One of the many things that cosmetic laser professionals enjoy about their work is the constant variety it provides. Technicians in this field sometimes have more freedom in their schedules than in traditional 9 to 5 occupations due to the rapid pace of technological advancements in lasers.
We asked a few professionals in the field of cosmetic lasers to share some of the most common things they tell their customers, and here they are for your reading pleasure.
Do not go out in the sun.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and cosmetic lasers both have the potential to heat the skin, increasing its vulnerability to sun damage. Sun exposure before the skin has fully healed can increase the likelihood of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown spots). What’s more, why risk further sun damage when making such progress toward more radiant skin?
Have you lately had Botox or facial fillers?
Injecting Botox or dermal fillers before, during, or after cosmetic laser operations is a topic of debate. Some doctors recommend waiting at least a week but no more than three weeks before undergoing laser or IPL treatment after receiving an injection, while others are afraid that the laser or IPL will damage the injected material. Some medical professionals recommend switching the order of Botox and filler injections before and after laser surgery (again, with appropriate time in between). Other others argue that Botox and dermal fillers are most effective when injected after a laser or IPL treatment, but only after the skin has healed.
Discussing your worries, when you should have the injections, and why your injecting doctor or nurse can help put your mind at ease. Also, be forthright with your cosmetic laser technician at all times. J
Which, retinol or retinoids, do you employ?
Though they aid in prepping the skin for laser or IPL treatments by increasing skin cell turnover, most experts believe that they should be discontinued approximately a month before treatment. The best course of treatment depends on the individual’s skin type and condition. Retinols, retinoids, and other substances that encourage peeling, such as glycolic acid, should be avoided throughout the healing period. Until your skin has returned to normal, you should continue to use mild cleansers and liberal amounts of sunscreen.
Try not to overheat!
When used for anti-aging purposes, lasers, and IPL can induce inflammation of the skin; nevertheless, this inflammation kickstarts the body’s natural process of producing more collagen, which in turn smoothes out wrinkles and lessens the appearance of scars. Too much inflammation results from the formation of new blood vessels, which can be triggered by any activity that increases blood flow through the body’s veins and arteries. It is important to listen to your laser technician’s advice to avoid saunas, gyms, hot yoga sessions, and fitness boot camps until the skin has healed after treatment.
It’s time for us to don our protective eyewear.
Because of the risk of injury to the eyes from both direct and reflected impact, adequate eye protection should always be worn when using certain types of lasers. Another reason to do your research before settling on a cosmetic laser specialist is to make sure that person has had adequate training in both laser usage and safety measures.
What kind of cosmetics do you have today?
Some cosmetic laser procedures, like hair removal, can be followed up with the application of makeup, while others should be avoided until the skin has had a chance to heal. However, for the therapy to work properly, the skin should be free of dirt and makeup.
Let’s try a little area as a test first.
Even though everyone’s skin reacts differently to treatments, a well-trained cosmetic laser technician will have both an excellent laser education (didactic knowledge) and cosmetic laser training (operational expertise). Before beginning the cosmetic laser treatment, have the technician do a small test spot on your skin. Rather be cautious than sorry, right?