Skin Resurfacing
What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that carefully removes skin layer by layer with precise beams of light. The goal of the treatment is to clear away damaged skin to reveal the fresh, untouched layers underneath.
The UltraPulse Fractional CO2 laser uses advanced fractional resurfacing technology to strategically remove the outermost layer of your skin without damaging the surrounding tissue. In addition to eliminating the damage that accumulates in the skin’s surface layers, laser skin resurfacing stimulates collagen production.
Collagen is a protein that helps build and strengthen the body’s connective tissues. This essential protein keeps youthful skin buoyant, firm, and supple. Collagen gradually starts depleting in your late 20s and early 30s, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and skin laxity.
By promoting the production of new collagen, laser skin resurfacing encourages anti-aging benefits for months, even years, after your initial treatment.
What Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Treat?
Laser skin resurfacing treats a wide range of skin concerns that are often exacerbated by the aging process, such as:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Hyperpigmentation
- Hypopigmentation
- Actinic keratosis
- Sun damage
- Dull skin
- Enlarged pores
When performed by a board-certified dermatologist, laser skin resurfacing can generate safe, effective results that last.
Who is a Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
The best candidates for laser skin resurfacing are healthy individuals who want younger-looking skin without the downtime that often accompanies more invasive procedures. During your initial consultation at Coast Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Laguna Beach, Dr. Glenn Goldberg will perform a full evaluation of your skin to determine whether laser skin resurfacing is the appropriate treatment for you.
You may not be a candidate for laser skin resurfacing if you have active acne, as heating the tissue can aggravate existing lesions. Individuals with very dark skin tones are also more vulnerable to hyperpigmentation from resurfacing treatments, but the UltraPulse-Fractional CO2 laser can still produce satisfying results.
Laser resurfacing is also not meant to treat deep wrinkles or excessive skin laxity, so it’s important to have realistic expectations before pursuing treatment.
How Much Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost?
Pricing for skin resurfacing varies and will depend on your skin condition and desired results. Contact Coast Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Laguna Beach, CA to find out more about the procedure’s cost according to your individual circumstance.
What Devices Are Used in a Laser Resurfacing Treatment?
Laser resurfacing for facial rejuvenation can be done with either ablative or non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers (e.g., CO2 lasers) remove a very precise outer layer of skin and heat the underlying skin for total skin renewal. Non-ablative lasers work by heating the skin to stimulate collagen and improve the skin’s tone and texture over time.
At Coast Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center, we use the UltraPulse fractional CO2 for laser resurfacing. It offers various levels of treatment through different modalities to create a highly customizable treatment that can address a wide range of skin concerns.
To learn more about the different technologies used for laser resurfacing, please visit ncbi.gov.
UltraPulse Fractional CO2 Laser
The UltraPulse-Fractional CO2 is a versatile laser that uses short, quick pulses to precisely target damage without affecting the skin surrounding the treatment area. Since most of the skin remains untouched, it has more time to heal than with many other fractional lasers.
At Coast Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center in Laguna Beach, CA, we are dedicated to researching the latest technology and advancements to bring the most state-of-the-art procedures to you. UltraPulse Fraction CO2 Lasers uses the most revolutionary fractional resurfacing technology to transform the look of scars, wrinkles, and other skin impurities. This state-of-the-art technology is highly customizable to your individual needs and allows for ultimate precision and control with the treatment.
With UltraPulse, multiple skin issues can be addressed to best suit the needs of our patients in Laguna Beach. With four modes, the UltraPulse-Fractional CO2 laser offers customizable treatment. This range of skin treatments for cosmetic dermatology includes:
- Deep fractional ablation (DeepFX) for deep wrinkles and acne scars
- Superficial fractional ablation (ActiveFX) for fine lines, uneven skin texture, dyschromia, and actinic keratosis
- Combined superficial and deep fractional ablation (TotalFX) for scar treatments, improved texture of the skin, and restoration of fine lines and wrinkles
- Synergistic coagulation and ablation for more advanced skin resurfacing and tightening
- Achieve dramatic results in only one treatment
After evaluating the tone and texture of your skin, Dr. Glenn Goldberg can recommend the appropriate settings to help you achieve lasting results with minimal downtime.
Through the UltraPulse –Fractional CO2 Laser, the laser is used to eradicate tissue that is damaged and discolored. This allows for more collagen to form and subsequent, long-term remodeling of the tissue. This procedure is considered the “gold standard” of skin resurfacing and allows for the treatment of pigmentation-specific issues. In addition, the Ultrapulse Fractional CO2 Laser can be used with darker skin tones and yields noticeable results post-treatment.
The procedure is safe and performed only by Dr. Glenn Goldberg at our Laguna Beach office. During a consultation with Dr. Glenn Goldberg, you will learn more about what UltraPulse Fractional CO2 Lasers can do to improve your skin. With so many treatment options available at our Laguna Beach office, you be confident that Dr. Goldberg will recommend the right procedures for your needs and desires.
Recovery After a Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
This fractional ablative laser removes layers of skin, so some downtime is expected. Full recovery from your laser treatment typically takes 10-14 days, during which time your skin may appear red, swollen, or irritated. Most patients return to work within the first week of treatment, as their skin starts to heal.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Before and After
Since the UltraPulse-Fractional CO2 laser tightens skin and repairs damage through collagen production, it can take a few months to see your full results. You may start to see improvements in your skin about 3 weeks after treatment when the redness subsides, but optimal results typically appear around 3-6 months. With just one short procedure, you can effectively reverse the signs of aging.
How Long Does Skin Resurfacing Last?
Just one 20-60-minute procedure can give you long-lasting results.Because skin resurfacing stimulates collagen production, you will continue to enjoy visible improvement up to 6 months, which may last years, after your treatment. While the effects of laser resurfacing can last, the skin will still continue to age, and wrinkles and lines will reoccur. You may repeat laser resurfacing as necessary to maintain your healthy, youthful appearance.
How Many Laser Resurfacing Treatments Are Needed?
The number of treatments needed to achieve optimum results will vary depending on your skin condition and goals. In general, fractional resurfacing can provide dramatic results in a single session, and most patients will only need one treatment to achieve their desired outcome.
Speak With Our Expert Laguna Beach Cosmetic Dermatologists
If you would like to learn more information about our UltraPulse-Fractional CO2 Laser, other cosmetic dermatology procedures, and services we offer at Coast Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center, please do not hesitate to contact us. Dr. Glenn Goldberg, a board-certified dermatologist will answer all of your questions about UltraPulse and evaluate if this specific cosmetic dermatology procedure is a good option for you. Dr. Farah Awadalla is also a board-certified dermatologist in our team that can address all of your skin concerns and questions.
For more information about this revolutionary technology, please contact our Laguna Beach office today. You deserve to look and feel your best—let our team of cosmetic dermatologists help you to improve the look of your skin.
