Skin is the largest organ of the human body. Keeping your skin looking and feeling its best can be a challenge. Gradual changes appear as we age resulting in age spots, freckles, discolored patches, wrinkles, roughness, and the list goes on. Aging skin eventually sees the emergence of fine lines and wrinkles. Although the above conditions are unsightly, they are generally harmless.
There are some skin changes that can be treated, and even reversed with chemical treatments to improve the texture or appearance of your skin.
When your over the counter retail creams and potions just aren’t doing the trick anymore, it may be time to consider laser treatment.
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Laser Treatment- Is it safe?
Yes! Of course always obtain treatment by a licensed professional, commonly a team lead by a medical doctor. Medical spas, dermatologist’s offices, and cosmetic surgery clinics are all common places to obtain treatment. You will provide your medical history and any allergies to the team before any treatment can be started. Be sure to inform them if you have a history of herpes or cold sores beforehand because laser treatment can trigger an outbreak. There are antiviral medications that can be prescribed before treatment to avoid complications.
How To Prepare For Laser Treatment
Before starting treatment there are some requirements for not only safety reasons, but to also achieve the best outcome from your laser sessions. Avoid sun exposure for a month before and after your treatments, along with any over the counter skin peels, or exfoliating products to avoid aggravating your skin. Check with your doctor for other recommendations on supplements or medications immediately prior to the procedure.
What To Expect
Your procedure will typically occur in a doctor’s office or medical spa. The actual treatment is fairly quick. Typically a numbing cream will be applied to the area being treated for comfort. Safety glasses will be provided to protect your eyes before starting the procedure. A laser wand will be moved over the area in a grid like pattern being sure to target the area to be resurfaced. The treatment can be uncomfortable at times although most people find it tolerable with only slight discomfort.
Aftercare
Be gentle with your new skin. You will have a little down time so expect just under a week for recuperation. You are likely to experience redness and burning similar to a sunburn after your laser treatment. You will be given instructions before you leave on the products and care that you should use at home. Following these directions can speed the healing process along as well as prevent possible infection. Do stay out of the sun and remember when you do go out to use sunscreen.
Is Laser Treatment Right For You?
Contact a skin care professional to ask about laser treatment in your area. Laser treatment is a safe and effective way to visually turn back time by erasing the signs of age on your skin. The benefits can be quickly seen after the first treatment with subsequent treatments providing even more dramatic effects.