Laser Resurfacing
Offered at our convenient location in Scottsdale, Arizona
Laser resurfacing is a cosmetic treatment that typically uses a CO2 laser device to target and treat skin irregularities, dull skin, and wrinkles. A CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment achieves impressive results because it is capable of penetrating deeper into the dermis. This not only results in long-lasting improvement of skin irregularities and discoloration, but it also achieves optimum rejuvenation of collagen and deep skin health.
Over 30 years ago, Dr. Andrew Wolin began providing a new and dynamic method of skin rejuvenation. He found that by utilizing the CO2 laser, he could resurface and rejuvenate the skin of the face and erase years of aging and environmental damage in a single treatment. After having treated over 3,000 patients over the past three decades, he still finds that this procedure is one of the best tools in his armamentarium. It produces safe and long-lasting skin rejuvenation with predictable and impressive results.
To learn more about laser resurfacing, please call Wolin Plastic Surgery Center in Scottsdale today at (480) 945-8440 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 The Science of the CO2 Laser
- 3 Benefits
- 4 Ideal Laser Resurfacing Candidates
- 5 Personal Consultation with Dr. Wolin
- 6 Preparation & Laser Resurfacing Procedure
- 7 Recovery & Results
- 8 Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
- 9 Cost of Laser Resurfacing in Scottsdale
- 10 FAQ
- 10.1 How many laser resurfacing treatments do I need before I achieve the desired results?
- 10.2 Who is not a good candidate for laser resurfacing procedures?
- 10.3 How does carbon dioxide (CO2) work to resurface the skin?
- 10.4 When will I be able to fully appreciate the results of my laser resurfacing treatment?
- 11 References
Before and After Photos
The Science of the CO2 Laser
Dr. Wolin can use this laser in two different clinical settings: one for a more superficial fractional delivery of the light beam and the second for a deeper ablation of difficult irregularities of the skin. The frequency of the CO2 light is well-absorbed by the water in the skin tissue. (1) This laser treatment can virtually erase scars and damaged tissue by heating the skin to a low enough temperature for safe ablation. The laser also safely stimulates deep collagen, which volumizes and strengthens the skin for months after treatment.
Fractional Delivery
A fractional CO2 laser treatment emits energy in microbeams that are present in many different sizes. This type of laser can address superficial skin issues and reach deeper into the skin to cause ablation and collagen stimulation below the epidermis. (1) A fractional CO2 laser treatment targets specific columns of tissue with the laser energy but leaves the surrounding tissue unharmed. This pattern encourages skin healing.
Ablative Delivery
Ablative CO2 laser delivery penetrates through the epidermis into the dermis for complete skin resurfacing. Patients with severe hyperpigmentation and sun damage may prefer this type of procedure to better address their cosmetic concerns. When this laser is used in its ablative mode, most patients need between one to two weeks for their recovery. The procedure is safe and proven to give patients tighter, healthier, more even-toned skin. (1)
Benefits
The CO2 Laser is one of the most widely used lasers in the aesthetic surgical field for a reason. This treatment is an impressive all-in-one skin rejuvenation procedure that applies cutting-edge technology to:
- Erase scars and blemishes from your skin
- Tighten lax and sagging skin
- Clear discolorations, sun spots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation
- Remove warts and birthmarks
- Shrink enlarged pores
- Improve volume and healing rates by promoting collagen production within the skin
- Reduce signs of aging skin in many areas like the backs of the hands
- Customize your treatment by adjusting to reach the appropriate depth
- Address specific skin issues while keeping the surrounding tissue safe during treatment
- Improve your skin condition for months after your procedure
Ideal Laser Resurfacing Candidates
Good candidates for this treatment are those who have skin imperfections such as scars, sun spots, or other forms of hyperpigmentation, or who would like to achieve smoother, more even-toned skin in general. Patients who are looking for a way to tighten their fine lines and wrinkles may also be good candidates for this treatment. It is an excellent way to treat a “crepey” eyelid or neck area. This procedure is also a good option for patients who want to tighten mild to moderate lines and wrinkles. The best candidates will have an open mindset toward the results of their cosmetic procedure.
While no two patients are the same, the customizable nature of the CO2 laser treatment makes it an ideal way to tone, smooth, and tighten skin for both male and female patients. Those who have lighter skin pigment may see better results than patients with darker skin pigment after an ablative treatment. Darker-skinned individuals may be better suited for a fractional treatment to avoid the formation of new hyperpigmentation.
Personal Consultation with Dr. Wolin
Your visit to Dr. Wolin’s office will be an opportunity to share your cosmetic goals and ask any questions you may have about your skin rejuvenation options. Dr. Wolin will examine your skin and review your medical history, medication use, and overall lifestyle habits to determine if CO2 laser resurfacing will help you achieve your skin goals. If he believes an alternative skin rejuvenation treatment will be a more effective fit for you, he will work with you to create an appropriate treatment plan.
