Laser skin treatments performed at our Atlanta practice create smoother skin with a more even tone. But they don’t guard against sun damage, dried-out skin, and other issues that prompt you to seek the treatments in the first place. And taking care of your skin after getting a laser treatment can prolong the results.
In this blog post, I’ll discuss the short-term side effects many patients experience after getting a laser skin rejuvenation procedure and how to care for them, and then talk about ongoing habits that can help extend the results of the treatment.
Post-Procedure Side Effects
I recently wrote a blog post about the multiple benefits of laser skin treatments. Nearly all patients think the benefits are well worth the temporary and fairly minor side effects. The most common of those side effects include:
- Slight redness
- Swelling
- Stinging (similar to a sunburn)
An ice pack or cold, damp cloth usually helps ease redness, swelling, and discomfort. An over-the-counter pain reliever may also help if the skin is especially sensitive. Avoid exfoliating the skin and applying makeup for at least 4 to 5 days after the treatment to allow time for microscopic wounds to heal. You should apply moisturizer to the treatment area during this time to prevent scabbing and to speed up the healing process.
Prolonging the Results
Once you’ve undergone a laser skin treatment, it will be beneficial to follow these tips, which are habits everyone should adopt to keep their skin looking youthful and healthy.
Apply sunscreen: It’s the mantra you’ve probably heard all your life. Sun damage is the primary cause of wrinkles and other signs of aging—and a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 should be used daily.
Remain hydrated: Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is good for your overall health and can help your skin look youthful.
Be active: Maybe going to the gym consistently just isn’t part of your lifestyle. That’s okay. But exercise is important for a number of reasons and keeping your skin refreshed is one of them. Hike, bicycle, take brisk walks—whatever gets your heart pumping and helps you break a sweat.
Take supplements: Supplement a diet rich in healthy proteins—such as seafood, eggs, meat, and soy—with vitamin supplements that can help increase collagen production.
Sleep, sleep, sleep: There’s a reason they call it “beauty sleep.” Lack of regular, adequate sleep plays a major role in various health issues, including weight gain. And it may also the culprit when it comes to skin concerns like puffiness or a lackluster appearance. The occasional night out is okay, but good sleep habits are essential.
You can see for yourself the kinds of results we get for laser skin treatment patients at our Atlanta medical spa and plastic surgery practice by browsing our gallery of before-and-after photos.
To learn if you can benefit from laser skin rejuvenation, contact us using the online form to book now or call us at (404) 233-3937 to schedule an appointment.
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