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2 Things To Discuss With Your Doctor Before Laser Skin Resurfacing

18 January 2017 by Joann Dunn

If you have been cursed with acne scars, sun damaged skin, or early wrinkles, then you may not be happy with the appearance of your skin. While a healthy diet packed with fluids, vitamin C, and vitamin E can assist your skin, you may want to look into some treatments that can smooth it out even more. Skin resurfacing is one of these treatments, and it uses lasers to release old layers of skin so new skin cells can develop and appear. If you are considering the treatment, there are a few things you should discuss with your dermatologist first.

Cold Sore Issues

If you frequently have cold sores that appear on or around your lips, then you probably know that viruses, prolonged sun exposure, insomnia, and a variety of other things can trigger the sores. In general, the sores appear when the body is stressed in some way. Since laser resurfacing requires your body to heal after the procedure is over, your immune system will need to work hard to heal. This type of stress can trigger a cold sore outbreak.

If you already have cold sores when you schedule the resurfacing, then this can make the condition worse. Also, laser treatments can lead to infections. It is wise to wait until the sores have healed before undergoing the procedure. You also should take preventative medicine just before and after the treatment to keep new sores at bay. Oral medications like Valtrex, Famvir, and Acyclovir are all good antiviral options to suppress the sores. 

Clotting Problems

While skin resurfacing is a non-invasive procedure, you will need to go through a recovery period that lasts at least two to three days. During this period, you will be asked to limit your activity significantly. Bleeding is a concern, because the small blood vessels that sit just underneath the epidermis will be exposed and disrupted during the resurfacing. Any increase in blood pressure can cause bleeding and oozing across the surface of your skin. 

Bleeding is also an issue if you need to take anti-platelet or anti-clotting medications. Medicines like Warfarin can cause bleeding risks. So can aspirin, vitamin E, and smoking habits. You will likely be asked to stop taking supplements and to stop smoking before and after the resurfacing to reduce bleeding concerns.

It may not be safe to discontinue Warfarin or other medications that reduce your heart attack and stroke risks. This may mean that numerous laser resurfacing appointments will be scheduled to treat small patches of skin at one time. Also, you may be asked to use creams and to place direct pressure on the treatment area. 

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