How Long Does Skin Resurfacing Take?

Every day, we see celebrities and other people on social media who have perfect skin. While using a filter on a photo is perfectly common, the fact of the matter is that filters can only do so much, and many of the skin you envy has been treated by cosmetic means. At ALC Med Spa in Gurnee, IL, we know one of the best methods to reach peak skin perfection is with skin resurfacing treatments.

Laser skin resurfacing is typically done with special laser systems, which are calibrated to treat the skin without causing any damage. A treatment like Fractora promotes healthy, fresh, and even-toned skin by encouraging collagen and elastin production. Laser resurfacing treatments are ideal for people with mild to moderate skin concerns. But how long does the treatment and the treatment process take?

How Long Does Skin Resurfacing Take?

There are a few different timelines you need to know about when it comes to laser treatments. The first is how long your treatment sessions will take. Most people will be able to complete a single treatment session within 30 to 60 minutes as part of an in-office visit.

Naturally, the length of time your appointment session will take depends on factors such as how many areas you are treating and the quality of the skin being treated. People who are treating multiple areas of the skin or larger areas will generally have longer treatment appointments. Similarly, if you are treating areas of the skin that are tougher, such as the stomach, your appointment may last longer than if you were only treating areas with thinner skin, such as the neck.

How Many Treatments Will You Need?

The second timeline you need to know about is how many treatments you will need. Like all laser treatments, you will need several appointments to get the best possible results. For Fractora, it’s common to need at least one to four initial treatment sessions to achieve optimal results for your skin. Your appointments will be spaced four to six weeks apart to allow for adequate skin recovery between treatments.

The number of treatments you will need is determined by the condition of your skin and how well your skin responds to the treatments. For example, people who only want to treat mild concerns will need fewer treatments than people who want to treat moderate concerns. Likewise, if your skin produces healthy, new collagen more quickly, you will likely need fewer treatments. The opposite is also true: the more severe your skin concern, the more treatments you will need.

How Soon Will You See Results?

Some patients can see visible improvements to the tone and texture of their skin within two to four weeks after their first treatment. The quality of your results will continue to improve with consecutive treatments. Because most patients require two to three treatments to address mild to moderate concerns, it may take as long as three to four months before you achieve optimal skin results.

How Long Do Results Last?

One of the loveliest things about the Fracotra system is how long the results of this laser system will last. For certain skin concerns, patients may be able to enjoy permanent results. For example, scarring and stretch marks may render permanent results because of the collagen restructuring that happens in the skin.

However, for other skin concerns, the results of this treatment may only last for several months to a year or more, depending on the rate of aging for the skin. Concerns like fine lines and wrinkles can only be postponed for so long with fresh collagen in the skin; when that collagen starts to deplete again, the visible signs of aging will return. Your provider can give you a better idea of how long you can expect your results to last.

How Can You Maintain Your Results?

The best way to maintain the results of your treatment is to attend regular maintenance appointments to keep the production of collagen high within your skin. For most people, a single appointment once every 12 months is enough to stimulate long-lasting collagen production and keep the visible signs of aging at bay.

In addition to regular maintenance treatments, there are other things you can do to maintain your results. The goal of maintenance treatments is to avoid further skin damage or skin aging. The best way to maintain the results of your treatment include:

Sun Protection

Most skin experts agree that sun damage is responsible for a significant portion of visible skin aging and damage – as much as 80% or 90% of skin concerns can be attributed to sun exposure. For that reason, protecting your skin from additional harm after you achieve your desired results is a good way to maintain your results.

Sunlight contains both UVA and UVB light rays that affect the integrity of skin cells and proteins within the skin. Not only can these UV rays create free radicals that cause skin cells to age, but they can also prematurely break down collagen. To protect your results, you should wear SPF during the daytime when you plan to be outside for prolonged periods. Even those who have medium to dark complexions should wear SPF in the sunlight.

Skin Care

Both your skincare routine and your skincare products can have a profound effect on how long the results of your treatment will last. Ideally, your skincare routine should consist of daily cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection, active skincare ingredients, and occasional exfoliation. Of course, your exact routine will vary by your skin type; people with sensitive skin, for example, may only need to cleanse once a day instead of twice.

Similarly, the skincare products your use to take care of your skin should be geared toward your skin type and your skin health goals. This means you should use acne-fighting products to manage oily skin and acne, and anti-aging skin products to encourage moisture retention and collagen production. If you aren’t sure about the type of skincare products or routine that is best suited to your skin needs, please speak with one of our skin experts.

Skin Treatments

Finally, you can help maintain your results with other aesthetic skin treatments. Several skin treatments can be used to promote your skincare goals between maintenance appointments. For example, dermaplaning, chemical peels, and PRP facial can all be used to promote more evenly toned and evenly textured skin. We can help you build a skincare treatment plan that addresses all of your aesthetic goals and helps you maintain your desired results in the long term.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Can Laser Skin Resurfacing Treat?

Laser skin resurfacing is an exceptionally powerful treatment tool, so it should come as no surprise that this treatment can address a wide range of skin concerns. From acne scars to hyperpigmentation to stretch marks to wrinkles, laser treatments can effectively resurface and restore the appearance of the skin.

2. What Should You Do Before and After Treatment?

Both before and after your laser treatment, you will need to take special steps to ensure the health of your skin and to promote your desired results. For the most part, this means avoiding any activity that can trigger melanin production in your skin for two weeks before and two weeks after your treatment. Activities to avoid include tanning beds, self-tanning products, sunbathing, and extensive outdoor activities without sun protection.

Additionally, after your treatment, you should take care to avoid excessive heat and sweat, as this may make the skin more sensitive. For three to five days after your appointment, you should avoid hot water, excessive sweating from vigorous activities, steam, saunas, and hot tubs. It’s also a good idea to keep your skin moisturized with a gentle lotion.

3. Who Are Good Candidates?

Most people with mild to moderate concerns about the visible appearance of their skin are good candidates for Fractora laser treatments. A consultation is necessary to determine if you are eligible for this treatment. However, if you have healthy skin and you are not currently pregnant, then you are likely a good candidate to treat concerns on your face or body.

Achieve Skin Perfection With Laser Skin Resurfacing

If you’ve ever wondered what the secret to a celebrity’s perfect skin was, it’s probably an aesthetic treatment. By far the most effective treatment to resurface the skin is a laser treatment system like Factora, which encourages collagen production from the inside out. If you’re ready to achieve skin perfection, please contact ALC Med Spa in Gurnee, IL to schedule your consultation today.