Cosmetic laser treatment

Plastic Surgeon
The consultation always takes place with the plastic surgeon who will be treating you. During this initial consultation, you can explain what bothers you most about your face and what you would like to change. Together with your plastic surgeon, you will discuss your wishes and the specific areas in front of the mirror. Based on this, the surgeon will propose the surgical technique best suited for you and discuss it with you. In front of the mirror, the surgeon will explain what this technique entails and what you can expect in terms of the final result.

During the consultation, it will be determined whether your skin is suitable for this treatment.

The plastic surgeon will then show you before-and-after photos of procedures he or she has performed. This will give you an idea of the possible results. At the end, your consultation will be summarized in a treatment plan, and the total costs will be discussed with you immediately. This will allow you to make an informed decision.

Would you like more information about your first consultation at Boerhaave? Read more here.

Consultant
Following your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon, you’ll have a conversation (by phone) with your consultant. The purpose of this conversation is to inform you about matters that need to be arranged regarding your cosmetic laser treatment. This ensures you’re well prepared for your treatment.

BMI
When you undergo anesthesia during surgery, it is important that the procedure is performed safely. For this reason, you should maintain a healthy weight. Would you like to know if you are at a healthy weight?

Calculate your BMI here. The BMI (Body Mass Index) indicates whether your weight is healthy in relation to your height.

For outpatient treatment (local anesthesia), BMI is not a factor.

One week before the laser treatment
It is important that you avoid smoking, as nicotine can slow down wound healing. In addition, it is recommended that you avoid tanning beds and vacations with a lot of sunlight, such as winter sports, in the days leading up to the treatment. It is also important that you do not use any pigment-activating creams.

The day before the laser treatment
Cleanse the skin with a mild exfoliant and do not use any day cream or other oily products. Avoid applying makeup.

How does the laser treatment work?
Before the treatment, there should be no makeup or cream on the skin. It is important that the skin remains clean and dry.

The plastic surgeon cleanses the skin, and then the laser is moved across the skin. This feels like small taps and warmth on the skin. The laser removes the top layer of skin in a controlled manner and stimulates the skin’s natural healing process. Depending on the depth of the treatment, the procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.

In the first few days after the laser treatment, the surface will produce wound fluid, which will dry up after a few days and form small scabs. These scabs must not be removed, as this will disrupt the wound-healing process.

To support this wound-healing process, the plastic surgeon will apply a layer of ointment containing oil, which you will also have at home on prescription. You must continue to apply this ointment until the scabs fall off.

If your procedure was performed under local anesthesia, you can usually go home half an hour after the procedure. If you had general anesthesia, you’ll typically stay at the clinic for another three to four hours so that your blood pressure and heart rate can be monitored. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may need to stay overnight. You may not go home until the nurse and the anesthesiologist deem it safe for you to do so.

Was your procedure performed under general anesthesia? If so, you may start with easily digestible foods at home, such as water, tea, and crackers. Try to avoid nausea and vomiting. It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids.

After the treatment, your skin may be red and swollen. This is a normal reaction and will gradually subside. During the first few days, the skin will form scabs that will heal on their own. The skin may remain pink for a few weeks before regaining its natural color. After about six weeks, the final result will be visible: smoother, fresher skin.

• First five days: Apply the soothing ointment—which you obtained with a prescription—regularly, and cleanse the skin with saline solution. Do not remove the scabs; they will fall off on their own.
• First few weeks: The skin may still be pink. You should not exercise for the first three weeks, and you should not use a tanning bed for the first three months. Avoid sunlight (for example, while on vacation) and use sunscreen with SPF 50.
• After four to six weeks: The skin has largely healed, and you can resume wearing makeup as usual.

It is important to remember that any surgical procedure can involve risks and complications. Plastic surgery generally involves healthy individuals, so the risks and likelihood of complications are low. Through thorough counseling, a comprehensive medical history review, and our professional approach, we minimize these risks to an absolute minimum.

The risk of infections and wound-healing complications is extremely low, as the face has a very good blood supply. If you regularly suffer from cold sores or have recently had one, it is advisable to postpone laser treatment to prevent complications.

In some cases, temporary pigmentation changes may occur in the treated area. This can manifest as either a lightening or a darkening of the skin. These changes usually resolve on their own within a few months. If the pigmentation is permanent, targeted treatment with Solazuin Forte ointment may be necessary.

Smoking
Patients who smoke or use tobacco or nicotine products at the time of surgery are at greater risk of complications, such as skin necrosis and impaired wound healing. In addition, smoking can have a negative effect on anesthesia, potentially resulting in an increased risk of bleeding. It is important to refrain from smoking for at least four weeks before the procedure and to continue abstaining throughout the entire recovery process.

It is important to note that people exposed to secondhand smoke may also face a potentially increased risk of similar complications. People who are not exposed to tobacco smoke or nicotine-containing products have a significantly lower risk of complications.