after the first week. Below is an example of a patient before and after a Reflection Lift and fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing at our practice. You can also see more laser skin resurfacing before-and-after photos in our photo gallery.

What is laser skin resurfacing?

Why do some of the top face lift plastic surgeons often recommend laser skin resurfacing for their patients in Nashville, Tennessee? Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing, which involves using laser energy to vaporize portions of the outermost sun-damaged layers of the skin, is a highly effective cosmetic procedure ...

What is a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing?

A good candidate is someone with lighter skin tones, as those with darker skin tones, certain skin types, and medical conditions may experience a greater risk of unfavorable skin discoloration. We discuss more about whether you are a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing in our related blog post.

How long does it take for a reflection lift to work?

Although you can see improvement in the texture and tone of the skin within the first week, it will take approximately 3 months for the final results to be apparent. You can see one of Dr. Boggess’ patients below, before and after a Reflection Lift, eyelid surgery, fat transfer, and laser skin resurfacing. Instagram.

How long does it take for a syringe to heal?

In the 2 to 3 days following the procedure, there will be some light crusting of the skin followed by some mild to moderate redness, like a sunburn, lasting 1 to 3 weeks. Your skin, however, will feel smoother, and you will see fewer lines, less blotchiness, and more glow.

Does laser skin resurfacing help with burn scars?

Enlarged oil glands on the nose. There is also some evidence suggesting that fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing may help to reduce the appearance of burn scars. Learn more about all that laser skin resurfacing can do for you on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ website.

How old do you have to be to get a laser?

According to Dr. Estee Williams, board-certified dermatologist in New York City, Fraxel-type laser treatments are ideal for anyone ages 25 to 60 who want to improve skin texture and resurface skin texture to: But it has limits. Not only are there different devices, each device has different settings.

How much does a fraxel cost?

Fraxel’s range from $500 to $5,000, depending on where you live. While the cost varies depending on your region, what type of treatment, and the number of sessions needed, you could be looking at an average of $500 to $5,000 per treatment, advises Shafer. The average cost in NYC, according to Williams, is $1,500.

Does a fractional laser hurt?

In short: It hurts your face , but in a good way.Fractional” lasers create these micro-injuries that form a grid light pattern because the laser beam is split into many small beams. With these targeted micro-injuries, you can trigger a healing reaction without damaging your skin.

Can you use a patchwork on rosacea?

However, technicians may also be able to use different settings on different areas, offering a patchwork treatment for the best results. If you have sensitive skin or active skin issues such as eczema, acne, or moderate to severe rosacea, Williams warns you may not be a good candidate for Fraxel-type resurfacing.

Can you get laser treatment during lunch?

If you’re looking for serious and fast results, particularly for scarring and etched-in wrinkles, be prepared for a recovery time commitment. Getting a Fraxel treatment won’t always fit during your lunch break.

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