The period of time between you scheduling your skin treatment and the actual treatment day will probably include a pre-treatment regime that will prepare your skin for optimal results. If you smoke your doctor will ask you to stop, at least until you have recovered from surgery. It is in your best interest to completely stop smoking as it not only impairs your internal biology, but it also damages the appearance of your skin and it will negate any results that the laser treatment achieves.
You may also be asked to prepare the skin for treatment by hydrating and applying lotions, creams, or special gels. This regime will probably need to be continued after treatment as well.
Surgery
Laser skin resurfacing usually takes a bout an hour and a half depending on the type of laser used, and the type and intensity of the treatment that you will be getting. In most cases general anesthesia is not required, and only a local anesthetic agent is used to relax you and deaden the pain in your face. After the procedure(s) has been completed the doctor will probably apply some sort of ointment or cream that will help minimize the threat of infection and aid in the healing process.
After Surgery
After your laser skin resurfacing procedure you will have some recovering to do. Your skin will be sensitive, swollen, and yes, sore. If you are bandaged then you will need to have the post-treatment bandaged changed in a day or two after your treatment. Once the bandages are removed you will be given instructions and medical supplies to treat your healing skin at home.
To avoid scarring and to avoid damaging treatment results, you should not scratch or pick at scabs or crusts that form on or around the treatment area. These actions could cause scaring, bleeding, and they will increase the chances that your treatment area will become infected. In addition to not picking at your treated area and making sure that you care for the treated area, to maximize your results you should also avoid sun exposure. You will need to use a strong SPF sunscreen whenever you go outside. You may want to incorporate SPF lotion into your daily skin care routine. This will protect you from sun damage and maintain the youthful look of your skin.