Tips for Making Your Laser Treatments as Successful as Possible

At Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center, we know first-hand the wonders that laser treatments can do for your skin, but we also realize that they can feel intimidating because, for first-timers, lasers are so different from any procedure they’ve had before. There are plenty of do’s and don’ts when it comes to laser treatments, and we want you to be able to get the best possible results so you can experience the real potential of your procedure of choice, whether it be laser hair removal, fractionated CO2 laser skin resurfacing, laser mole removal, or any number of other options. So we’ve compiled a list of some tips that can help you maximize your results, whether you’re new to the world of lasers or you’re a seasoned veteran.

Before Your Laser Treatment

• If you smoke, stop as long before your appointment as possible, because it can hinder your ability to heal.
• Protect your skin from sun exposure for several weeks ahead of time. Wear sunscreen every day and reapply every few hours, look for sun-blocking clothing, and avoid tanning both indoors and outdoors. It’s also a good idea to avoid spray tans for a few weeks.
• Avoid certain grooming before your treatment, based on the laser technician’s instructions. This varies by procedure. For instance, before laser hair removal it’s best to be clean-shaven but to avoid any hair removal which can damage the follicles, like waxing or plucking, while you may be asked to avoid shaving for a certain period of time before tattoo removal.
• Be careful about which meds you’re taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. Even aspirin, ibuprofen, and some herbal medications can increase your risk for bruising.
• If you have a history of cold sores, ask us about antiviral medications before facial laser treatments to reduce your risk for an outbreak.
• Do your homework. Look for a facility that’s associated with the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), a highly-regarded organization with important standards and qualifications for cosmetic laser centers.
• Get the timing right. Because sun protection is vital post-laser treatment, winter is an ideal time because you won’t be spending as much time outside or exposing as much skin as you would during the summer. Many laser procedures also have a healing period, so be sure to plan accordingly if you have big events coming up.

After Your Laser Treatment

• Reduce your risks for recurrence of the cosmetic issue you treated. For instance, if you focused on facial rejuvenation, establish a good anti-aging skincare routine and follow other practices to slow wrinkles. If acne scars were your target, seek prompt treatment like acne light therapy for any future acne. Or, if you had laser spider vein treatments, reduce your risk for more spider veins by avoiding long periods of sitting or standing.
• Sun protection, sun protection, & more sun protection! After a laser treatment, UV rays can cause pigmentation changes and other long-lasting problems, so keep as much of your skin covered with protective clothing as you can and keep up with reapplying sunscreen on all exposed skin, even when you’re in the car or under an umbrella.
• Follow all post-treatment instructions closely. This is a biggie. Everyone’s skin is different, and your laser technician will know best what you should do to get the best results with the least risk.
• Stock up on post-laser skincare products. Yes, there are products that are made specifically for post-laser skin, and we can recommend the ideal ones for your skin type.
• Follow the recommended course of treatment. There’s a reason some procedures require multiple sessions, and while some patients stop partway through when they start to see results, you won’t be as satisfied long-term if you cut corners. Plus, we offer savings packages of multiple sessions for many of our treatments, so you can get more bang for your buck if you purchase them all at once.
• Get started on a consistent regimen of lighter treatments, like chemical peels or Silk Dermalinfusion® microdermabrasion, to maintain your results from facial rejuvenation laser procedures.

All these tips can be great ways to make the most of your laser treatments by enhancing your results and lowering your risks for side effects, but we have one more reminder to keep in mind: your ultimate resource should be your laser technician. They’re the expert who’s knowledgeable about both the treatment you’re receiving and your specific skin, so don’t hesitate to ask them questions about both preparation and aftercare. To get started with a skin analysis, schedule a consultation at Laser Lights. Or, for more helpful tips and our latest special offers, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.