The nuances of skin care before and after the procedure of laser resurfacing of the face

The impressive results of laser facial resurfacing, which are usually shown to the patient to demonstrate the possibilities of the technique, mislead many people about the speed of obtaining a rejuvenating effect. Between the procedure and an admiring look at oneself in the mirror, there is a long and difficult path of the rehabilitation period, which the patient must be aware of, since the final result of appearance correction depends on proper skin care in this difficult time. What nuances of skin care before and after laser resurfacing of the face you need to know, read in the material.

Preparing the skin before laser facial resurfacing will facilitate rehabilitation

Restoration of the skin after laser resurfacing of the face will be much faster and more efficient if the skin is well prepared for intensive procedures. The cosmetologist selects preparatory measures individually for each patient, depending on the condition of the skin, but there are some general principles.

• Moisture. The better the moisture balance in the skin, the faster the recovery process after damaging effects and the higher the efficiency of laser resurfacing. Dry skin needs a course of biorevitalization before the procedure.
• Lightening. If there are multiple foci of hyperpigmentation, a glycol or retinoic peel can be recommended to whiten them.
• Protection. A month before the proposed laser resurfacing procedure, you should stop tanning and start using protective face creams with a factor of 50.
• Purification. If there are pustules, inflammations on the skin of the face, then before prescribing laser skin resurfacing, mechanical cleanings, physiotherapy procedures, and home remedies for care are prescribed.

When rashes on the face are due to the onset of menstruation, the laser procedure is planned no earlier than on the very last day of menstruation, so that the skin has time to heal.

To avoid possible post-procedural complications associated with a viral infection (in particular, herpes), it may be recommended to take antiherpetic drugs for several days before laser resurfacing.

The initial stage of care after laser resurfacing

The patient and the doctor need to remember that facial care immediately after the laser resurfacing procedure – it is essentially a burn treatment. The skin is intensely red, hot, raw, weeping from secretions of serous fluid. Red dots may be visible on the surface – laser marks and brown spots – places of former hyperpigmentation.

During the first day, the swelling of the face increases, the eyelids droop, the lower third of the face increases in volume due to swelling, wrinkles and creases appear very clearly. On the second day after laser resurfacing, puffiness usually peaks and then gradually subsides.

What to do:

• relieve pain with any NSAID,
• Take your doctor's prescribed antibiotics,
• moisturize the skin with chilled serums or ampoule concentrates with a revitalizing effect,
• apply chlorhexidine after moisturizing compresses,
• sleep half-sitting.

The crusts that form on the face must be actively softened and very carefully removed without pressure so as not to disturb the epithelization and not create conditions for the formation of scars.

What not to do:

• tear off dried-on crusts,
• wash yourself with water,
• during sleep, roll over on your side and on your stomach,
• apply makeup and sunscreen.

It is important to avoid additional harmful factors – dust, wind, temperature fluctuations. It is advisable to carry out this stage at home (the first 1-3 days after the procedure) to minimize the risk of infection, dehydration and additional skin irritation.

Week by week: aftercare plan for laser resurfacing

First week. The main task – intense hydration. The skin at this time is no longer wet, but crusted and flaky.

What you can:

• continue taking antibiotics;
• do moisturizing compresses.

What is not allowed:

• try to tear off peeling skin;
• rubbing face;
• use care products with irritating ingredients.

The skin should receive as little stress as possible. Washing is allowed, but water is sprayed on the face from a spray bottle.

Second week. The main task – maximum protection.

Usually, the skin almost does not peel off, the face gradually returns to normal. If the skin reacts normally, you can gradually return to the usual care products and decorative cosmetics. Humidification continues in the same volumes.

When going out, be sure to wear sunscreen and cover your face with a brim of a hat or a scarf.

Third week. The skin no longer requires specialized care, although it needs intensive hydration. Opening your face to the sun, let alone sunbathing, is not allowed for at least another 2 months.

At this stage, it is already possible to evaluate the first results of the procedure, if necessary, a course of biorevitalization is prescribed to consolidate the result. Patience in care and consistency in moisturizing and protecting the skin, especially in the first two weeks after laser resurfacing, will allow the patient to admire his significantly rejuvenated face in the mirror.