Best Post-op Skincare Products for Maintaining Laser Resurfacing Results?

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Vitamin C is an effective ingredient that will help maintain results post-ablative laser treatment. Vitamin C should be applied in the morning as it helps to deliver advanced environmental protection by neutralizing damaging free radicals. Formulated with a synergistic antioxidant combination of 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid, we recommend SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. This vitamin C serum improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness, and brightens skin’s complexion. Tested safe after non-ablative laser, this serum provides advanced environmental protection while helping improve visible signs of aging.  Follow with a broad spectrum sunscreen that combines 100% mineral filters, zinc oxide and titanium oxide, like our SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion. Not only will this help protect the results of your treatment, but it can help prevent future signs of skin aging. We recommend any exfoliating product, such as Glycolic or Lactic acid, to be used in the evening. Hope this helps.

Laser resurfacing is one of the most sought after procedures in a busy aesthetic laser practice and certain elements in post laser care of the skin are fundamental in achieving optimal results. This includes proper hydration and deep moisturization with Opti-Ceramide creams as well as adequate UV protection to prevent sun damage to the sensitized skin. I recommend the Hydrate + Protect Mini Kit for all of my patienst who have had laser resurfacing. See link below for more information. 

There are many many good skin care products out there. However, remember, only retin A a prescription product, has been approved by the FDA for reducing sun damage and aging effects on the skin.
My belief is that if a post laser resurfacing skin care regimen does not contain retin A, it is substandard.
The Obagi skin care products are prescription grade and contain retin A (Vitamin C if you can't tolerate Retin A), bleaching agents, moisturizers and excellent sun block.
They are expensive but they work.

We have been gettting good results with Clinique Medical. Clinique now offers a medical grade of their products specifically designed for after laser treatment. You should discuss this with your physician.