You glance in the mirror and notice the signs of wear on your skin—the fine lines, the dullness—that no product or treatment has been able to fix. After trying everything to regain that youthful glow, you decide it’s time to give laser skin resurfacing a try, hoping it’ll bring back the radiance you’ve been missing.
But even with all the rave reviews, you might still be wondering: laser? Is that really safe?
This guide is here to ease your worries, explaining what to expect before, during, and after the procedure and helping you prepare for your laser resurfacing journey.
Laser skin resurfacing is a highly effective way to treat many skin concerns. It can lighten sun-damaged skin, reduce acne scars, and improve wrinkles and age spots by removing old skin layers, allowing fresh, new skin cells to take their place.
To ensure the best results and a smooth recovery, patients need to follow a strict post-laser care routine that soothes, protects, and cleanses the skin.
Laser resurfacing is an outpatient procedure performed by a specialist dermatologist, Dr Ritu and an expert team. Recovery typically takes about four to seven days, depending on the area treated and the condition being addressed.
During the Laser Resurfacing Procedure
A laser skin resurfacing session on specific areas of the face—like around the mouth, eyes, or forehead—usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. For a full-face treatment, expect it to take around 60 minutes.
You’ll likely feel a bit numb around the treated areas at first. Don’t worry, we’ll provide you with all the post-care instructions and a healing guide to follow. Plus, we’ll schedule follow-up appointments to check in on your progress and give you more advice.
Cooling and Soothing the Skin
After your treatment, soothing and cooling your skin is key to easing any discomfort. You can use a cold compress or wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the area for about 15 minutes every couple of hours.
Protecting the Skin
Once you’re home, the aftercare process kicks in right away. It’s super important to keep the treated area clean and protected to prevent infection. Healing exosomes and silicone gel are often recommended to speed up recovery and reduce redness.
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser two to five times a day. We’ll also suggest the best cleansers and home-care products to help your skin heal.
Managing Redness & Swelling After the Laser
Redness and swelling are normal for a few days after the procedure. To help with these symptoms, follow the advice of Dr Ritu and the Dr Refresh team for the best healing tips.
Understanding Normal Reactions
Right after the procedure, you’ll likely notice some redness, swelling, and sensitivity. Don’t worry—these are all normal and easily managed.
- Redness: Depending on the treatment, redness can last from two to twelve weeks. This is a natural part of healing and a sign that your skin is recovering. It can easily be covered with makeup once it’s safe to do so.
- Swelling: Swelling should subside within a few days. How much swelling you experience will depend on your skin type and the depth of your treatment.
- Sensitivity: You might feel a bit of tightness or itching about 12 to 24 hours after the treatment.
How to Reduce Redness and Swelling
Here are some simple ways to reduce redness and swelling:
- Apply an ice pack or cold compress for about 10 minutes at a time.
- Sleep with an extra pillow to help ease swelling.
- Follow Dr Ritu’s aftercare recommendations as advised.
Essential Skincare Routine Post-Laser
Keeping your skin clean and moisturised after laser treatment is crucial for faster healing. Here’s what you need to do:
Gentle Cleansing and Moisturising
- Use only gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.
- Apply moisturisers like exosomes or silicone gel to prevent the skin from becoming dry or crusty.
- Moisturise right after cleansing to lock in hydration.
- Avoid harsh products, especially those with alcohol or chemicals.
- Gently pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel.
Sun Protection
Protecting your skin from the sun is essential after laser resurfacing. Direct sun exposure can cause pigmentation issues, so once your skin has healed, always use sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors or swimming. Wearing hats, long sleeves, or carrying an umbrella can also help. We recommend limiting sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Avoiding Makeup and Exfoliation
You may be eager to wear makeup after laser resurfacing, but it’s best to wait until Dr Ritu gives you the green light. Once your skin has fully healed, you can switch to oil-free makeup to cover any redness. Exfoliating products should also be avoided until your skin has recovered. We advise checking with Dr Ritu when resuming these products is safe.
Lifestyle Tips for Faster Healing
Hydrating Skin After Laser Resurfacing
Your skin needs moisture from the inside too! Stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. You can also hydrate with foods like:
- Teas
- Soups
- Cucumbers
- Watermelon
- Tomatoes
Healthy Diet for Skin Recovery
A diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants will help your skin heal. Load up on fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s to nourish your skin from within. Some great options include:
- Leafy greens
- Eggs
- Salmon
- Berries
- Nuts and seeds
- Sweet potatoes
Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol
Both smoking and alcohol can slow down your healing process. They affect your appetite and nutrient intake, and they also suppress the immune system, which is key for recovery.
When to Contact Dr Refresh
If anything feels off or concerns you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr Ritu or the Dr Refresh team. Keep an eye out for:
- Excessive swelling, especially around the eyes.
- Unusual discharge or signs of infection.
- Cold sore flare-ups if the treated area is around the mouth.
- Changes in skin colour or pigmentation.
- Scarring that appears weeks or months after treatment.
Follow-Up Appointments
Attending your scheduled follow-up appointments is essential for monitoring your progress and addressing any concerns. Dr Ritu will likely schedule weekly check-ins initially, then less frequently as your skin heals. This is a great time to ask any questions you have about your recovery.
Contact Dr Refresh Today
For the best results after laser resurfacing, follow these recovery tips and schedule regular follow-ups with Dr Ritu.
Ready to book? Reach out to Dr Refresh at (02) 8014 6505 today!
