As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, many of us look forward to a reprieve from the hot Texas summer. After months of intense sun, your skin may show signs of damage or premature aging, making fall one of the best seasons for laser skin resurfacing.
The Benefits of Choosing Fall for Your Treatment
Autumn conditions create a prime window for undergoing laser treatment. The shorter days and cooler temperatures mean you’re less likely to experience complications related to harmful UV radiation as you heal.
Additionally, fall clothing is ideally suited for a comfortable recovery. Higher-necked clothing, scarves, and hats can provide convenient coverage, helping you feel less self-conscious during recovery.
And let’s not forget about timing: Scheduling your treatment in the fall allows plenty of time to heal, preparing your skin to be holiday-ready. You’ll look your radiant best for all those social gatherings and family photos.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatments: Your Options
The primary treatment avenues typically involve either Fraxel or CO2 lasers. Each has advantages, and choosing the right one for you depends on your skincare needs and goals.
Fraxel® Laser Skin Resurfacing
By emitting precise points of light, Fraxel creates micro-injuries in the skin, activating the body’s healing process. This ramps up collagen and elastin production, resulting in firmer, refreshed skin.
In this laser category, we offer 2 options: Fraxel Dual and Fraxel re:pair. Fraxel re:pair is a more intense, ablative treatment that requires only a single session. Fraxel Dual can treat pigmentation issues in addition to improving skin texture. It’s a gentler, non-ablative treatment, so patients typically require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.
What’s the difference between ablative and non-ablative Fraxel lasers? Learn more in this related blog post.
UltraPulse CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
A specialized type of carbon dioxide laser, UltraPulse CO2 is ablative and generally similar in intensity to Fraxel re:pair. It can dramatically improve the appearance of deeper wrinkles, severe sun damage, and even precancerous growths.
The treatment removes damaged epidermal skin cells and triggers your body’s natural repair mechanisms to produce new collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin. You’ll notice a luminous, more youthful appearance as fresh, revitalized skin emerges.
What Can Laser Skin Resurfacing Treat?
Full-face resurfacing offers the most dramatic changes and effectively removes sun damage acquired over the long summer. In addition, the treatment can be tailored to target specific concerns, including:
- Crow’s feet
- Frown lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Acne scars
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Smoker’s lines
- Pigmentation
After assessing your skin, your practitioner will advise you on the most suitable laser technology to meet your skincare goals and concerns.
Preparing for the Procedure
Preparation can help you achieve the best possible outcome from your treatment. Your practitioner will give you specific instructions, but here are some things to consider:
Skincare Routine Adjustments
You may want to tweak your regular skincare regimen several weeks before the procedure. Eliminating certain products, such as retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids, can help prime your skin for the treatment. The goal is to get your skin in the best condition possible to facilitate smooth healing and optimal results.
Limit Sun Exposure
Fall’s shorter days and weaker sunlight will help you limit your exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Sun exposure makes the skin more sensitive and vulnerable to laser energy, potentially hindering the treatment’s effectiveness. By avoiding the sun before treatment, patients can ensure a safer and more successful outcome, minimizing the potential for adverse reactions and optimizing procedure results.
Lifestyle Considerations
Consider lifestyle factors that could affect your healing process. For instance, if you’re a smoker, you’ll want to quit at least a few weeks before the procedure and during recovery, as smoking can impede healing. Limiting alcohol and staying well-hydrated are also beneficial actions that can set the stage for successful recovery.
Provide your practitioner with a complete list of medications and supplements you’re taking, as some could interact with the treatment or affect your healing.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery
Knowing what to expect from recovery can help you plan your schedule and set realistic expectations. It’s important to note that the length and nature of the laser skin resurfacing healing process will vary depending on the laser used, the depth and intensity of treatment, and individual factors such as your skin type and general health.
Laser skin resurfacing results in a sunburn-like wound that typically heals within 10 to 14 days. More aggressive treatments may result in some degree of swelling or peeling. A pink hue may linger on the skin for a few weeks or longer post-procedure; this can be camouflaged with makeup after several days of healing. Most patients resume their regular routines within about 2 weeks or sooner.
Fall’s cooler temperatures can lead to a smoother, more predictable recovery period, allowing you to enjoy your results sooner.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
Laser skin resurfacing in autumn allows you to face winter holidays and events with confidence. If you’d like to speak with us about your options, we invite you to call our office at (214) 631-7546 or request a consultation.
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