Exercise/sweating after Erbium YAG laser?

Question

I'm having an Erbium laser peel done at the end of the month. I live in Florida and am a runner and cyclist, so there is unfortunately a lot of sun (I use sunscreen like crazy though and run in the early morning only) and even more sweating in my life. I want to know how long after erbium laser is it safe to: 1 Exercise at all (even indoors) 2 Exercise strenuously 3 Exercise strenuously outside where I'll be sweating profusely and getting red-faced (Florida is way too hot) Thank you for the help!

William Groff, DO · Answer

Your recovery recommendations will be based on the depth and intensity of your treatment. If you are having a fully ablative procedure, you will probably want to wait about a week afterward before participating in strenuous indoor exercise. Outdoor exercise should probably wait for a few weeks to protect the skin from significant sun damage. If the procedure is not ablative or more superficial, recovery will likely be much shorter. I encourage you to talk to your provider about what to expect after your treatment, including the recovery process. Make sure you are working with a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in this treatment to ensure your procedure is both safe and effective.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

The Erbium YAG laser works by delivering wavelengths of laser energy into the dermal structure to improve the condition of skin at a cellular level. Because the Erbium YAG laser can be customized to the unique concerns of the patient, the procedure varies in terms of depth, intensity and recovery time. Deeper treatments require more healing time and during this period, it is critical that you avoid direct sunlight on vulnerable skin. Even when your skin seems like it is healed, sun protection is absolutely necessary to maintain the positive results from your treatment. 
If you are planning for a deep treatment, you will likely be able to return to indoor workouts within 10 days or possibly sooner if it is low intensity exercise without sweating. Outdoor workouts will likely need to wait four to six weeks to ensure your skin gets all the protection necessary to heal correctly. Don’t forget to wear a hat while exercising, using water resistant sunscreen and re-apply frequently if you sweat it off. Sunscreen brushes by ColoreScience or ISDIN can fit in your pocket making application easy. However, I would talk to the provider you choose about specific timelines based on your exact treatment protocol. Always work with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist to ensure an optimal outcome.

Jason Pozner, MD · Answer

Your recovery after erbium laser depends upon the technology used and the depth of treatment. Is it full field, fractional, hybrid, what company laser, who is doing, anesthesia etc etcIn general recovery to exercise is not that long and even on the deepest depths I would have the patient doing indoor exercise a week after the procedure at the longest. Indoor strenuous is not a problem at a week out. Outdoor exercise might be a few weeks

Exercise/sweating after Erbium YAG laser?

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Exercise/sweating after Erbium YAG laser?

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Everything you need to know about YAG Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.