Laser Resurfacing (cont.)
How Should I Take Care of My Skin After Laser Resurfacing?
It's important to remember that skin treated with laser resurfacing may react in different ways.
Most commonly, you may feel like you have mild sunburn. There will be slight swelling and redness of the skin.
You may experience itching or stinging for 12 to 72 hours after the procedure. Five to seven days after laser resurfacing,
your skin will become dry and peel.
New skin will form after the treated area has been peeled. This skin will at first
appear pink. It should begin to gradually lighten for up to a year after treatment. Your doctor will not consider retreating
the area until the area is completely healed.
Daily sunscreen application is necessary after healing to protect the
newly laser-resurfaced skin. A "broad-spectrum" sunscreen, which screens both ultraviolet B and ultraviolet A rays, is
recommended. A sunscreen specifically formulated for use on the face should be chosen, with at least a sun protection
factor (SPF) of 15.
Liberal moisturizer application is also recommended after healing. Patients may resume
application of Retin-A and/or glycolic acid products around six weeks after laser resurfacing or as directed by their physician.
Will My Insurance Cover Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Insurance does not cover laser resurfacing because it is an
elective cosmetic surgery.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic, Department of
Dermatology
Edited by
Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, Sept. 2003.
Portions of this page ©
The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2003
Last Editorial Review: 1/31/2005 6:49:52 AM
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