Ablative Skin Resurfacing

Utilizes laser energy that is attracted to water in our skin and is captured in the epidermal and dermal layers creating a thermal injury. This heat begins a very rapid process of repair to help stimulate skin cell turn over, collagen production, and healthier younger looking skin. This laser helps with:

Scar reduction
Skin resurfacing
Wrinkle reduction and skin tightening
Improvement in pore size
Melasma and hyperpigmentation

Frequently Asked Questions

The following information does not take precedence over formal pre-post instructions given by your healthcare provider.

What should I expect after treatment as far as downtime and skin care?

Ablative skin resurfacing is a more aggressive laser treatment, and involves the creation of a "controlled wound" and the removal of skin. Because of this, there is a need for your skin to heal, and a more significant downtime period and a home skin care regimen that follows - typically about 5-7 days.

The first 3 days will be the hardest, but you will see dramatic healing progress each day. During these days, your skin will be very red, and you should carefully follow the care instructions given to you. Your skin may then progress to a sensation of dryness and flaking. After 4-5 days, you can usually resume your normal daily routine, but you may not feel like being "out and about" with other people because you don't look quite back to normal yet! This is what we refer to as "social downtime".

We have found that most of our patients will return to work and/or school on day 5 or 6 after fractional ablative resurfacing. While they are still red, their skin is healed enough that they feel comfortable being around other people. With each passing day, your redness will improve. Sunscreen is VITAL! Even though your skin may be healed at this point, it is extremely vulnerable to the sun at this stage and can result in burning and hyperpigmentation.