Laser Skin Treatment - What to Expect With Your Procedure

Your laser skin treatment session will be scheduled following a consultation visit with your doctor. Before the treatment session itself, you should avoid taking ibuprofen or aspirin, which can increase the risk of bleeding. Sun exposure must also be avoided so that the laser can have optimal results, since it has a harder time penetrating tanned skin. Once the day of your appointment has arrived, leave the area free from makeup or other products.

The procedure itself will take place either in an outpatient surgery center or in the practitioner's own office. The first step is to numb the area with a local anesthetic to reduce your discomfort or pain. In many cases, laser skin care treatment is performed along with other cosmetic procedures; if this is the case, you may be under general anesthesia for the procedure.

Depending on the area to be treated, it could take a few minutes or up to two hours. Usually, the longer sessions involve the treatment of the entire face and neck. Your doctor may suggest splitting the procedure into several sessions, making each session shorter.

The doctor will hold a handheld device over your skin, sending laser pulses into the tissue where they will target selected cells. Usually, laser skin treatments involve the removal of a very thin outer layer of skin, as well as the stimulation of new tissue growth. This procedure has been described as a pinch or a rubber band snapping against the skin.

Following the laser skin treatment procedure, you can expect your skin to be red and swollen for a few days. It may retain a trace of pinkness for up to two months. Depending on the severity of your procedure, the doctor may apply a bandage or protective ointment before you leave after the procedure. You may see a scab form over the treated area; if it does, do not pick at it. To reduce the risk of scarring or other complications, follow your doctor's treatment instructions.

A few weeks or months after the procedure, you should go to your doctor for a follow-up visit. The full results of your treatment may not be apparent for several months after the treatment session itself. At this post-treatment visit, the doctor will evaluate the results and the condition of your skin. Additional laser skin treatment sessions may be recommended to achieve the results you want. Most people choose between three and six sessions, although one may be enough to correct minor skin conditions, depending upon your expectations.

Sara Parkinson writes about laserskintreatmentguide.com laser skin treatment at the Laser Skin Treatment Guide, an essential resource for those considering all types of laser treatment for their skin. Find out more about how laserskintreatmentguide.com/how-does-laser-skin-treatment-work laser skin treatments work.