Laser skin rejuvenation, also known as laser resurfacing or laser skin treatment, is a dermatological procedure that can help reduce or erase fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes and pigmentation, such as sunspots and freckles. This is done through the use of direct, short, concentrated, pulsating beams of light or laser. This procedure can make use of ablative, non-ablative lasers, or fractional CO2 laser, among others, depending on the patient’s skin and health condition and the doctor’s recommendation.
To make sure this dermatological procedure goes safely, works well for you and you enjoy its benefits for a long time, you need to know how to prepare properly for the treatment. Below are some highly recommended laser skin rejuvenation prep tips you should follow:
• Use retinoids. Your dermatologist will recommend that you use moisturizers that contain Retin-A in the weeks before the procedure. This is because Retin-A thins down the stratum corneum or the superficial layer of skin and gets cells programmed to divide and multiply – something that will really be helpful during the procedure. Another worthy tip to keep in mind is if you have any leftover retinoid-based cream, don’t throw it out since you can use this again a few weeks after your skin heals since it can help maintain your fresh new look.
• Apply a bleaching cream. Aside from retinoid-rich moisturizers, you will also have to start using a bleaching cream before the procedure. You have to apply this every day before the treatment to help offset any potential issues with skin darkening which can be caused by the laser.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking will decrease blood flow to the skin and make healing from the procedure much longer and even more difficult. Most doctors will recommend patients who smoke to avoid this habit for a few weeks before and after the treatment to help them heal.
• Take prescribed antibiotics. Your skin provides a protective layer that keeps out bacteria and other harmful organisms. Laser treatments temporarily burn away this protection and leave your skin vulnerable to infections. Your doctor will likely prescribe a short treatment with antibiotics a few days before the procedure to help stave off any invaders that could cause an infection and serious complications (such as strep and staph infection).
• Stop drinking blood-thinning medications. Lastly, blood thinners can prevent your injuries from healing. They can also increase the risk of complications from your procedure. Heed your doctor when he or she tells you to stop drinking anti-clotting medication and other painkillers that have this effect such as aspirin and ibuprofen and even vitamin E.
