Laser Resurfacing In Arlington – What To Expect?

Every female teenager, young, adult, or elderly desires to have smooth and glowing skin. Using dermabrasion, chemical peels or microneedling helps, but lasers are great solutions to treat skin issues like acne scarring, sun spots, loose skin, wrinkles, fine lines, and even tattoos. For laser resurfacing in Arlington, visit the Advanced Plastic Surgery Center.

What To Expect from the Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure?

The laser targets your skin’s outer layer, while at the same time heating your dermis’s lower layer. This promotes the production of collagen. New collagen fibers help in producing new skin that is firm to touch and smooth in texture.

• The skin is prepared for the laser skin surfacing procedure several weeks in advance. The aim is to increase the tolerance of your skin to professional treatment and reduce the risk of side effects.
• On the procedure day, a topical anesthetic is applied on the spot to be treated. It helps to reduce pain and make you feel comfortable. In the case that the spot is larger, then a painkiller or sedative is recommended.
• A skin cleansing process to eliminate bacteria, dirt, and excess oil is performed.
• A laser is chosen to start the treatment. The doctor moves the laser slowly around the skin area that needs treatment.
• Finally, the doctor wraps the treatment spot to protect the skin.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Just like other cosmetic procedures, there are risks and side effects associated with laser skin resurfacing in Arlington.

• Bumps
• Rashes
• A burning sensation
• Swelling
• Scars
• Redness
• Hyperpigmentation
• Infections

Follow the pre and post-care doctor’s instructions to lessen the likelihood of side effects. You may be prescribed an antiviral or precautionary medication based on your medical history. Never take any kind of other OTC or acne medication without consulting a dermatologist first after laser resurfacing surgery. It can increase the risk of bleeding post-laser treatment.

Post-Care and Recovery – What to Expect?

You can leave the doctor’s office as soon as the procedure is completed. However, downtime and recovery are essential to ensure that the skin heals efficiently. Healing takes around 3 to 10 days depending on the scope of treatment. During recovery, the skin will look red and scabbed over. A little peeling can occur. Use ice packs to help with any swelling.

Make sure the treated skin area stays clean, so use a new dressing after using the vinegar-based solution to clean it. If you wish to go out during the recovery phase, avoid areas that carry germs as it can increase the chances of infection.

Use a moisturizer daily to help with the healing, but discuss this with your doctor first. Apply sun protection cream with at least an SPF of 30 to reduce sun damage or burns.