Laser Skin Resurfacing in Irvine, CA
What if you could peel away years of sun damage, fine lines, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation to reveal a new, glowing layer of youthful skin underneath? That’s exactly what laser skin resurfacing does. Skin lasers, particularly CO2 resurfacing, use light technology to vaporize dead and damaged skin cells at the surface level while stimulating your body’s natural collagen production. The results? Visibly tighter skin free of irregularities that continues to improve for months after the procedure.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing, sometimes called a laser peel, involves using laser technology to improve the appearance of your skin’s tone and texture. The lasers, which are applied to the skin with extreme precision, can visibly tighten your skin, reduce deep wrinkles and fine lines, treat blemishes, and dramatically improve the overall appearance of your face and décolletage.
There are two main types of cosmetic laser treatments: ablative and non-ablative. Non-ablative lasers work by heating up the underlying layers of your skin to trigger collagen production, whereas ablative lasers physically remove the top layer of your skin while also stimulating collagen production at the same time.
When it comes to ablative treatments, CO2 lasers have become the gold standard because of their versatility and effectiveness. The CO2 laser is a carbon dioxide laser that uses a high-energy light beam to create what can be defined as “targeted and controlled lesions to the skin.” These lesions cause dead and dying skin cells to fall off and give way to an even, beautiful layer of new skin. As part of the natural healing process, your skin also produces increased quantities of collagen, which help restore its flexibility and elasticity.
- What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
- What makes CO2 lasers different?
- What can laser skin resurfacing treat?
- Candidates For Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Preparing your skin for laser skin resurfacing
- Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
- Recovery & Aftercare For Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Skin Resurfacing
Differences
What makes CO2 lasers different?
The great thing about CO2 lasers is that they’re highly customizable. The device features four different treatment modes (light, medium, deep, and fusion), which can be adapted to your unique needs and goals. These settings can also be combined during a single session to target different areas of the face and neck.
Another benefit of CO2 lasers is that you typically need only one treatment to see results. Of course, as with any cosmetic treatment, the number of resurfacing sessions you need will depend on your lifestyle, goals, and your doctor’s recommendations, but younger patients with mild signs of aging typically benefit from one treatment only.
To maintain your results, you and Dr. Hojjat can create a personalized treatment plan consisting of annual or bi-annual to ensure your skin continues producing collagen and looking young and flawless year-round.
What can laser skin resurfacing treat?
One of the greatest benefits of CO2 laser skin resurfacing is that it is extremely precise, meaning that it won’t damage your skin or the surrounding tissue. In fact, skin resurfacing, like the name suggests, stimulates the target area and nearby tissue to grow and replenish, resulting in a plump, healthier appearance.
Some of the benefits include:
- Skin tone
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars (icepick, rolling, boxcar)
- Hyperpigmentation
- Rough or uneven skin texture
- Liver spots
- Birthmarks
- Saggy skin
- Warts
- Scars from surgeries, chickenpox, injury, etc.
- Sebaceous filaments (enlarged oil glands on the nose)
Call us today!
Candidate
Candidates For Laser Skin Resurfacing
The best way to know if you’re a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hojjat for a complete skin evaluation. That being said, you may be a candidate for this procedure if you have fine lines, superficial scars, or uneven skin texture that doesn’t respond to traditional skincare routines.
On the other hand, you may not qualify for laser skin resurfacing if you:
- Have severe active acne
- Get cold sore or blisters around your mouth
- Have very dark skin, as it may cause discoloration
- Have severely dry skin
Preparing your skin for laser skin resurfacing
Preparing for your laser skin resurfacing appointment is pretty simple. First, Dr. Hojjat recommends keeping your skin as hydrated as possible in the weeks leading up to your procedure to avoid chapping or dryness. You should also make sure you don’t have any open wounds, infections, or severe breakouts on the day of the treatment. It is also imperative to avoid sun exposure before and after the procedure.
Stop using retinol products one week before treatment and check with your doctor if you take medications that could interfere with clotting, like aspirin, vitamin E, fish oil, and anticoagulant herbal remedies. Additionally, avoid the sun or tanning beds 2 weeks prior to your procedure and wear SPF sunscreen daily. Dr. Hojjat will discuss any other steps you should take to prepare for laser skin resurfacing during your initial consultation.
CO2 Laser
Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
On the day of your treatment, your doctor will clean your skin thoroughly and apply a topical anesthetic (numbing cream) to the area to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. After the cream takes effect, Dr. Hojjat will gently pass the CO2 resurfacing laser device across the treatment area, guiding the laser beam directly over your skin.
A typical CO2 laser skin resurfacing session takes anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the area treated and the technique employed. While the procedure doesn’t hurt, some people describe it as a sensation similar to a rubber band snap and mild heating.
Recommendations
Recovery & Aftercare For Laser Skin Resurfacing
CO2 laser skin resurfacing yields more dramatic results than other laser treatments, but it also involves a more hands-on recovery period. For a couple of days following your procedure, your skin will be dry and red, and you may also experience mild swelling. You may also experience mild discomfort similar to a sunburn.
Don’t be tempted to peel or pick at your skin; it will start peeling on its own when it’s ready, around day 3 or 4. Make sure you use plenty of sun protection and avoid activities that might make you sweat for at least a week after your laser session. Use a gentle moisturizer two to three times a day.
Don’t hesitate to call the office (949-996-3274) if you have any questions or concerns during your recovery period.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Skin Resurfacing
CO2 laser skin resurfacing is safe, provided you’re a good candidate for the procedure. It’s also crucial to see a licensed, skilled provider with extensive experience performing this type of procedure. In the wrong hands, laser skin resurfacing could lead to changes in skin color, burns, infections, and other issues.
Yes and no. Laser skin resurfacing results are permanent in the sense that they don’t wear off or wash away with time. However, the effects will not be everlasting because your skin will continue to age like normal. This means that new lines, blemishes, and sun damage will continue to develop, albeit slower. You can maximize your results by combining your laser treatment with other cosmetic therapies or opt for yearly laser sessions based on your doctor’s recommendations.
The cost of laser skin resurfacing depends on the type of laser, the size of the treatment area, and the experience of your provider. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 for one CO2 laser skin resurfacing session.
It depends on the results you’re looking for. Both chemical peels and lasers come in different levels of intensity and can be adapted to your specific needs. Chemical peels might be a better option if you have very dark skin and are concerned about discoloration. But you may want to opt for laser skin resurfacing if you’re looking for quick, more dramatic, and controlled results.
Yes! There’s evidence that CO2 laser skin resurfacing can significantly reduce acne breakouts and help erase acne scars. If you have severe acne, your doctor may recommend combining laser skin resurfacing with other treatments for the best results.
Laser skin resurfacing is uncomfortable but not really painful. Our patients compare it to a mild prickling sensation or like a rubber band snapping against your skin. Afterward, you may feel a little itchy and sore, similar to a mild sunburn.
If you live near Irvine, CA, Socal Aesthetic Surgery offers laser skin resurfacing among its services and is conveniently located at 113 waterworks way, Suite #100, Irvine, CA 92618.
Irvine, CA
Schedule your cO2 laser skin treatment in Irvine, CA
Ready to get lush, youthful skin in just one treatment, without going under the knife? Call (949-996-3274) or click here to schedule a laser skin resurfacing consultationclick here to schedule a laser skin resurfacing consultation with Dr. Hojjat today!
ADDRESS:
113 waterworks way, Suite #100
Irvine, CA 92618
PHONE:
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Mon-Friday: 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
