Some of the most life-altering services provided by I AM Medical Spas and Laser Centers are laser therapy and other skin rejuvenation treatments.
These treatments can lessen a wide range of problems, including:
- Frown lines
- Acne scars
- Large open pores
- Sagging skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage
- Brown spots
- Dullness
- Uneven skin tone and complexion
- Spider veins
If you want the best outcomes from your laser treatment, follow all pre- and post-treatment instructions!
WHY CARE BEFORE AND AFTER LASER TREATMENT IS CRUCIAL
Professional in-office procedures, such as laser resurfacing or microneedling, appeal to some people because they believe they can deliver the desired results without any involvement. We take great pleasure in assisting you in achieving life-altering results, but there are compelling arguments for your own pre- and post-laser skin care regimen.
SAFEGUARD YOUR INVESTMENT
Laser resurfacing and photofacials, for example, can easily cost hundreds of dollars. These facials aren’t like the ones you get at the salon; they use cutting-edge wavelength technology to nourish your skin from the inside out. It’s safe to say that time and money are invested in these procedures because some patients require multiple visits to achieve the desired results.
As an analogy, consider it as going to the dentist: between visits, you must care for your teeth to prevent problems like cavities, plaque, and gum disease. In the long run, you save time and money by receiving care in the comfort of your home.
EXPAND YOUR RESULTS
Proper at-home care before and after laser treatments helps you achieve even better results and protects your investment in professional skin services. Getting the most out of service is only fair if you put in the time, money, and effort to obtain it.
RELATED: LASER HAIR REMOVAL AND SKINCARE
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN BEFORE HAVING LASER TREATMENTS DONE
1. STOP USING RETINOL/RETINOIDS AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Products containing active ingredients, such as retinol or retinoids, can cause your skin to become more sensitive. If you want your skin ready for laser treatment, stop using these products at least a week in advance. Forget about it, and you risk skin damage.
Consult a provider if you have questions about what you should or should not stop using before starting treatment. At I AM Medical Spas and Laser Centers, our skincare experts always give patients thorough instructions before and after their procedures.
2. AVOID GETTING A SUNTAN OR SUNBURN
Sun exposure, whether in the form of tanning or sunburn, can alter the skin’s natural pigment. Getting a tan is your body’s way of protecting itself from sun damage by increasing the melanin (pigment) in the skin. Because of the excess pigment, tanning makes it more challenging for lasers to target hyperpigmented areas, such as sunspots or melasma.
In no way should you go through with a laser procedure while your skin is still red from exposure to the sun. If you have a sunburn, you shouldn’t get a laser treatment.
3. AVOID USING SELF-TANNING PRODUCTS
We won’t perform laser procedures on skin that has been self-tanned for the same reasons we won’t perform them on sunburned or suntanned skin. These products temporarily alter your skin tone, making it very challenging for the laser to hit its intended target.
4. STAY AWAY FROM CERTAIN MEDICINES AND SUPPLEMENTS
Certain medications and supplements, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, vitamin E, and fish oil, can make you more prone to bruising or cause pigmentation issues. You should tell your service provider about any and all medications you’re currently taking to rule out any potential interactions.
5. TAKE BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
This is a simple piece of advice, but it’s often overlooked. If you want the most accurate comparison between your “before” and “after” photos, take them in the same spot and under the same lighting conditions.
POST-LASER TREATMENT CARE TIPS
1. PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN
Protecting your skin from the sun as it heals after a laser treatment is the single most important thing you can do for your skin afterward. Getting any kind of laser or IPL treatment will make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so to aid in its healing and prevent damage, you should:
For at least four weeks after your treatment, you should avoid going outside without sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
To avoid sunburn, cover the treated areas with a hat, long sleeves, a high neckline, etc.
2. DON’T PICK!
Hyperpigmented areas treated with certain medications can develop a rough, darkened texture known as mends. Avoid picking them or fiddling with any flakes! Allow your skin to shed on its own time. Leave your skin alone as it heals, just like you would after be getting a tattoo or having your eyebrows microbladed. Picking could affect your results.
3. MOISTURIZE AND HYDRATE
You shouldn’t pick at your skin, but keeping it hydrated and moisturized will speed up healing. Your skin will heal faster and feel better if you take good care of it while recovering.
4. STAY AWAY FROM EXFOLIATING
Exfoliation is the last thing you want to do when caring for your skin after laser treatment. Do not use scrubs, serums, or at-home treatments containing chemicals or abrasives. No exfoliation is necessary during healing because many laser treatments vaporize dead skin cells.
5. SCHEDULE SOME SOCIAL DOWNTIME
Schedule some “social downtime” for when your skin is healing so you don’t feel obligated to go out in public. Deep laser resurfacing, such as fractional EVO, requires a 5- to 10-day recovery time for the skin. After treatment, your skin may be red for a few days, and then you may notice a rise in pigmentation that looks like blackheads or dried mascara. Dead skin cells peel away, revealing fresh, healthy skin underneath.
RELATED: WHAT IS A FRACTIONAL LASER, AND WHY IS IT A GAME CHANGER?
In addition to staying out of the sun, you may feel uneasy being in public while your skin recovers. After undergoing laser treatment, it is recommended that you rest at home for a few days.
6. AVOID EXTREME EXERCISE BUT KEEP YOUR BODY MOVING.
While your skin is healing from laser therapy, you should rest so your body can focus on improving. As an added precaution, you should avoid strenuous physical activity that might cause you to perspire or scratch during this time.
Walking, whether on a treadmill or outdoors (with sun protection!), is a great way to maintain blood and oxygen flow.
7. STEER CLEAR OF CERTAIN MEDICATIONS
Blood thinners, for example, should not be used on the skin before or after a laser treatment. Tylenol can be taken to alleviate pain if necessary. Make sure you’re not taking anything that could slow your healing by talking to your provider.
8. HEALTHY EATING
In the same way that keeping active can speed up the healing process, so can eating well.
Among the most beneficial healing foods are:
- Cruciferous and leafy vegetables
- Eggs
- Salmon
- Salmon
- Seeds and nuts
- Fish, fowl, and crustaceans
- Instead of regular potatoes, you can use sweet potatoes.
- How you drink is important, too. Keep hydrated, avoid sugary drinks, and opt for medicinal beverages like herbal teas (green tea, ginger, chamomile).
- Fruits and vegetables are great options for healing after laser surgery.
9. TAKE PICTURES OF YOUR PROGRESS
When the days of recovery feel like they’re dragging on, it can be helpful to look back on photos of your progress. Get in the habit of photographing your progress every day to see it unfold and share in your success as it unfolds.
10. SLEEP GUIDELINES
Rest is crucial to recoveries like the right foods, drinks, and exercise. Get your full night’s sleep every night. You can help prevent sleep-related issues that could compromise your results by:
Resting your back while you sleep
Use a silk pillowcase to avoid irritation from rough material.
PRE AND POST LASER CARE AND LASER THERAPY ARE AVAILABLE AT I AM MEDICAL SPAS AND LASER CENTER
Are you prepared to see real results from professional treatments? See us for the newest offerings and individualized care.
You can trust that our knowledgeable staff will help you achieve the best possible outcome for your skin. In the Troy, Michigan, area, patients can visit I AM Medical Spas and Laser Centers for the highest quality beauty and aesthetic treatments in a comfortable, welcoming setting. Your success is our success so you can count on our undying dedication to you.
Book an in-person appointment or try out a virtual consultation right now!