Can I Get Laser Resurfacing Done During the Summer?

Question

i struggled with acne for the past 5 years. now i am on minocycline and get the couple cysts around the jawline a week prior to my period. im dying to do laser resurfacing like co2. i understand being out of the sun, which im willing to take. but do you recommend it being ok to do during the hot season

Mark Berkowitz, MD · Answer

Laser Skin Resurfacing can be performed anytime of the year.  You may choose colder cloudier months if you live in states with "4 seasons" but we perform skin resurfacing all year round in Michigan.

	 

	You definitely need a complete examination and consultation as CO2 laser resurfacing may not be the best treatment for you.  If your acne is active a treatment like IPL may be of greater benefit.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a question with many variables. I regularly perform laser skin resurfacing in the summer time, but have more specific recommendations to avoid direct and indirect sun exposure after the procedure.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Laser treatment is performed in the parts of the country that are hot almost year-round. Sun avoidance and the use of air conditioning helps make the convalescent period more comfortable. You certainly don't want to be in the high heat, especially if very humid, for the first few days after a CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser treatment, even if fractional, as you will have some creams or ointments recommended for your use by your doctor and it is an open wound initially. When you heal after the laser, you have to be extremely diligent to use a good sunscreen for at least a year after to minimize pigmentation changes.

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If you are still having acne outbreaks, this is a concern for CO2 resurfacing as we don't want any infectious risk elevated and we need to control the acne if are to improve and prevent scarring. You may need to have a hormonal evaluation and hormonal therapy or even isotretinoin in order to maintain your acne first. See a Board Certified Dermatologist for appropriate care first prior to getting your laser treatments,. Otherwise it will be money wasted. I hope this helps.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

It IS OK to have laser resurfacing in the summer months but does require that you be vigilant about sun protection. This includes wearing a wide brimmed hat and always wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day. Your skin must be kept well moisturized during the early healing period too but this applies regardless of which time of year you choose for the procedure.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

My practice is located in Florida- it is practically summer here year round! As long as you protect your skin from sun exposure you can have laser skin resurfacing done any time of year. Using a sunscreen with a physical block every single day- even on rainy days, wearing a hat as much as possible, avoiding sun bathing, and avoiding direct sun exposure during the peak times of day (between 12-4) will ensure that you are protecting your skin properly and enhance your results from laser skin resurfacing.

Can I Get Laser Resurfacing Done During the Summer?

Answers (10)