Why Winter is Best for Laser Procedures

Laser skin treatments are proven to effectively target and repair certain skin conditions without damaging the surrounding area. Irritating skin conditions like age spots, acne, rosacea, sagging skin, and deep wrinkles are all reasons people seek out laser skin treatments.

More people are taking advantage of the recent technological advancements in laser procedures. While the advantages of having laser procedures performed are apparent, what’s less obvious is the potential side effects that can come with them. Specific preventative measures, like having the procedure conducted during the winter months, can help deter adverse side effects from occurring. Learn more about why winter is the best time for laser procedures.

Why is Winter the Best Time for Laser Procedures?

In some climates, winter may be the ideal opportunity to have laser services done for skin rejuvenation. One reason winter is a popular time for laser treatments is the bulk heating to the skin caused by laser can be comforted by cooler temperatures. Additionally, you may have far less sun exposure than you would in warmer months. Avoiding sun exposure both before and immediately following your laser service is imperative for both the client’s safety and the overall outcome of the laser procedure.

Adverse reactions may include:

• Burns to the treated area if melanocytes in the skin are active due to recent sun exposure just prior to laser services.
• Sun exposure can decrease the effectiveness of the procedure.
• Sunburns can be more concerning after laser treatment.
• Sun exposure can cause hard to correct hyperpigmentation.

How Laser Procedures Work

There are several different laser skin treatments designed to address various skin conditions.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO2 laser resurfacing uses pulses of light and energy. The beams of light are absorbed by the water in the skin’s cells allowing the penetration of the energy. The epidermis, or superficial layer of your skin, is ablated. The dermis, or middle layer, heats up, stimulating the growth of new collagen and elastin. Over the seven-to-ten-day recovery period, new firmer, smoother skin is revealed. CO2 is more beneficial in smoothing deeper lines and wrinkles than less invasive lasers. Other benefits include a more even skin tone and texture. Years of sun damage can be corrected.

CO2 treatments can be performed in 30 minutes to an hour and a half depending on how much area is going to be treated. For a very uniform appearance, many clients opt to treat their face, neck, and chest.

The laser can be very uncomfortable. Most offices offer very effective options for pain management and in some cases, you may not feel it at all.

As you recover you will feel like you have had a very bad sunburn. The skin will crust over. You will be given post care instructions on how to care for your skin during the healing process. Most if not all of the crusting will shed between the seventh and tenth day. The skin will be red, and can remain that way for up to four weeks following the CO2 laser. You will see a much smoother, tighter, and more youthful.

IPL

IPL (intense pulsed light) is a laser procedure for treating conditions such as sun damage, age spots, and rosacea. Arizona Oculoplastic Specialists Specialists treat quite a bit of sun damage in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. Arizona Oculoplastic Specialists is one of the few centers in the country that utilizes IPL for cutting-edge rosacea-associated dry eye. IPL is also utilized for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) treatment.

IPL photofacial is a painless laser treatment performed in as little as 30 minutes. Downtime is very minimal. Expect the skin to be pink or red immediately following treatment. The redness will subside within 72 hours. Makeup may be worn to camouflage the redness.
The sun damage and unwanted pigment will become slightly darker over the next five to seven days. The pigment that is lifted to the skin’s surface may resemble coffee grounds and will naturally and gently slough off.

Other Laser Procedures

Another very popular laser treatment performed at Arizona Oculoplastic Specialists includes ResurfFX, which involves using a non-ablative laser equipped with state-of-the-art technology that reduces recovery time and offers a more comfortable treatment.

ResurFX is the only true fractional non-ablative skin laser. This means the laser’s energy will target only a fraction of the skin surface, leaving the remaining skin intact. Treating skin fractionally promotes a faster healing time.

The treatment is very comfortable with the use of a topical numbing cream.

Because of the patented technology, a full treatment only requires one pass over the skin. ResurFX is often done in a series of treatments for corrective benefits and is used to smooth lines, wrinkles, and scars, reduce the appearance of pores, and lift discoloration and sun damage.

Downtime is minimal with ResurFX, so it is a very popular option for those who have very busy schedules. The skin will have a sunburnt feel for the first 24 hours. Swelling and redness may be present for the first 72 hours. As the skin is recovering, it will have a slightly rough texture to the touch. The skin will gradually slough off and reveal a smooth and polished look.

Schedule a Consultation Today

The staff at Arizona Oculoplastic Specialists is dedicated to providing the highest quality care personally and compassionately. There’s never been a better time to schedule a consultation and discuss a personalized laser procedure. Fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation today.