Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that utilizes the power of lasers to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. Professionals can help patients address the effects of photoaging, or the aging essentially caused by sun exposure or sun damage over time. This damage can make patients’ skin appear dull or discolored, and laser skin resurfacing can help restore a healthy look. Some laser procedures can also address more specific problems, such as facial scarring or redness. These treatments can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and similar issues associated with general aging processes, revealing skin that appears more youthful. ⁽¹⁾

If you are looking to rejuvenate your skin and achieve a youthful glow in Sonoma County, consider a laser skin resurfacing treatment at Plastic Surgery Associates. At our office in Santa Rosa, Dr. Heather Furnas, Dr. Francisco Canales, and Dr. Eric Culbertson are attentive to patient needs. Our staff will tailor a laser skin resurfacing procedure to fit your individual goals or to help you resolve a specific skin problem.

To schedule an appointment with us, please call our office at (707) 537-2111 or fill out our contact form. 

About Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a skin rejuvenation technique that uses laser energy to promote healthier, firmer skin. The procedure works by removing layers of skin in a controlled way, allowing for the growth of new, healthy skin underneath. This technique has become increasingly popular over recent years, as it provides significant improvements without the need for surgical intervention.

There are two main types of lasers used in skin resurfacing: ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers remove the outer skin layers harmlessly and effectively, thus stimulating the skin’s healing response and promoting new skin cell generation. Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, do not damage the skin’s surface but work deeper in the skin promoting collagen production and improving skin texture from below.

Specially designed lasers use light energy to target either specific or broad areas of the skin. A process called selective thermolysis can help limit the treatment areas to the problematic areas alone. This heat energy can break down areas that are discolored or irregular and destroy them, as the heat is absorbed by the structures of the skin. ⁽¹⁾ There are different types of lasers that can target the skin in a variety of different ways. ⁽¹⁾

It is important to choose a skin professional who understands the complex layers of the skin when thinking about a laser skin resurfacing procedure. Relevant structures include the individual layers within both the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the more superficial layer or the layer that includes the surface of the skin. This layer is prone to continuously shedding dead skin cells. The dermis is beneath the epidermis and is where collagen and elastin are produced–two components that are key to healthy-looking and healthy-feeling skin. Laser skin resurfacing technology can reach into both of these layers, targeting their imperfections and removing their damaged cells. ⁽¹⁾

Benefits

Laser skin resurfacing comes with the added benefit of new collagen growth. ⁽²⁾ This is because the destruction of skin cells triggers the skin’s wound healing responses. Laser skin resurfacing can also benefit the skin and the patient in other ways, such as:

Candidates

If you are looking to rejuvenate your facial skin, you may want to consider a laser skin resurfacing procedure. Laser skin resurfacing can help candidates who have suffered the effects of photoaging, deep wrinkles, scarring, and other skin anomalies. We do not typically recommend laser skin resurfacing to patients who have a history of keloidal scarring or active infections. Candidates should also wait at least 6 weeks after having a chemical peel treatment before arranging for a laser skin resurfacing procedure. Because laser treatments are customizable, there is likely a treatment for everyone at Plastic Surgery Associates. You will find out more about your candidacy at a personal consultation at our office. ⁽¹⁾

Personal Consultation

During a personal consultation at Plastic Surgery Associates, our professionals will consider the best treatment for the condition of your skin. We will need to know details about your medical history, such as any previous skin conditions and recent infections. Based on the condition of your skin, we will develop a personalized laser skin resurfacing treatment plan.

Please call us at (707) 537-2111 or fill out our contact form to schedule this appointment.

Procedure

The procedure for laser skin resurfacing is simple; your designated Plastic Surgery Associates professional will first cleanse the treatment area, place a protective shield over the eyes, and make sure you are comfortable. If necessary, your skin professional can administer a local anesthetic. Then, they will hold the handheld laser device over the skin and target the pre-discussed areas for treatment. The energy from the laser will selectively target skin imperfections and break down damaged cells. To make the procedure more comfortable, your skin professional may utilize a cooling system to soothe the skin. Lasers typically remove damaged skin layer by layer, so your skin professional may pass the laser over the treatment site multiple times according to the depth of the specific treatment, which they can customize according to your goals and skin conditions. ⁽¹⁾

Recovery

Immediately after your treatment, your skin professional may administer a cooling treatment and possibly ointment to reduce any discomfort caused by the heat of the laser. ⁽¹⁾ After your laser skin resurfacing procedure, you may experience some redness and tenderness in the treated areas. ⁽²⁾ While these effects may be initially uncomfortable, they will most likely subside after the first few days. It can help to apply cold compresses if your Plastic Surgery Associates professional says it is okay to do so. You should not pick at your skin while it heals, or smoke cigarettes during skin recovery. Additionally, you should try to stay out of the sun as much as possible, and wear protective sun gear when you do. Your skin professional may recommend that you try to keep your head elevated during recovery, which can last anywhere from 3 days to a few weeks, depending on the extent of the laser treatment. ⁽¹⁾

Results

Results from laser skin resurfacing treatments will become more fully apparent after the post-treatment redness subsides, but you may even notice an immediate difference in the appearance of your skin. The skin may appear smoother, with less noticeable pores and reduced imperfections. Overall, the skin can take on a more even tone and feel softer to the touch. The new collagen and elastin production can restore some youthful qualities to the skin, which can make patients feel more confident in their facial appearance. Treated scars may appear less visible or obvious. To help ensure the prolonged health of your skin, you should continue to wear sunscreen and sun protection to prevent further sun damage. For more extensive results, your skin professional may recommend multiple laser skin resurfacing treatments spread out over time. ⁽²⁾

Combine Laser Skin Resurfacing with Blepharoplasty

For patients at our practice who are seeking to achieve a more youthful, refreshed appearance, we may recommend combining their laser skin resurfacing treatment with a blepharoplasty procedure. A blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure that can address the sagging, wrinkly skin around either the upper or lower eyelids. With time, gravity and the processes of aging and sun damage can cause the skin to lose its elasticity and begin to droop around the eyes, which can contribute to a tired look. By removing this excess skin, patients can achieve a restored appearance of wakefulness that will be complemented by the rejuvenating capabilities of a laser skin resurfacing procedure.

Cost of Laser Skin Resurfacing in Santa Rosa

The cost of laser skin resurfacing will vary depending on the type of laser that is used and the depth of the treatment. Your skin professional will help you determine these factors after an extensive skin evaluation. To find out what your laser skin resurfacing procedure will cost, you should visit our office for a personal consultation or fill out our contact form. Call our office in Santa Rosa at (707) 537-2111 to get in touch with us today. 

FAQ

References

1. Verma N, Yumeen S, Raggio BS. Ablative Laser Resurfacing. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557474/
2. Belletti S, Madeddu F, Brando A, et al. Laser Impacts on Skin Rejuvenation: The Use of a Synergistic Emission of CO2 and 1540 nm Wavelengths. Medicina. 2023;59(10):1857. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59101857