Laser treatment Scottsdale

One of the most popular and versatile nonsurgical treatment options we have available is laser skin resurfacing. We have a few different lasers here in our office, including fractional lasers as well as traditional ones. The treatment is highly customizable, and we can carefully adjust several different settings to achieve the results that a particular patient is looking for. 

Although it’s a nonsurgical treatment, it’s still important to be sure that your skin is ready for your laser treatment, in order to get the best possible results. There are a few things that are helpful to be aware of, including a few things you should do as well as some things you should avoid in the days before your procedure. Although we’ll go over this with you before your procedure, it’s helpful to know what to expect. Here’s a short guide to preparing for your laser skin resurfacing procedure.

What to do before laser skin resurfacing

Here are a few things you should try to do in the days leading up to your procedure:

• Protect your skin from the sun. Try to stay indoors during the brightest hours, and be diligent about using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on your face every time you go outdoors. If you have even a mild sunburn, then you may experience more side effects from the laser.
• Use any prescription creams given to you. You may receive an isotretinoin cream to use in the days leading up to your laser procedure. This helps to increase cell turnover in the skin, which can help to improve the results. Some people are also prescribed a bleaching cream, which reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation (skin darkening). Whichever creams are prescribed to you, make sure that you’re diligent about using them as directed.
• Talk with your doctor if you get cold sores. The laser can sometimes provoke an outbreak of cold sores in those who carry the virus that causes them. Taking an antiviral medication can help to decrease this risk, so if you get cold sores, you might be prescribed an antiviral. If so, make sure you take it as directed.
• Discuss your prescriptions. Certain medications can make your skin more sensitive to light. You might be advised to stop certain medications for a few days before your laser procedure. It’s important to clear this with your doctor, rather than simply stopping your medication on your own, to avoid any health problems related to stopping a prescription drug.

What not to do before laser skin resurfacing

In addition to what you should do, there are a few things to avoid doing as you get ready for laser skin resurfacing:

• Don’t exfoliate your skin. This can irritate your skin and make it more sensitive to possible side effects. The laser treatment will generally cause the outer layer of your skin to slough off anyway.
• Stop using any skin care products containing benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid. These products can also make your skin more sensitive.
• Don’t take any over-the-counter medications that can cause blood thinning, like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). This may increase the risk of bleeding after your treatment, which is not only unpleasant but can also interfere with the quality of your results.
• If you take any prescription blood thinners, talk with your doctor about this. It’s very important that you don’t simply stop your prescription on your own, without discussing it with them first. It will be important to weigh the risk/benefit ratio of stopping the treatment, so ask your doctor about this. You might be advised to stop the blood thinners for a few days.

Laser treatment Scottsdale

Laser skin resurfacing can be helpful for a variety of different skin concerns, including sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and changes in texture. If you’re considering laser treatments, we invite you to come in for a consultation. After an exam and a discussion of your goals for your appearance, we’ll be able to recommend a treatment plan. We’ll also give you more detailed and personalized advice on how to prepare for your laser treatment. To schedule your appointment, please contact our friendly front desk staff.