When Can You Do Chores After Laser Hand Rejuvenation?
As we get older, our hands tend to show the first signs of aging over time, including sunspots, thinned skin, and prominent veins. While facial rejuvenation is commonly sought for aesthetic purposes, today many people consider it routine to opt for laser hand rejuvenation to achieve age-free hands. A frequently asked question by patients at Ecla Clinic is, “When can I get back to things like household chores after the treatment?”
This guide provides complete information on what to expect regarding downtime, aftercare, and when you can return to your regular daily chores after having laser treatment in Dubai, where climate and lifestyle play significant roles in these matters.
What Is Laser Hand Rejuvenation?
Hand revitalizing with laser is a non-surgical aesthetic procedure aimed at rejuvenating hands to a more youthful appearance. It commonly uses fractional CO₂ lasers or IPL to address:
- Sun damage and pigmentation
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Age spots and uneven tone
- Skin laxity
- Rough texture
The method increases the collagen production, which helps to smooth and even out the texture and tone of the skin and helps new damaged skin cells replace old ones. It may also give a fuller appearance to the skin, helping veins and tendons to appear less prominent.
Why Choose Laser Hand Rejuvenation?
While creams and serums can provide temporary improvements, for more dramatic and long-lasting change, laser treatment gives the best results. We highly recommend this treatment to our clients who want to achieve youthful, even-toned hands without undergoing the surgery.
The special benefit of this treatment is that it can:
- Make dramatic changes with little downtime.
- Provide long-term changes in skin quality.
- Target deeper layers of the skin for a long-term rejuvenated appearance.
- Complement with other cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers.
The Recovery Process
While the treatment is minimally invasive, laser hand rejuvenation treatment is still a cosmetic procedure that involves skin resurfacing. This means that the treated area needs time to heal and form new skin. After treatment, recovery time depends on the individual, laser type used, and the depth of treatment.
Typical recovery timeline:
- Day 1-3: You may experience some mild redness, swelling, or a sunburn-type feeling. You can also experience some dryness or tightening.
- Days 4–7: Some flaking and peeling will start as the skin begins to heal.
- Week 2 and beyond: The skin regeneration process continues, and you will see visible results. Redness goes down, and texture smoothens.
When can you resume chores after laser hand rejuvenation?
Returning to work after treatment really depends on what task you want to do and the sensitivity of your skin in the healing phase.
Here is a breakdown of when it’s safe to get back to various types of household chores:
Light Indoor Tasks
Tasks like:
- Making the bed
- Wiping counters gently
- Organizing shelves
- Cooking (with gloves if using heat)
These can generally be restarted after 1 or 2 days, as long as you are not in contact with irritants, an aggressive detergent, or extreme heat. However, it’s crucial to
- Wear gloves as appropriate (e.g., when in contact with ingredients or washing hands).
- Don’t spend long periods of time in direct sunlight from the windows.
- Keep skin moisturized and clean.
Moderate Activities
Tasks like:
- Tasks such as
- Light sweeping or vacuuming
- Folding laundry
- Gardening (with gloves)
- Washing dishes (with gloves)
Before you resume the above tasks, wait for 3 to 5 days. By the time your skin overcomes the sensitivity phase. It’s crucial to prevent rubbing, which can irritate the healing skin.
Strenuous or Wet Work
Chores involving:
- Heavy cleaning (such as scrubbing floors)
- Using cleaning chemicals
- Extensive dishwashing
- Yard work in hot sunlight
Avoid these activities for at least 7 to 10 days, or until your practitioner tells you to do so. The skin on your hands will be in the process of healing underneath, and being exposed to chemicals, hot water, or friction can disrupt the recovery process.
Aftercare Tips for Faster Recovery
For the best possible recovery and results from your laser procedure, it’s critical to stick with a detailed aftercare routine:
- Hydration is Key: Apply a fragrance-free moisturizing cream several times a day. This way it moisturizes and supports skin repair.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Hands are frequently exposed to the sun and not covered. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher and gloves if you venture outside, particularly in sunny locations.
- No Picking or Peeling: This is normal during healing. Don’t pick at the skin; allow it to shed naturally to prevent scarring or pigmentation.
- Limit Contact with Water and Chemicals: Mild detergents can be harsh for healing skin. Make sure to wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes.
- Follow Your Practitioner’s Advice: We offer tailored post-treatment plans for your skin type and lifestyle.
Why Chores Matters in Post-Treatment Recovery
It may seem trivial, but going back to your chores too soon after your treatment can have serious consequences for your results. Here’s why:
- Friction delays healing: The act of scrubbing or lifting heavy items creates friction, which can damage the delicate new skin.
- Chemicals irritate: Even gentle household products can be too harsh to use on sensitized skin.
- Waterlogging can be harmful: it can disrupt the skin barrier, and you could end up with an infection or pigmentation due to long exposure to water (especially hot).
Patience with recovery will encourage your skin to heal in a nuanced and beautiful manner, and you can receive the utmost benefits of treatment.
Conclusion
When it comes to making your hands look younger, treatments like laser therapy are more effective, but recovery is a key factor in your results. While it might be tempting to jump back into daily tasks like housework, it’s essential to give your hands the proper time and care they need to heal fully and achieve the best results.
Not yet confident about your recovery timeline? Contact Ecla Clinic’s experts and book an appointment today.
