What to Expect

Laser skin resurfacing is a safe and effective procedure for improving the appearance of the skin. We commonly use lasers to treat skin imperfections on the face and neck, however, they can be used to reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, blemishes, and discoloration anywhere on the body.

Before Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing can spot-treat specific areas, or be used to treat the whole face and neck. The treatment usually takes 15 to 60 minutes depending on the treatment area size and is performed as an outpatient procedure. The treatment areas are numbed with an anesthetic lotion for 20 minutes before we begin. Please don’t wear makeup to your appointment. Your doctor may give you other specific pre-treatment instructions.

During Your Laser Procedure

During the procedure, a high-energy laser beam is used to safely vaporize the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. This stimulates the growth of new, healthy skin cells and promotes collagen production. By stimulating new skin growth, laser skin resurfacing can help improve the elasticity and firmness of your skin over time.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery

You may experience redness, swelling, and some discomfort following the procedure. Depending on the intensity of the treatment, recovery can range from a few days to a couple of weeks. Unlike surgical procedures, laser skin resurfacing requires little to no downtime, allowing you to resume your normal activities quickly. Your skin will feel raw for the first few days, similar to a sunburn. Itching and peeling is normal and part of the healing process, but please avoid touching the treated areas.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s recovery instructions, which may include:

• Wound Care: Avoid touching, rubbing, or scratching the treated areas. Apply a gentle moisturizer that’s approved by your doctor twice a day to help promote healing. If your entire face or large area of skin has been treated, we may advise you to clean your skin with a vinegar solution several times a day.
• Cosmetics: Please avoid wearing makeup on the treated areas until your skin has completely healed. This helps prevent infection and can reduce the risk of inadvertent skin tattooing or discoloration as the treated areas heal.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, and applying a gentle moisturizer can help relieve discomfort during healing. If you have a history of herpes, then you may be advised to take a prophylactic antiviral medication for three days following the procedure.
• Sun Exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure on the treated areas and always wear sunscreen to maximize the results.

While the results of laser skin resurfacing are not permanent, they can be long-lasting. With proper skin care and maintenance, you can enjoy smoother, more youthful-looking skin for years to come.

Types of Laser Skin Treatments

At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, we use both ablative and non-ablative lasers.

Carbon Dioxide Ablative Laser (CO2 Laser)

The carbon dioxide laser is highly effective for treating moderate fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, scars, warts, birthmarks, rhinophyma, certain skin cancers, and age spots. Ablative laser technology has come a long way in the past two decades. Our new generation CO2 laser uses brief, ultra-pulsed wavelengths of light in a controlled scanning pattern to treat a precise area of skin.

Icon 1540 Fractional Non-Ablative Laser

The fractional non-ablative laser delivers thousands of targeted microbeams, which create narrow columns in the skin that stimulate cellular turnover. Our 1540 laser is used to treat skin discoloration, dark spots, broken capillaries, visible veins, enlarged pores, melasma, scars, and stretch marks. When used on the entire face, the non-ablative laser can also tighten, rejuvenate, and tone facial skin with minimal downtime.

Medical Review: This procedural information has been medically reviewed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Brian A. Cripe, M.D.

Medical Review: This procedural information has been medically reviewed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Brian A. Cripe, M.D.