How many days after laser pigmentation removal can I wash my face?
Disease description:
I recently had a laser spot removal procedure, and there are still some scabs on my face that haven't fallen off yet. I heard that facial cleansing needs to be done carefully after the surgery, so I'd like to ask the doctor, how many days generally need to pass after laser spot removal before one can resume normal facial cleansing?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Lu
Generally, 3 to 7 days after laser pigmentation removal, you may start gently cleansing your face, but you should still avoid using harsh cleansers or exfoliating scrubs.
Laser pigmentation removal is a treatment that uses high-energy light beams to target pigmented spots on the skin, breaking up the pigment particles so they can be absorbed by the body. After treatment, some redness, swelling, and mild crusting may occur on the skin, which are normal reactions. To ensure proper healing of the skin and to prevent infection and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,
laser treatment typically causes a certain degree of skin damage, creating microscopic wounds. You must wait until these wounds have healed before washing your face. If recovery is faster, gentle face washing may resume around 3 to 7 days post-treatment; however, if healing is slower, a longer waiting period will be necessary. Because different skin types and individual healing capacities vary, the appropriate time for resuming facial cleansing may differ accordingly.
It is recommended to use mild, non-irritating facial cleansers, and to wash your face gently without rubbing the treated area. Additionally, for some time after treatment, direct sun exposure should be avoided. When going outdoors, be sure to apply sunscreen to prevent worsening of pigmentation. If any discomfort or concerns arise during the recovery process, you should promptly consult your physician and follow medical advice for further aftercare.
