What to Know When You Visit a Laser and Skin Clinic?
According to a report, there was a 16% increase in laser treatment procedures between 2013 and 2016. The number of procedures performed has also increased steadily, with an average of 10,000 procedures performed annually between 2004 and 2014.
Laser and skin clinics are a big deal but can be overwhelming. So when choosing the proper treatment for yourself or a loved one, there are many options and things to consider. And this article has broken down some of the most important questions you should know before you visit an Australian laser and skin clinic:
What Can You Expect?
You can expect to be examined by a qualified practitioner and to receive a consultation about your skin’s needs. Depending on your treatment, you may also be given instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.
With some treatments, such as microdermabrasion, you will have an appointment for the procedure. However, if your skin requires more intensive care, you may need multiple sessions with the laser clinic before seeing results. Patients are also often advised against wearing makeup during treatment, so they don’t interfere with any procedures.
How to Prepare?
- Wash your face and hair before coming to your appointment.
- Remove any makeup, including eye makeup and any moisturisers or creams. This includes facial scrubs or toners that have been applied recently.
- Do not wear contact lenses if you have them in place.
- Do not apply any hair products (hairspray, gel) on the day of your treatment unless specifically instructed by your technician to do so beforehand.
- Don’t use perfumes or scented lotions before laser treatment – this can affect results and cause complications during post-treatment care.
How Long Before I See Results?
The time it takes to see results depends on the type of treatment you have done. Results are often gradual but can be dramatic when performed correctly. But if you don’t see results, talk to your doctor.
Is It Painful?
When you visit an Australian laser and skin clinic for treatment, you will be given an anaesthetic cream to numb the area that is being treated. The procedure itself is not painful, but it is a little uncomfortable. And if you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to take painkillers before your appointment so that you feel more comfortable during treatment.
Will There Be Downtime?
When you visit a laser clinic for your procedure, discussing any potential downtime is essential. Downtime refers to waiting before returning to normal activities after an injection, laser treatment or other skin-related procedure.
Typically, there is some downtime following a procedure. However, the severity depends on what you have done and how your body reacts when being treated. For example:
- For tattoo removal procedures, you may experience some irritation or redness in the area where treatment was performed; however, this usually subsides within 24 hours.
- For IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments for rosacea or broken capillaries around the nose or cheeks, some mild peeling may occur during recovery but will eventually fade away as new skin grows back.
- If you have had microdermabrasion done on your face or chest area, then it is recommended that sun exposure be avoided (including tanning beds) post-procedure until fully healed.
Can You Use Regular Skincare Products at Home?
Yes, you can use your regular skincare products at home. However, the laser treatment may affect how well these products work for you.
So, use your regular skin care products daily and wash your face twice a day. You can also use a gentle scrub or exfoliant once a week after washing your face with warm water and mild cleanser.
Laser and skin clinics are a great option if you’re looking for a more youthful appearance. With so many options available, knowing which treatments will give you the best results and how much they cost before making an appointment at one of these facilities is essential.