Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery Time

In laser skin resurfacing technique, the laser used acts directly on the skin that needs to be treated. The patient is given a local anesthesia and treated as an outpatient. There is no hospitalization. The procedure takes about two hours depending upon the area to be treated. If the area is small then it may be over within half an hour. For a full-face treatment it may take two hours. The laser works on the skin during this time.

After the procedure the area will be covered with sterile gauze. Painkillers will be given which will reduce whatever pain there is. The area will be constantly covered with Vaseline or some similar gel or medicine. The patient will be asked to lie down comfortably with an extra pillow so that the swelling is at a minimum. She has to wash her face four or five times a day with mild vinegar or saline. She has to keep cold compresses to prevent swelling. She should not expose her face to the sun and take care to prevent any infection.

There may be some discomfort after the treatment. She has to make sure that she has someone with her at the time of going home and till a day or two later. She should not exert herself. The skin will peel off and she should see that no scabs are formed. The doctor will advise her on what to do to prevent scabbing.

Once the skin peels off, fresh skin will be formed. This may be pink or red in color and be perfect, as it will not have the blemishes for which the laser skin resurfacing was done. In fact some patients feel that their face after the laser skin resurfacing is too perfect to be true. Blondes and redheads will have this type of skin for a longer period. Others will become normal soon.

After about three weeks the face will look normal and if there is any pinkish color she can use make up to cover it up. The scars or the pigmentation will have disappeared by this treatment. Laser treatment effects last for about four to five years if done by a good doctor therefore the doctor has to be chosen with care. One who has enough experience and pictures of his treatment, one who is Board certified and one on whom the patient has trust should be the one who performs the procedure. However it cannot prevent the signs of aging from reappearing.

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