An Introduction to Laser Resurfacing & What It Can Treat
Improvements in dermatological and cosmetic technology have generated safer and more-sophisticated ways to obtain youthful skin. One such improvement is laser skin resurfacing, which can reduce wrinkles, age spots, and other blemishes, while simultaneously tightening skin and balancing tone. Here’s what to know about laser resurfacing before scheduling an appointment.
How Laser Resurfacing Works 
Laser resurfacing is a skin renewal procedure that typically uses intense pulsed light (IPL) or Sublative Rejuvenation to stimulate collagen and elastin production and give the skin a refresh. IPL, also known as Skin Rejuvenation Advanced (SRA), uses a powerful light source to penetrate deep into multiple layers of skin to stimulate skin rejuvenation. The Sublative Rejuvenation laser, on the other hand, uses radiofrequency energy to deliver targeted results to the treated areas while leaving the surrounding tissue untouched to aid in the healing process.
Preparing for Laser Treatment
As with any dermatological treatment, laser skin resurfacing should begin with a consultation with a trained professional. During the consultation, the provider can determine whether the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. In the week leading up to the appointment, patients should avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or Motrin and avoid caffeine for 24 hours leading up to the treatment. Patients should also avoid smoking, as it can prolong the healing process.
Discomfort with Treatment
Like other facial or body treatments, patients may experience some discomfort when receiving laser resurfacing and IPL photofacial treatments. It is often compared to the feeling of a rubber band snapping against the skin, but the amount of discomfort can vary depending on the area and depth of treatment. Some patients have also compared it to a tingling sensation. After the procedure, patients may have some continued tenderness, as well.
Timing of Laser Resurfacing
Many do not realize that the timing of a laser resurfacing treatment is just as important as finding the right practitioner. Timing matters because laser-treated skin can have increased sensitivity to sun exposure for up to 12 months after a procedure. To counter this symptom, many providers recommend having the procedure in autumn, as patients tend to spend more time indoors during the autumn and winter. Patients should also protect their resurfaced skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Using a quality sunscreen every day can also prevent signs of aging and risks of skin cancer.
The right laser treatment can help patients achieve a youthful glow by reducing the appearance of fine lines and discolorations. For more information about the procedure or our current offers , give About Face Medical Aesthetics a call or request a consultation at 603-580-5296 today!
Activities to Avoid After Your Facial
Anyone looking for youthful, glowing skin can benefit from a facial or skin renewal treatment. Whether the problem is acne or early signs of aging, a med spa facial can leave patients feeling and looking their best. And unlike more dramatic procedures, facials require no downtime. Here are a few things patients should keep in mind when undergoing the treatment.
Within the First 24 Hours Following the Procedure
Patients can return to their normal day after a facial, including returning to work. But, heavy makeup and facial products should be avoided, even if the skin is red after the treatment. Skin renewal treatments already open pores more than normal, making skin more susceptible to bacteria. Normal makeup routines can resume the next day, but this is a great opportunity to thoroughly clean those makeup brushes!
Any activity that can cause sweat should also be put off for 24 hours. This includes going to the gym and anything that gets the heart rate up, as increased heat and sweat can be irritating to the skin. Even the sauna should be avoided, as the steam can cause skin sensitivity and broken capillaries.
Within a Few Days
Even after resuming normal makeup routines, patients should avoid exfoliating for a few more days. Skin is exfoliated during the facial, and over-exfoliating can lead to inflammation, irritation, and irreversible damage. Other harsh products, like retinols, at-home peels, and salicylic acid-based cleansers or toners should also be avoided for a few days, as they turn that radiant glow into red, irritated skin. Finally, it’s best to put off pool days and vacations, but if they’ve already been scheduled, wearing sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are absolute musts. Check out more great sun protection tips.
Within a Week
Any kind of skin treatment—such as waxing or laser hair removal—needs to be spaced out at least a week after the facial. The exact amount of time will depend on which products were used and the intensity of exfoliation, but most med spas will require patients to wait a minimum of one week before receiving waxing and laser treatments. These treatments exfoliate the skin, and that over-exfoliation can actually lift and burn the skin, causing nasty, painful scabs.
When you visit About Face Medical Aesthetics, PLLC for your skin renewal treatment, your medical team will provide you with exact instructions for beautiful, glowing skin and a successful recovery. Call us today at 603-580-5296 or request a consultation with our med spa team today!
Sun Protection Tips for a Safe Beach Vacay
Riding the waves, collecting seashells, catching some rays—everyone loves a summertime beach trip! That is, until that painful sunburn sets in from too many hours baking in the sun. According to Cancer Research UK, getting a sunburn just once every two years triples the odds of developing melanoma, and overexposure to the sun changes the skin’s texture, losing elasticity and leading to visible signs of aging. Thankfully, a beach vacation doesn’t have to mean painful sunburns and increased risks of skin cancer when these sun protection tips are followed.
SPF: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (which protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours and after swimming. While some brands charge big bucks for sunscreens with higher SPF ratings, there’s no evidence that SPF ratings higher than 50 offer significantly more protection from the sun.
The Three-year Rule
While sunscreen should be worn every single day, many people still don’t buy it regularly and stick with one bottle for years. But sunscreen loses effectiveness after three years, so using an old bottle can be ineffective against the sun’s rays. It’s important to check the bottle’s expiration date, or if one isn’t listed, it’s better to be safe and buy a new one. It’s good to write down the date it was purchased on the bottle for future reference.
Dress for the Occasion
While it would seem a bathing suit is the only attire needed for the beach, extra clothing helps protect against the sun’s rays. In fact, clothing is the most effective form of sun protection. Rash guards are great for those who plan to ride the waves or play in the pool, and light-colored clothing made from polyester or Lycra offers more protection than cotton or linen.
Even when the rest of the body is covered, the scalp should never be forgotten! A broad-brimmed hat protects the head and face, neck, and ears, and spray-on sunscreens designed specifically for the scalp are available for those who don’t want to wear a hat. Sunglasses are also necessary on a hot beach day; not only do they make it easier to see in the bright sun, but they also filter out the sun’s UV rays to protect against cataracts and eye damage. Many cheap sunglasses don’t offer the best sun protection, so it’s important to get a pair that offers 100 percent UV protection.
If you catch a bad sunburn on your trip, About Face Medical Aesthetics, PLLC can help rejuvenate your skin when you return to town. We’ll create a customized skin renewal plan based on your lifestyle and environmental factors, like sun exposure, to keep your skin looking youthful and hydrated. Call us at 603-580-5296 or request a consultation with our team of licensed medical professionals.
If you have any further questions about additional information regarding our skin services and the expert level of care that we can provide for you, then please refer to our services on our website.
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