Thinking twice about laser resurfacing? The questions below help you and a surgeon decide whether you should pass.
The decision is a conversation
Whether someone should skip a treatment is a question for a surgeon who has examined that person. Your part is to arrive with a complete picture of your history.
Your medicines, skin history and past procedures
Bring a list of your medicines, your skin history, and any earlier procedures. Add past reactions to treatments or products, and anything you are planning in the next few months.
Questions that point to waiting
Ask the surgeon directly: what in my history would make this treatment a poor choice for me, and what would make it a good one? Ask what the surgeon would do instead. If the answer is vague, ask for it in writing.
Timing
Ask whether your schedule fits the recovery. Work, travel and events can all matter. The society's skin rejuvenation questions page lists questions to put to a surgeon, including ones about recovery.
Reasons to skip laser resurfacing, and the options that follow
When laser resurfacing is not the right fit, a surgeon may talk about other options. To judge them, first know what laser involves. The society's overview of laser skin resurfacing is a place to start.
Your skin and history
Tell the surgeon how much time you spend in the sun and whether you shave the area, and ask how each affects the plan.
Going in with your history written down
Go in with your history written down and your questions ready. A hospital system's page on laser procedures is more background to read before you word them.