If you have unwanted scars or other skin blemishes you want to get rid of, you may have read or heard about acne scar laser treatments. A fractional CO2 laser treatment is widely regarded as the best option available today to reduce the appearance of scars without damaging any of the surrounding skin. However, the use of laser technology on the skin should only be administered by a certified medical professional to achieve the best results. Here are some important factors to consider before undergoing laser scar revisions treatments.
Start With A Comprehensive Medical Consultation
Most medical professionals will require a full medical consultation before administering acne scar laser treatments. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests walking away from anyone who says they can treat your scars without providing you with a medical consultation. And if you visit someone who guarantees they can completely remove scars and doesn’t ask any questions about your medical history, the characteristics of your skin, or any medications you take, you should avoid working with them. Every person is unique and perfect results are not guaranteed. However, with a full medical consultation, the medical professional can offer suggestions before the fractional CO2 laser treatment to ensure you achieve the best results possible.
Understand The Types Of Scars You Have
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology indicates the treatment of acne scars has to be specific to each individual depending on the types of scars they have on their skin. There are many types of scars that can be revised with a fractional CO2 laser treatment, including:
- Rolling scars
- Ice pick scars
- Hypertrophic scars
- Boxcar scars
- Contracture scars
- Keloid scars
Your medical professional can identify the types of scars you have and the severity of each. They will also provide you with expectations on what type of treatment would be most effective, how many treatments you’ll need, and more. Understanding the types of scars you have on your skin can help you develop proper expectations so you can be satisfied with the results following the treatment.
Daily Routines To Alter Before A Laser Treatment
Sometimes your medical professional will suggest altering certain routines to increase the chances of a successful laser scar revision treatment. Some of the things that may be recommended include:
- Refraining from taking anti-inflammatory medication, if possible
- Avoiding sun exposure, including tanning beds
- Pausing any waxing treatments or abrasive scrubs
- Not using any anti-aging products
Depending on other habits you tell your medical professional about, they may suggest further actions to be taken to enhance the results. It’s important to follow these suggestions closely to make the treatment more effective. If you enter the office on the day of your appointment with a sunburn, the medical professional may refuse to perform the treatment that day and wait until the sunburn goes away.
Follow The Aftercare Instructions From Your Medical Professional
Significant complications following a fractional CO2 laser treatment are rare. However, it’s critical to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your medical professional to experience the best results and minimize any side effects. You will need to take the remainder of the day off from work after getting treated. And if any area of your face is treated, it may be recommended to take off the rest of the week to allow it to recover. Most of the side effects will be limited to mild discomfort, slight redness, pigment changes, and some swelling. It’s important to take it easy immediately following your fractional CO2 laser treatment to minimize these side effects.
Other things your medical professional may suggest doing is to drink plenty of fluids and to consume foods with low sodium. You may notice some oozing from the treated areas of your skin, so staying hydrated will help replenish the fluids lost from that process and prevent significant discomfort. Specific skin care products may be suggested, as well as the use of a quality sunscreen when exposed to the sun for any length of time.
Multiple Treatments May Be Required
Unless your scars are light and very minimal, multiple acne scar laser treatments may be required for the most effective results. Your medical professional should be able to estimate how many treatments will be needed to achieve the results you want. The good news is the number of treatments you can get is unlimited, but you should wait at least four months between treatments. Once you see the first treatment results, you can decide whether additional treatments are right for you or if you’re happy with maintaining the results you have.
Set Realistic Expectations And Be Patient
The fractional CO2 laser treatment process is quick and simple and can lead to long-lasting results. However, having realistic expectations is important, and you have to have patience. Anyone who tells you they can remove your scars virtually overnight should not be trusted. A laser scar revision treatment includes sending the laser beam through the skin that creates tiny columns in the skin. Through natural processes, your skin will work to repair those tiny columns by pushing out the old and damaged skin and replacing it with new and fresh skin. At the same time, your body is boosting its elastin and collagen production for long-lasting results. Many clients see noticeable results after a week or two, but the final results will be visible for up to six months. At that time, you can decide whether another treatment is desired or if you would prefer to continue caring for your skin with a regular skincare routine to maintain the results you have.
Skin Deep Laser Services wants their clients to experience the best possible results by using the safest and most effective treatment options. A fractional CO2 laser treatment can be highly effective, but we will ensure it is the right treatment option for you ahead of time during your initial consultation. Following your consultation, you will be informed and educated about the laser treatment process, what to expect, and how to achieve impressive results. Don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule your free consultation and get on the right path of having the healthiest looking skin possible.