Laser Skin Resurfacing: The Recovery and Healing Process

Jefferson Plastic Surgery and our Dental-Medical collaborative, deme cosmetic, offers a wide variety of non-surgical procedures that can fight signs of advanced age. There are many ways to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture, some of which involve the careful use of laser light. Our Philadelphia, PA practice offers two types of state-of-the-art laser treatment: ClearLift™ laser skin resurfacing and Pixel Perfect™ laser skin resurfacing.

Before undergoing laser skin resurfacing, it's important that patients understand the recovery process. With that in mind, let's cover the basics of laser skin resurfacing and then look at the side effects patients experience while they are healing.

How Laser Skin Resurfacing Works

Both ClearLift™ and Pixel Perfect™ laser skin resurfacing work in a similar manner. Laser light is used to heat the underlying layer of the skin. This promotes the growth of collagen in the skin, which results in the emergence of softer, suppler, and smoother skin.

The overall treatment time for these laser skin resurfacing procedures is just 25 to 30 minutes. Just half an hour of work can result in looking years younger.

Do I Need to Take Time Off From Work?

No.

A lack of downtime is one of the many advantages of ClearLift™ and Pixel Perfect™ laser skin resurfacing. Patients will be able to resume work and engage in many of their normal daily activities after their laser skin resurfacing procedure has been completed.

Common Side Effects After Laser Skin Resurfacing

Some of the most common side effects after laser skin resurfacing include:

• Redness or pink skin in the treatment area
• A flushed appearance of the face
• Warm skin around the treatment area
• Facial swelling
• Irritation or itchiness
• Mild discomfort 

These side effects will resolve over the course of a few days. If patients notice side effects getting worse after a few days, it's important that they alert the practice so these issues can be dealt with in a timely fashion.

Tips for Fast and Problem-free Healing

To ensure proper healing free from complications, consider these healing tips:

• Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure: Sun exposure after laser skin resurfacing can have a negative impact on the results of treatment. Be sure to stay out of the sun for a few days after you have undergone laser skin resurfacing. This is a good rule in general for preventing wrinkles, spots, sun damage, and skin cancer.
• Use Recommended Creams to Address Irritation: Itchy or irritated skin can be unpleasant after laser skin resurfacing. We may recommend the use of creams to use to help relieve some of this irritation.
• Take Pain Relievers as Instructed If Necessary: If the pain after laser skin resurfacing is bothersome, patients can take over-the-counter pain relievers to help reduce their discomfort.
• Attend Follow-up Visits as Scheduled: Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor the results of the laser skin resurfacing treatment and to make sure patients heal properly. Attend these as scheduled to achieve optimal anti-aging results.

Learn More about Laser Skin Resurfacing

If you would like more information about laser skin resurfacing and your many other options for enhancing your appearance and fighting signs of advanced age, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon today. The team at Jefferson Plastic Surgery will help determine an ideal treatment option for you and your needs.