Laser Resurfacing Before and After: What To Expect
When it comes to facial rejuvenation, few treatments are as powerful as laser skin resurfacing. But knowing what to expect before and after your sessions can help you make the most of laser resurfacing. Join us for a guide to laser resurfacing, before and after!
What is laser skin resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing can help you turn back the clock and erase signs of aging. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
What does it treat?
Laser skin resurfacing can improve the appearance of many common cosmetic concerns, including:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scars and surgical scars
Sun damage, age spots, and hyperpigmentation
Uneven skin tone and texture
Enlarged pores
Stretch marks
Redness, rosacea, and broken blood vessels
Treatment types
There are various types of laser devices used for skin resurfacing, and most are categorized as either ablative or non-ablative. Ablative lasers like the CO2 laser remove the top layer of skin, while non-ablative lasers heat the skin to stimulate collagen production. At Glow Aesthetics, we use the GentleMax Pro, a non-ablative laser that’s gentle on the skin and requires little to no downtime.
Potential side effects
Your before and after pics may demonstrate substantial improvements in skin imperfections following laser resurfacing, but there are some side effects to consider. You may experience redness, swelling, and itching in the days after treatment. In rare cases, skin sensitivity, scarring, milia, and hyperpigmentation may occur if treatment is administered by an inexperienced practitioner or in the wrong setting.
Who’s a good candidate?
Clients of all skin types and tones can achieve transformative results with skin resurfacing using the GentleMax Pro laser. Thanks to its dual wavelengths, your esthetician can adjust the level of the laser used to treat your skin safely and effectively.
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What to expect with laser resurfacing treatment
If you’re new to laser skin resurfacing, you’ll want to know what to expect and how to prepare your skin for treatment. Here are our top tips to keep in mind:
How to prepare for laser resurfacing
Proper preparation can ensure that laser resurfacing won’t burn your skin. Here’s how to treat your skin in the days and weeks before laser resurfacing:
Avoid sun exposure: Starting two to four weeks before your session, avoid direct sunlight and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even when you plan to stay inside.
Stick to gentle skincare products: About a week before treatment, stop using retinoids, acids, vitamin C, harsh exfoliants, and topical steroids.
Check your medication: Certain prescription and OTC medications can increase photosensitivity and cause adverse reactions to laser resurfacing.
What happens during treatment?
When you arrive for your laser skin resurfacing session, your provider will cleanse and prep the treatment area to remove dirt, oils, and residual skincare products. Then, they’ll give you safety goggles to protect your eyes. Once they fire up the GentleMax Pro device, you’ll feel quick snapping or stinging sensations with each pulse of the laser.
How long does it take?
Full-face skin rejuvenation usually takes about 45 minutes to complete. If you’re targeting stretch marks on the belly or arms, the duration of your session may vary.
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After treatment
Non-ablative skin resurfacing doesn’t require substantial downtime or long-lasting stages of recovery. Here’s what you can expect after laser skin resurfacing with the GentleMax Pro:
Post-treatment care
Immediately after your laser resurfacing treatment, your esthetician may apply aloe vera, a cool compress, or a healing cream to promote faster recovery. Consider using Aquaphor Healing Ointment in the first few days to lock in moisture and protect your skin barrier. After three to five days, you can introduce other topicals like Bio-Oil.
Keep your skin clean and hydrated using a gentle cleanser and nourishing moisturizers. Avoid makeup for the first 24 to 48 hours, and be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen for at least two weeks. As your skin heals, try to keep the area cool to minimize inflammation and avoid picking at dry, flaky skin.
Expected results
Within five to seven days after laser skin resurfacing, redness should dissipate and sensitivity should subside. Depending on the cosmetic concerns targeted, you may notice substantial results after two to three weeks. Age spots may take on a darker appearance before flaking off after three to seven days, while the effects of enhanced collagen production may take months to reveal themselves.
How long do results last?
The results of laser resurfacing vary from person to person and depend largely on the conditions treated. Clients seeking preventative treatments can see ongoing benefits with a single session every six months or so. Those targeting severely sun-damaged skin or significant wrinkles may require a more intensive initial treatment series followed by occasional maintenance sessions.
Remember, your daily skincare habits will also impact your long-term results. Developing a nourishing skincare routine can help you maximize the benefits of your laser resurfacing treatments.
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Achieve transformative results with skin resurfacing at Glow Aesthetics!
Skin rejuvenation doesn’t have to require invasive surgery and weeks of downtime. At Glow Aesthetics, we offer customized treatment solutions in a warm, welcoming environment to revitalize clients inside and out. Ready to discover how laser resurfacing can transform your skin? Book a consultation today to get started!