Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing involves the use of a cosmetic laser to stimulate the skin’s natural healing response and collagen production. There are two main types of cosmetic lasers available:

• Ablative: Ablative lasers are more aggressive than non-ablative and can produce dramatic results with just a single treatment. The trade-off for these dramatic results is that you will need up to a week of downtime to heal. However, if you are looking to significantly rejuvenate your skin in a short period of time, ablative lasers could be a great choice.
• Non-ablative: Non-ablative lasers are a gentler option if you can’t spare the time for healing that ablative lasers require, or if you are after subtler results. Non-ablative lasers target the dermal layer of the skin without damaging the epidermis and generally require multiple sessions for optimal results.

We offer both types of laser treatments and will work together with you to determine which type is best for your particular skin concerns. In some cases, a combination of these treatments may provide the best results; laser resurfacing can be done together with other treatments such as BOTOX Cosmetic and dermal fillers for more comprehensive results.

What are the benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing?

At La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic, we have seen our patients enjoy the following benefits from their Laser Skin Resurfacing in San Diego and La Jolla:

• Eliminates or improves acne scars, traumatic scars, and surgical scars
• Encourages collagen production
• Minimizes the size of enlarged pores
• Provides permanent results 
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces spider veins
• Tightens skin
• Treatment is quick, easy, and painless
• Treats brown spots, redness, or discoloration

Laser resurfacing can effectively treat a number of skin problems, including:

• Acne Scars: Acne scars are extremely common, yet they can be very difficult to treat effectively. Laser skin resurfacing using the Fraxel Dual can provide noticeably smoother skin for many patients.
• Sun damage: Most people do not protect their skin adequately from the sun, and the result is significant damage to the skin over time. This damage can take the form of sun spots, leathery skin texture, and deep lines and wrinkles. For pronounced sun damage, the Active or DeepFX CO2 laser may be a good choice.
• Fine lines and wrinkles: Laser resurfacing can be very effective in reducing perioral (also called smoker’s) lines as well as lines around the eyes. Which laser is appropriate for you will depend on the extent and location of your wrinkles. If, however, your main concern is wrinkles on the forehead, between the brows, or at the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet), a better choice may be a neuromodulator such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, or Xeomin®.
• Pigmentation problems: Pigmentation problems such as melasma, birthmarks, age spots, and freckles can often be treated with laser skin resurfacing. The Fraxel Dual laser is particularly good for reducing unwanted pigmentation.
• Skin texture and enlarged pores: Most fractional resurfacing lasers are good for reducing pore size and smoothing skin texture. Talk to one of our doctors to find out which is best for you.
• Scars and stretch marks: While stretch marks are unfortunately permanent, resurfacing treatments can help to significantly reduce their appearance. We use the Fraxel Re:Store and our newest laser ResurFX to treat stretch marks and scarring.

On the day of your Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment, your provider will begin by applying a topical anesthetic in your target areas to ease any pain during the procedure. This also helps to clean the treatment area of any dirt or bacteria before the laser treatment. The laser is then used on your target areas to remove the top layers of your skin to reveal a fresh, new layer. Finally, the treated area will be covered in a protective dressing so it stays clean and guarded while healing.

Laser Skin resurfacing is an outpatient, in-office procedure, which means you will be able to leave almost immediately after your treatment. Before you leave, an ointment will be applied that will help protect and heal your freshly treated skin. Please keep in mind that your skin will appear red, and there will be some swelling and irritation, which should subside in a few days. You will begin noticing the skin peeling process occurs over a 3 – 5 day period. 

If you are undergoing a more intense resurfacing procedure, your recovery time will last longer. Your treated areas will most likely be covered by dressings, and the burning, irritation, and swelling side effects may be stronger. The recovery period for a more intense resurfacing procedure may last two to three weeks. 

All patients need to minimize their sun exposure following their laser skin resurfacing session and use sun protection frequently. Regardless of the intensity, the treated skin will naturally flake, crust, and peel off. It is vital to avoid picking at the skin during the healing process to prevent scarring and to protect your face from UV exposure. After the peeling process has been completed, your skin will feel smoother while also appearing clearer, younger, and rejuvenated.