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How to Take Care of Your Skin After Laser Resurfacing

Laser treatments are among the top five non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the U.S.

Useful for various reasons, such as tattoo removal, hair removal, or treating scarring, laser skin resurfacing also combats uneven, wrinkled, sun-damaged skin.

If you lead an active outdoor life, you’re probably familiar with sunburn, sunspots, and uneven skin tone. Over time, parts of the body that are constantly exposed to the elements, particularly the face, upper chest, and the backs of your hands, can become problem areas with these cosmetic issues.

Laser skin resurfacing provides a solution.

Here, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Derrick Gale in Riverton, UT, looks at what laser skin resurfacing can achieve and how to best treat your skin after your laser skin resurfacing treatment.

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical, rejuvenating skincare procedure. The procedure uses lasers to remove damaged layers of skin and encourage the body to generate new collagen and surface skin cells, which is essential to good skin health and a glowing complexion.

After laser skin resurfacing, skin can feel sensitive and requires special care to heal as rapidly as possible.

How to Take Care of My Skin After Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Post-laser treatment involves keeping the treated area moist, cool, and vitally, OUT OF THE SUN!

Immediately following your treatment, Dr. Gale will cover the treated areas with Vaseline or Aquaphor. This creates a barrier between your skin and the outside world, which protects the skin and locks in moisture.

Once you arrive home, we recommend lying down with the head elevated with two pillows for 48 hours after treatment, using cold packs wrapped in tea towels to reduce swelling and heat.

We then recommend treatment as such:

  • Day 1: Cold packs and moisture (Vaseline)
  • Day 2 to 5: Showering twice a day, gently cleaning treated areas with cleanser, and reapplying Vaseline.
  • Day 5 to 7: Skin should start to become smoother, without oozing or crusts. Continue cleaning the treated areas with a Cetaphil cleanser, but switch to a Cetaphil moisturizer instead of Vaseline.
  • Day 7 to 14: During the second week of recovery, patients can begin to use makeup, but it is imperative that patients always apply fragrance-free sunscreen when driving or going outside. The skin is still sensitive at this stage, and the UV rays can be damaging. 

You can start to resume physical activity after the first week, but we suggest keeping it to a minimum until you feel your skin is adequately healed – usually after three weeks.

Laser Resurfacing in Riverton and Salt Lake City, Utah

Restoring your youthful skin with laser resurfacing can completely change your complexion.   To consult with a leading authority in the cosmetic and aesthetic service industry, we encourage you to arrange a commitment-free consultation with Dr. Gale by calling 801 506-6344 or filling out his online form. We look forward to hearing from you soon!