When Can I Resume Outdoor Activities After Laser Resurfacing?

Question

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?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

Your skin is extra
sensitive to the sun after a laser resurfacing treatment, so it is best to
avoid outdoor activities for as long as possible after the procedure. I
typically recommend that my patients abstain from direct sun exposure for at
least a week to 10 days after their laser resurfacing treatment. If you must go
outside, please wear a cap or visor and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least
30 to protect your healing skin.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

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 counsel patients to resume exercise 7-10 days later if they feel up to it as long as they are protected from the sun.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

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 skin prior to doing the resurfacing with the fractional carbon dioxide laser as to your post procedural instructions.

William Ting, MD · Answer

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 things easy for the first couple days after the procedure.

When Can I Resume Outdoor Activities After Laser Resurfacing?

Answers (8)

Answer: Sun protection and Fraxel Repair resurfacing

Answer: Sun protection and Fraxel Repair resurfacing

Answer: Resumption of activities after laser resurfacing

Answer: Resumption of activities after laser resurfacing

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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When Can I Resume Outdoor Activities After Laser Resurfacing?

Answers (8)

Answer: Sun protection and Fraxel Repair resurfacing

Answer: Sun protection and Fraxel Repair resurfacing

Answer: Resumption of activities after laser resurfacing

Answer: Resumption of activities after laser resurfacing

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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