When Can I Resume Outdoor Activities After Laser Resurfacing?

I am an athlete and am accustomed to wearing at least 70 spf, sweat proof and water proof, sunscreen when riding my bike for 2- 3 hours. I have also purchased a belaclava (think burka) to cover my face (fabric is spf 25). I recently had laser resurfacing and am trying to determine when I can resume my bike riding. I live in Va, its December, cloudy and overcast frequently. Would a 1.5 hour long ride with these precautions be safe in the morning light?

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by Jeanne in Midlothian in Midlothian, VA

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Outdoor Activities After Laser Resurfacing

As your questions suggests that you know, sun protection is critical post laser resurfacing. However, there is insufficient information to properly address your question. What type of laser was utlililzed and how aggressive were the settings? How much time has passed since the treatment? How much have you healed and how much do you still need to heal? Your physician will be able to answer these questions and lay out an appropriate workout schedule.

Sun protection is critical after laser resurfacing

Sun protection is critical after laser resurfacing. I think you are taking reasonable steps to protect your skin with the sunscreen and belaclava. Exercise will also increase the flow of blood to your skin which could worsen swelling etc. As long as most of your inflammation has decreased after laser resurfacing then you should be OK for exercise. In my Salt Lake City plastic surgery practice I perform many laser skin resurfacing procedures each week and typically... more

Sun protection and Fraxel Repair resurfacing

If you are prone to melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, you must be more diligent than someone who does not tend to get brown skin after injury. laser resurfacing is a very special treatment and the extent of resurfacing (energy level, density, number of passes) along with the topical therapies recommended before and after can make a difference in the likelihood of developing pigmentation problems. Therefore, you should be directly asking your provider who evaluated you and your... more

Resumption of activities after laser resurfacing

The quick answer regarding timing of resumption of activities after Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is "listen to your body". Strict daily sun protection goes without saying, even without laser resurfacing. Holding off vigorous exercise or outdoor activities can be helpful to minimize post-treatment redness. In addition, your board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon may have given you mild sedation for Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing which would obligate you to take... more

Facial lasre and biking

Tough call in terms of waht to suggest. How deep was the laser, are you healed/ How red are you? These are sjust some questions. You should probably ask your doctor.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Biking after laser resurfacing

Get up early in the morning and go for a ride. You will not have much of a problem at that time. Once you have fully healed/peeled/un-crusted you can use a sunscreen. I would do that daily before going even to the mailbox. I prefer a physical block to a chemical(zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). No need for a Burka