We often recommend Fraxel® laser skin resurfacing at my Pasadena practice for men and women interested in improving the texture, tone, and firmness of their skin. Laser skin treatments provide patients with a versatile, nonsurgical alternative to plastic surgery that produces remarkable results.
It’s important, however, to understand how laser skin resurfacing works and how to prepare for your treatment. This enhances your confidence going into the appointment and minimizes the risk of side effects following the procedure.
Here are 5 things to consider before scheduling your laser skin resurfacing treatment. These include specific instructions to follow and what to expect.
- Allow enough time to heal before a significant social or professional event: Fraxel is an ablative laser that works by creating microinjuries to the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing process. Depending on the condition treated, downtime can range from a few days to a week or more. But for events such as weddings or work-related conferences, you should allow at least 3 weeks for the skin to fully heal.
- Avoid using certain products prior to the treatment: We provide specific instructions about the products you should stop using at least a week before the appointment. These include topical products that can make the skin photosensitive, such as retinoids. It’s also important to avoid excessive sun exposure in the weeks leading up to your treatment.
- Fraxel laser skin treatments cause some discomfort: We apply a cream to numb the treatment area just before the procedure, but some patients are more sensitive than others to the sting that occurs during the treatment. The sensation you feel during recovery is often compared to that of a sunburn.
- Be ready for multiple treatments: To get the best possible outcome, most patients need more than one treatment session. The specific number depends on the skin condition or conditions being addressed. A series of 3 treatments is often recommended for laser skin resurfacing. Discoloration correction may take only 2 treatments, while it could take 5 to 7 procedures to minimize the appearance of acne scars or wrinkling.
- Fraxel takes years off, but skin continues to age: While nothing can really stop the aging process, laser skin resurfacing can turn back the clock to give your skin a more youthful look.
At Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center, we have the expertise to get excellent results for our laser skin resurfacing patients. To learn how you can benefit from laser skin treatments, contact us using the online form to request a consultation or call our Pasadena plastic surgery practice at (626) 219-2545 to schedule an appointment.
