Laser Resurfacing provides patients with wonderful results, however the first 2-3 weeks of healing are crucial for obtaining the best results. These first two weeks are when the skin regenerates or rebuilds itself and any problems that occur may cause the normal healing process to go wrong. It is important to avoid sun, to prevent infection and to allow the skin to heal in a controlled and problem free environment.
The basic routine is to take antibiotics and antivirals to prevent infection and to follow a strict regimen for skin care. These medications are safe and effective when taken as prescribed. Keeping the skin clean with routine washes and applying ointments help the skin to heal in the ideal and controlled manner. Most important, is to avoid any direct sun while the skin is rebuilding a new surface. Sun can cause burns, unwanted pigmentation and an uneven skin tone.
Your experienced laser surgeon will provide you with a routine and guidelines to help you achieve the best results, but it is important that you follow his/her advice to get you through this crucial period in order to achieve the best result.
Laser resurfacing is one of the best tools we have for rebuilding, tightening and rejuvenating aged or sun damaged skin, but it requires a commitment from patients to follow their physicians guidelines and to keep follow up appointments with their physicians to ensure that the skin is healing in an ideal manner.
