Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is an advanced cosmetic procedure utilizing concentrated laser beams to precisely remove the outer layers of damaged or aged skin. These procedures remove damaged outer dermal layers to stimulate fibroblastic function to increase collagen, elastic fiber, and hyaluronic acid production, helping to rejuvenate your skin from the inside out and improve skin texture, tone, and appearance. Treatments can be performed on the full face, neck, and chest.

The duration of a laser resurfacing treatment can vary significantly based on the size and condition of the area being treated. Small, targeted areas like around the mouth may take as little as 15-30 minutes, while full-face treatments can last up to 2 hours. Your dermatologist will give you a more accurate time estimate based on your specific treatment plan.

Fractional resurfacing and fully ablative resurfacing differ primarily in intensity and recovery time. Fractional resurfacing is less invasive and targets a fraction of the skin using a laser to create micro-wounds, leading to shorter recovery (a few days to a week). It is often used for fine lines, scars, and texture improvement, usually requiring multiple sessions. Fully ablative resurfacing is more intensive and removes the entire top layer of skin. This results in longer recovery (several weeks) but offers more dramatic results in treating deeper wrinkles and severe sun damage, typically in fewer sessions. The choice between the two depends on the severity of skin issues and your recovery time preference.

Patients may experience varying levels of discomfort during laser skin resurfacing, often described as a tingling or warm sensation. We may use topical anesthetics to numb the treatment area or utilize cooling devices during the procedure to reduce discomfort. Mild pain similar to sunburn can occur post-treatment, but it is generally manageable.

Following laser skin resurfacing, it’s common to experience redness, swelling, and a sensation similar to sunburn in the treated areas. The skin will begin to peel after a few days, revealing the new skin layer beneath. Complete healing typically occurs within 7 to 10 days, although deeper treatments may require a longer recovery time. You will receive specific aftercare instructions when you receive treatment.

The number of laser resurfacing sessions you need will vary based on your skin condition and desired results. Some patients achieve their goals with a single session, while others may need multiple treatments spaced several weeks apart. During your consultation, one of our dermatologists will evaluate your skin and discuss a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

The ideal candidates for laser skin resurfacing are individuals with fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, acne scars, or uneven skin texture and tone. The procedure can be less effective on very dark skin tones due to the risk of hyper or hypopigmentation. It’s also not recommended for individuals with active acne or extremely sensitive skin.

While laser skin resurfacing is generally safe, it carries some risks and side effects. The most common include temporary redness, swelling, and itching. In rare cases, patients may experience scarring, changes in skin pigmentation, or infections. It is crucial to follow the post-treatment care instructions to minimize these risks.

The length of your laser resurfacing results can vary widely depending on your skin type, the specific conditions treated, and lifestyle factors, especially sun exposure. Generally, results can last for several years, but ongoing maintenance treatments might be necessary for prolonged results. Using sun protection and following a good skincare routine are also essential for maintaining results.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a specialized treatment that involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This increased pressure allows your lungs to gather more oxygen than breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure, promoting healing and rejuvenation by increasing oxygen delivery to tissues throughout your body. We are strong advocates for the benefits of hyperbaric chamber treatment to enhance healing after laser resurfacing procedures.

HBOT accelerates healing in patients undergoing laser skin resurfacing by reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation in tissues, and also has an antibacterial effect. The therapy dramatically increases circulating stem cells by eightfold, which are crucial to the repair of injured tissues, while reducing post-surgical bruising and inflammation. Clinical studies have shown that patients receiving HBOT after cosmetic procedures experience significantly shorter wound healing times, with healing occurring in an average of 13.3 days compared to 36.9 days without HBOT.

For our laser resurfacing patients, we have developed a specialized post-operative HBOT protocol in partnership with the San Diego Hyperbaric Treatment Center, located in Claremont Mesa approximately 7.5 miles from our office. The protocol involves 3 sessions following your laser resurfacing procedure on post-operative days 1, 2, and 3, with each session lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours at a cost of $215 per session (pricing subject to change). Sessions are voluntary but strongly recommended, and patients are responsible for payment of HBOT sessions.

Most patients undergoing laser resurfacing procedures are excellent candidates for HBOT, though certain conditions may prevent treatment including asthma and other pulmonary conditions, collapsed lung, recent ear surgery, or active fever or cold.