Preparation & Laser Resurfacing Procedure
After your consultation, Dr. Wolin will provide instructions regarding the necessary preparation for your laser resurfacing procedure. He may advise you to maintain a specific series of skin treatments or to discontinue the use of certain medications. To prepare you on the day of treatment, he will provide protective eyewear, cleanse your skin, and administer local anesthesia to maintain your comfort during the procedure.
Based on your specific skin issues, Dr. Wolin will apply the laser energy to ablate your damaged, discolored, or undesired tissue. It reaches deep into the skin where collagen production is diminished, exposing the tissue to heat that jumpstarts the creation of new collagen. Depending on the scale of work that the patient would like done, this treatment can take from between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Recovery & Results
Recuperation following treatment is variable, depending on the depth of the laser and the initial health and environmental damage to the patient’s skin. In general, initial healing is usually one week to 10 days. The recovery time will also depend on the depth of the patient’s CO2 laser treatment: patients who received lighter, fractional treatment may require as few as 3-5 days to recover, while patients who completed a deeper treatment may require one to two weeks off work before returning to their usual activities.
In the days following a fractional CO2 laser treatment, the skin will be pink or flushed. This can persist for anywhere from a few weeks to over 6 weeks, and the sensation will feel similar to a sunburn. The treated skin will peel for roughly 7 to 10 days. Most patients can safely cover their skin with makeup after one week of recovery to dull the look of irritation.
After laser resurfacing, enlarged pores will shrink, fine lines and wrinkles will dissipate, and the skin will become tighter overall. The recovery is worth the results as the skin will maintain its youthful-looking quality for years to come!
Why Should I Receive Laser Resurfacing Treatment?
Overall, patient satisfaction with this procedure is excellent. Dr. Wolin has found that even 20 years following laser therapy, patients still comment on how the laser has given them decades of fantastic skin. This is the ultimate testimonial to a procedure that has stood the test of time.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Physician Peel
For patients with severe hyperpigmentation, sun damage, wrinkles, and fine lines, Dr. Wolin can perform a physician-grade chemical peel. This is a skin rejuvenation treatment that utilizes certain resurfacing chemicals to both revitalize the surface and encourage healing deep within the skin. The difference between a physician peel and other chemical peels is that it uses an extremely powerful skin-resurfacing solution that results in more comprehensive results and a longer recovery.
Dr. Wolin typically uses the Croton Oil Peel, a modified version of a phenol peel, to target deeper layers of the skin. This peel is particularly successful at treating hyperpigmentation, age spots, crow’s feet, and furrow lines. It can also smooth the appearance of the under-eyes and tighten the skin with just one treatment.
Cost of Laser Resurfacing in Scottsdale
Once you and the doctor agree on the details of your skin rejuvenation plan, we will provide you with a cost breakdown of your anticipated laser resurfacing. If you would like to know more about the price of a CO2 laser resurfacing treatment, you are invited to call Dr. Wolin’s office at (480) 945-8440 for a private consultation today.
FAQ
How many laser resurfacing treatments do I need before I achieve the desired results?
Most patients only need one treatment to achieve their ideal transformation. If patients are unsatisfied with the results of their first CO2 laser resurfacing procedure after two months of recovery, they can undergo a second resurfacing treatment and take their skin to its ideal, clear, and radiant appearance.
Who is not a good candidate for laser resurfacing procedures?
Patients who have pre-existing conditions that interfere with their body’s ability to heal may not be good candidates for the CO2 laser. It is not for patients with an advanced degree of skin laxity. Those who are experiencing active acne or frequent cold sores may not be good candidates until they resolve their condition. Candidates who are taking Accutane will want to wait until it has been at least six months since they completed their treatment.
How does carbon dioxide (CO2) work to resurface the skin?
These lasers emit quick and precise beams of high-energy laser light that vaporize the targeted tissue a layer at a time. This works to reveal the healthy, undamaged skin underneath to revitalize your complexion.
When will I be able to fully appreciate the results of my laser resurfacing treatment?
The results of laser resurfacing treatment may take several months to fully appear, depending on the type of laser energy (fractional or ablative) and the depth of the procedure. To preserve these, patients should apply ample sunscreen every day to prevent new sun damage.
References
- Omi T, Numano K. The Role of the CO2 Laser and Fractional CO2 Laser in Dermatology. Laser Therapy. 2014;23(1):49-60. doi:https://doi.org/10.5978/islsm.14-RE-01
- Yumeen S, Khan T. Laser Carbon Dioxide Resurfacing. PubMed. Published 2022. Accessed November 2, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560544/