Dealing with acne scars is no fun for anyone. When clients seek out acne scar laser treatments, they do so because they are tired of being unhappy in their own skin. This is especially true if the scars are in clearly visible locations. However, one of the main questions clients have about acne scar revision revolves around the timeline for treatments. The good news with these treatments is the process itself doesn’t take long at all, and most clients will recover quickly. Here’s a quick step-by-step timeline to consider for laser acne scar revision.
What To Do Prior To Treatments
Once you’ve determined with your medical professional that you’re a good candidate for acne scar laser treatments, your first appointment will likely be set a few weeks in advance. At least two to four weeks prior to getting treated, it’s important to take good care of your skin and prepare for the recovery process. This includes:
- Avoiding sun exposure as much as possible
- Pausing the use of anti-aging products
- Not waxing or getting microdermabrasion treatments
- Purchasing a quality skin cleanser
- Purchasing a few ice packs
Your medical professional can recommend other preparation tips based on your medical history and other factors, but these are good starting points to get you prepared for your treatment day.
The Day of Your Treatment
Since your medical professional will use a topical anesthetic on the areas being treated, it’s important to arrive to your appointment early to allow the anesthetic to take full effect. Be sure to also eat something a couple hours before your appointment and come well hydrated. Just refrain from any caffeinated products for four hours prior to getting treated. The acne scar revision process itself can take around 30 minutes for the entire face, and can vary depending on the location. Once the treatment is complete, you will be free to go home.
Post-Treatment Care
Your medical professional will recommend you take the rest of the day off of work in order to provide the proper care for your skin. Some medical professionals will even suggest taking an entire week off of work to protect the skin from unnecessary sun exposure and to allow some of the redness to subside. Most clients experience very little discomfort during and after acne scar laser treatments, so over-the-counter pain relievers are typically opted for. Icing the treated areas with ice packs can help any swelling subside, but it’s important to follow the recommendations provided by your medical professional. Most clients will see immediate results, are able to return to work after about a week and can get another treatment every six months or so if needed.
Skin Deep Laser Services offers laser skin resurfacing for acne scars to help clients in Washington DC, Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax, VA feel more confident in their own skin. We understand everyone has different concerns anytime they decide to go through a procedure like this, but we take great pride in ensuring our clients are comfortable and confident with their decision prior to performing any treatments. To learn more about laser acne scar revision, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.