Laser Skin Resurfacing in San Diego
Instead of using surgery or invasive procedures to rejuvenate your skin, laser resurfacing uses light, laser, and energy devices to revitalize your appearance with minimal discomfort and little downtime.
Your Journey to Healthier, More Youthful Skin Starts Here
Laser skin resurfacing can treat a variety of skin concerns, including:
Laser Resurfacing Devices We Offer Include:
Non-ablative lasers, including Clear + Brilliant®, Fraxel® Re:store, ResurFX™, PicoSure®, and PicoWay® for gentler treatment
Ablative CO2 and Erbium lasers, including Active/Deep FX™, UltraPulse®, UltraClear™, Fraxel Re:pair, and Sciton for advanced restoration
Fractional lasers, including Active/Deep FX, Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, ResurFX, and Sciton Profile™ for quicker recovery
Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers, including GentleMax Pro® for hair removal, wrinkle reduction, and more
Pulsed-dye lasers, including Vbeam® Prima, Vbeam Perfecta, Cynergy, and Lumenis Stellar M22 Intense Pulsed Light to treat visible blood vessels
Proprietary combination treatments, including Take10 for maximum, long-lasting restoration results
FAQ
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.