Understanding Ablative Lasers

Looking into skin resurfacing for the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, texture and pores? We have options for you! The fully and partially ablative lasers promotes collagen production and smoother, healthier skin as new skin cells regenerate. The fully ablative lasers goes a bit deeper and has more downtime.

Experience the precision of Erbium YAG laser skin resurfacing. Erbium laser skin resurfacing gently removes the outer layer of skin, initiating cellular renewal to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage.

Who's A Candidate for An Ablative Laser

• The most common candidates are those with fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and other types of scarring, sun damage and age spots, uneven skin tone and texture, and enlarged pores.
• Fitzpatrick Skin types I-V are candidates for Ablative Laser treatments.
• You are NOT a candidate if...
  • You are a Fitzpatrick Skin Type VI (6) or the darkest skintones
  • You have an impaired immune system
  • You have an active infection (including but not limited to active cold sores)
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You have electronic implants (pacemaker, insulin pump, LVAD, etc.)
  • You have metal implants in the treatment area
  • You have been on Accutane within the past 6 months
  • You use anticoagulants daily or if you have a bleeding disorder
  • You have skin cancer
  • You have active skin conditions or open wounds
  • You have had Botox or Fillers within the past 2 weeks
  • You had other lasers or chemical peels within the past 4 weeks
  • The practitioner deems if not an appropriate treatment option for you given your medical history

What You Need to Do Before Your Ablative Laser Treatment:

• Be hydrated. Drink 8 glasses of water per day for at least 2 days prior to tratrement is reccommended.
• Avoid salty foods and alcohol to prevention dehydration.
• Avoid the sun for 2 weeks prior to your procedure.
• Avoid sunless tanning lotions on the treatment area for 2 weeks prior to the procedure.
• Avoid injectables such as Botox, Filler or Sculptra for 2 weeks prior to procedure.
• Avoid treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling or other ablative procedures for 4 weeks prior to the procedure.
• Let your provider know if you have a history of cold-sores as an anti-viral prophylactic is recommended for patients with a history of herpes simplex.
• Discontinue active products such as retinol or hydroquinone three days prior to treatment.
• Discontinue anti-inflammatories/fish oil 3 days prior to treatment unless instructed otherwise by your provider. 
• If you have darker skin tones, discuss the risks of hyper and hypopigmentation with your provider. It may be recommended for you to use a topical tyrosinase inhibitor such as Hydroquinon 4% for 4 weeks prior to ablative treatment (minimum of 2 weeks is necessary to avoid pigmentary changes)

What to Expect During Your Ablative Laser Treatment:

• What to bring with you to your appointment: Bring a hat or sunglasses to cover the treatment area.
• Consultation: Your provider will go over your medical history, expectations and post-care in detail prior to the procedure and you will be asked to sign a consent form. Photos may be taken for documentation purposes.
• Comfort: We will numb you prior to your procedure but you could experience some stinging or burning sensation, or a moderate amount of discomfort.
• Time: The procedure itself takes 45-60 minutes.
• Eyewear: You will wear protective eyewear during the erbium laser portion of the treatment.
• Post Treatment: After the procedure we may apply topicals specifically designed to go on the skin following a Pix:E Treatment. We may also apply a recovery mask or sterile water-soaked gauze for approximately 10 minutes to help the skin cool.
• Protection: Prior to leaving your appointment, once the heat has dissipated, your provide will apply a semi-occlusive ointment 

Ablative Laser Aftercare: 

• First 24 hours post treatment: A certain degree of discomfort, redness, and/or irritation during and after treatment is expected. You may feel like you have a sunburn or wind burn. If any discomfort or irritation persists more than 24-hours, please notify your treating provider.
• Cooling: You may apply a cool compresses may be used if necessary. 
• Swelling is normal; sleep with your head elevated for 2 days post-treatment. 
• Avoid Irritation: Do not scratch or pick at the healing skin. Care should be taken to prevent trauma to the treated site: avoid hot baths, massage, irritating skin care products or exfoliants, etc. The skin should be kept clean to avoid contamination or infection; any mechanical or thermal damage to the area must be avoided.
• Sleep: Sleep on your back on a clean pillowcase. 
• Twice a day: Cleanse skin with a mild, gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil. Gently pat dry with a clean, soft cloth. 
• Protection: Reapply semi-occlusive ointment or other moisturizers provided by your treatment provider. Always keep skin moist until re-epithelialization has taken place. This generally occurs between day 3 and 5. At that time, begin applying a gentle moisturizer 2-3 times a day to prevent skin from becoming dry.
• Skincare: Reapply semi-occlusive ointment or other moisturizers provided by your treatment provider. Always keep skin moist until re-epithelialization has taken place. This generally occurs between day 3 and 5. At that time, begin applying a gentle moisturizer 2-3 times a day to prevent skin from becoming dry.
• When can I resume my normal skincare? Do not resume your normal skincare routine until you are completely healed - up to 5-10 days. After 2-3 days, you may use non-acidic cleansers, moisturizers and growth factor serums but avoid any retinols, vitamin C serums or acidic products. After 4 days you may start wearing a mineral based sunscreen (Zinc/Titanium Dioxide based).
• When can I wear makeup? You may resume makeup once skin has completely healed, typically between 5-7 days. 
• Hydrate: Drink at least 64 ounces of water per day. 
• Sun exposure: Continue to avoid direct sun exposure for the next 4 weeks, for best results up to 6 months. Skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Wear a 4-inch brimmed hat and sunglasses whenever possible.
• Dark skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation. Notify your provider as soon as possible if you notice any areas on your skin are beginning to darken. 
• Concerned? Contact your provider if there is any indication of blistering or infection. 

Ablative Laser Results & Following Treatments

• 1 day after the treatment there could be redness and transient edema (swelling).
• 3 days - 1 week after treatment your skin tone would be brighter and more even. If you have oily skin, you will notice significant reduction in sebum production.
• 1 month after your Ablative Laser Treatment you would notice improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. Improvement in pores size, scars, and over all complexion is also significantly noticeable.
• If you're planning additional resurfacing treatments, or more targeted treatments like IPL for sun-spots, you would do these 30-60 days following your ablative laser treatment.
• For best results with Ablative Lasers, we recommend a series of 3 treatments with a one month interval between treatments.

More Questions on Skin Brightening & Tightening Lasers?

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