The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends laser skin rejuvenation for those who have specific skin issues. The results of this treatment can give you smoother, younger-looking skin. Knowing what to do before and after skin rejuvenation can help maximize its benefits. Here are the details. 

Pretreatment Tips

Your doctor will ask about your medical history first. A physical exam will follow. This can help your doctor figure out how changes to your physical features can affect the results of the treatment. You and your provider can then discuss your expectations and the risks of the treatment. Preparing well for laser skin rejuvenation is important. It can help achieve great results. Here are some pretreatment tips that you must consider:

• Take medications. The medications will depend on the condition you have. Taking them will help prevent complications. 

• Refrain from tanning or exposing yourself to the sun. Apply some sunscreen every day for a month before your treatment. 

• Avoid chemical peels and other deep facial peels a month before your laser surfacing.

• Apply a topical retinoid ointment for a month before your treatment. This can prepare your skin for rejuvenation.

• Stop smoking at least a couple of weeks before and after the treatment. This can help improve your recovery and prevent complications. 

• Ask someone to drive you home. You will need a ride home if you will be sedated during your laser skin rejuvenation. Someone should also assist you when you get home. 

Posttreatment Tips

Laser skin rejuvenation is not a type of surgery but a rest period is necessary for your skin to heal. This lowers your risk for complications. It also helps reveal the results you desire. It often takes three to 10 days to heal. The recovery time will be longer if the treatment area is big. Here are some valuable tips after your laser skin rejuvenation.

• The area may become red. It may also scab over. There will be slight peeling. Placing ice packs on the treated area may help decrease the swelling. 

• Stay away from areas with high amounts of contaminants, such as the gym. Doing so can lower your risk of infection.

• Adjust your skincare ritual. You will need to clean the treated area about two to five times each day. Use a vinegar-based or saline solution that your doctor suggests. Apply new dressings so that the area stays clean. If you want to moisturize, discuss this with your doctor first. 

• Expect skin sensitivity for up to a year after the treatment. Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30. This can help reduce your risk of sun damage and sunburn. Apply sunscreen every morning even if it is cloudy outside. You should reapply throughout the day. 

• After complete healing, you can wear makeup to hide the red or ink color that appears after the treatment. Green-based makeup is ideal because it neutralizes the red skin color. It will take about two to three months for the redness to disappear. Others may need six months to about a year.  

Following the mentioned tips may result in successful laser skin rejuvenation. At Med Aesthetics, LLC, we help our patients achieve their cosmetic goals while maintaining their health. Feel free to visit our facility in River Forest, Illinois, for an in-person consultation. Please call 708-722-8400 to set an appointment or ask about our laser skin rejuvenation packages.