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Preparing for Your Laser Skin Rejuvenation Appointment

Age may be just a number, but most of us don’t want that number written across our face. Those who are looking to dial back the years a bit eventually discover laser skin rejuvenation, which has quickly become known as the most successful nonsurgical anti-aging procedure. More than that, this laser procedure can naturally improve skin elasticity by stimulating collagen production and reduce the appearance of scars, skin discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles.

If you’ve decided to eliminate imperfections with laser skin rejuvenation, here are the steps you can take to prepare for your first appointment.

Find the Best Laser Clinic

Even though laser skin rejuvenation is a nonsurgical procedure, that doesn’t mean it can be done by anyone who claims to have the right equipment. It’s important to do your research and find the best laser clinic in your area that offers this service in order to get the best results. Quality laser clinics can be determined by the laser they use, as you want to make sure the most advanced technology is being used on your skin. Additionally, you want to learn what kind of training their staff receives. Not only should they hold laser certifications, but you should make sure that each laser technician has a medical degree and is also trained on the specific laser being used.

Wear Sunscreen

It’s important to avoid the sun for two weeks prior to each of your laser skin rejuvenation treatments. Skin that has been tanned or sunburned will experience adverse reactions to lasers and put you in more discomfort than necessary. If your licensed medical laser technician feels that your skin is too sunburned, they may decide not to treat you and ask you to reschedule your appointment. When you’re working to reduce the signs of aging, sunscreen should be part of your daily routine.

Keep Your Face Bare

While laser skin rejuvenation can be performed anywhere on the body, the face and neck are the most popular areas treated. Applying moisturizer and makeup may be part of your daily beauty routine, but it’s important that you skip this on the days you have a laser appointment scheduled. Treatments are most effective on bare skin, and some beauty products can cause negative side effects such as itching, burning, and irritation. Products containing retinol or glycolic acid should especially be avoided. While most people experience few or no side effects after laser skin rejuvenation treatments, it’s suggested that you avoid these products for a day or two after each laser session as well. This allows the skin to breathe and ensures you won’t have a reaction to anything while you’re still healing.

Ask About Your Numbing Options

While laser skin rejuvenation is far from painful, some find it mildly uncomfortable. To reduce your discomfort, most laser clinics will offer several numbing options. This includes topical numbing creams, a cold compress, and a cryogenic cooling device. If no options are offered to you, then you may want to consider purchasing a topical numbing ointment over the counter. Consult with your licensed medical laser technician first.

Apply Heavy Moisturizer After Each Treatment

Laser skin rejuvenation works by creating microscopic wounds deep within the layers of the skin. As these wounds heal, the skin produces new cells and collagen that eliminate signs of aging. During the healing process, the skin surrounding the treated area may peel slightly. In order to avoid this, it’s important to heavily moisturize the skin for several days after each laser session. Not only will this promote faster healing, but it will prevent scabs from forming.

Understand That You Will Need Several Laser Treatments

Since laser skin rejuvenation is a noninvasive procedure, several treatments are required to get the results you’re looking for. The process is slower since the lasers are encouraging the body’s healing system to do all the work, which means the results are completely natural. Additionally, these anti-aging laser treatments require little or no downtime unlike surgical options such as facelifts. Most treatments take just 10 minutes to complete, and you can go right back to your usual routine. Aside from minor redness and swelling that will disappear within the hour, most people experience few side effects. To learn how many laser treatments you will need, talk to your licensed medical laser technician during your consultation about the results you’re looking for.

You’ll Need to Amp Up Your Skincare Routine

After you’ve completed all your laser skin rejuvenation treatments, you will want to amp up your skincare routine to ensure the results last. This means wearing sunscreen daily and staying away from tanning beds to prevent skin damage. Certain diet and lifestyle changes that promote collagen production can help as well, but staying out of the sun is crucial.

Now that you’re prepared for your first laser skin rejuvenation appointment, see how it’s done. Watch how the PicoWay laser is used to eliminate skin imperfections in this quick video:

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Paul A. Boulos
Dr. Paul A. Boulos is an excellent and versatile cosmetic surgeon, passionate about his vocation and helping others. Dr. Boulos is an alumni of Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his General Surgery training at Inspira Medical in Southern New Jersey. He studied and learn under Dr. Joseph Castellano, one of the premier breast and body Cosmetic Surgeons in South Florida. He currently works as a Cosmetic Surgeon at Jolie Plastic Surgery in Miami, FL.