Your Guide to Post-Laser Treatment Skin Care
Over the years, the Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center team has learned that despite the advanced skills of trained laser technicians, patients who do not give their skin the proper aftercare attention are more at risk to experience adverse effects. We value educating our patients on aftercare procedures for all of our treatments not for our own benefit, but so you can see the best results from your chosen treatment. We disclose aftercare information, even for rare side effects, to show the true worth we place upon our patients’ comfort and safety.
Our cosmetic laser services function for a multitude of purposes. We treat skin conditions like rosacea and acne, but can also remove tattoos, freckles, birthmarks, and even unwanted hair. Laser treatments are a completely safe option to address these common skin concerns and beyond provided that the laser technician is credible, experienced, and provides thorough pre- and post-procedure instructions. In rare cases, any issues that arise, such as slight bruising or temporary pigmentation changes, are almost exclusively due to lack of experience as a technician, a problem that is eliminated by the highly-skilled staff at Laser Lights.
Though extremely rare, it’s still important to clarify aftercare instructions for these uncommon occurrences. If significant irritation were to occur, medicated anti-bacterial ointment may be prescribed to avert infection and help the healing process along. To correct any pigmentation problems that could arise, bleaching creams can be used. However, do not use bleaching creams without the advice of a skin care professional. Bleaching creams can cause irreversible hypopigmentation if not properly used.
Rather than the rare occurrences mentioned above, side effects patients can experience immediately after their laser procedure are itching, redness and swelling. Patients who experience post-treatment discomfort should take over-the-counter pain medication or use ice or a cold compress. Numbing cream can also be used beforehand to minimize discomfort.
We always like to note that direct sun exposure should be very limited before and after laser skin treatments. To avoid the risk of uneven pigmentation even when you cannot stay completely out of the sun, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher multiple times per day or as directed. For more information on the laser services or other skin treatments we perform, contact us. Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest laser skin care news and information.