Laser skin resurfacing is a laser procedure that involves peeling off the top layers of skin. Our offices use the newer Mixto CO2 technology, which allows for safe treatment of different depths, depending on the condition being treated. This laser is used to improve lines and wrinkles, brown spots, scars and acne scars, aged and sun-damaged skin, and enlarged oil glands, as well as helping to build the collagen content of the skin. In some cases, the laser can treat precancerous lesions.
Understanding Laser Skin Treatments
In the past, treatments were limited to light skin types only. However, modern laser technologies offer solutions for a wider range of skin concerns and types.
The Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
You will generally be red and swollen for about a week, but this may last for a longer duration depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment. To ensure comfort, you will be numbed with a topical numbing medication for about 30 minutes prior to the treatment. You may still feel some discomfort, but this is generally tolerated very well, even in those with a low pain threshold. The actual treatment will take about 15-30 minutes, after which time we will have you ice for a few minutes before leaving.
Because our laser device is so gentle, you may schedule additional resurfacing treatments periodically to continue stimulating youthful tissue behavior. Laser skin resurfacing can be slightly uncomfortable. To offset this, we apply a topical numbing cream to your skin and leave it on for half an hour before beginning your treatment. The anesthetic will not completely numb your skin but will achieve a nice level of desensitization that allows you to tolerate your laser resurfacing well. This is a benefit of fractional skin resurfacing, as it can achieve remarkable results without complete obliteration of multiple layers of tissue.
Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
Your doctor will provide you with clearly-detailed aftercare instructions that will help you heal optimally after laser skin resurfacing. If you follow these instructions with care, you can expect to recover without unnecessary stress. To support the tissue healing process, you should avoid sun exposure, excessive heat, and harsh chemical skincare products. Your skin will heal nicely after your laser resurfacing procedure if you cleanse the area using gentle products and apply moisturizer up to several times a day. Your doctor will discuss the best products or ingredients for your skin prior to your laser treatment. It is advantageous to have the necessary moisturizer and cleanser on hand before the day of your appointment. It may also help your skin heal more quickly if you drink plenty of water both before and after your laser treatment. After getting laser skin resurfacing, it is helpful to sleep and rest in an elevated position. You might find it comfortable to sleep in a recliner with a thin pillow or soft towel rolled behind your neck for support. You might sleep on a wedge pillow or simply stack a few pillows beneath your head and neck.
Expected Results and Longevity
After just one session, you can expect to notice significant improvements in your skin's tone and texture. If you have more severe scarring, sun damage, or signs of aging, you may benefit from a second treatment. In just one or two sessions, you can expect to enjoy results that last for at least a few years. To prolong the benefits of tissue regeneration and collagen remodeling, we suggest wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen on a daily basis. It is necessary to avoid unnecessary sun exposure if you want to maintain your skin through its natural aging process.
Advanced Laser Technologies and Treatments
Los Angeles offers a variety of advanced laser treatments for skin rejuvenation and correction. These technologies are designed to address specific concerns with precision and efficacy.
Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing
DEKA DOT Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing with DOT Therapy (Dermal Optical Thermolysis) is a new standard for skin rejuvenation. DOT therapy creates microscopic "holes" in your skin surface that stimulate new collagen growth and tightening. Patients are amazed at how tight and firm their face, neck, and décolletage feels after this amazing procedure. Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing is a single treatment that lasts about an hour. It is performed in-office and is minimally invasive, low risk, and utilizes both oral and topical medications for comfort. For many patients, downtime is usually minimal, and the treatment is ideal as it is customized to address face, neck, and décolletage-specific issues. Most people only require one treatment, but some may require a second session about one month after the first treatment to ideally address severe wrinkling or deep scars. These issues will be addressed during your consultation. Most commonly feels like a sunburn with redness; there may also be some irritation and swelling. By the third or fourth day, you will experience some peeling. In most cases, your skin will return to its normal appearance at about 7-10 days. Depending on your skin type and the aggressiveness of the treatment, your skin may be pink for 2-3 weeks. This can easily be concealed with makeup after about four days. During the post-treatment phase, you will need to apply a lotion to keep skin moist and help with healing.
Clear + Brilliant® Laser System
Clear + Brilliant® is a gentle fractional laser system used to help fight the early signs of aging. This preventative laser technology is comfortable, fast, safe for all skin types, and helps to refresh the overall appearance of the skin. The Clear + Brilliant® laser system works by creating millions of microscopic treatment zones in the skin to promote healthy, rejuvenated-looking skin after the treatment. Perméa enhances the skin’s permeability to accept skincare products more effectively and, in turn, creates longer-lasting results from your medical-grade products. This treatment leads to a more revitalized appearance of the skin. The Perméa handpiece treats more superficially in the dermis at a 1927nm wavelength at a uniform depth. Perméa is ideal for “tone” and can address superficial sun damage and some pigmentation. The original handpiece treats deeper into the dermis than the Perméa Clear + Brilliant® with a 1440nm wavelength. Original is ideal for treatment of “skin texture,” such as large pores, fine lines, rough skin, and sun damage. The original handpiece does not address pigmentations as well as Perméa, but it does build collagen deeper in the skin. We recommend a series of 4-6 treatments, one month apart for best results. A single treatment every 6 months to a year after your series of treatments will help to maintain results. There is minimal downtime after the Clear + Brilliant® treatment. The treatment may feel a little warm and scratchy.
Fraxel® System
At Radiance Medical Spa, we utilize the Fraxel® system for non-ablative fractional laser skin resurfacing. The Fraxel® can be safely used to treat men and women of all ages, as well as on all areas of the body. Fraxel® is a dual fractionated laser that utilizes a 1550nm or 1927nm laser to treat different depths of the skin. The two depths are not treated during the same appointment. The 1550nm laser allows for deep skin penetration, which allows for stimulation of new collagen through the healing process of the skin treated. The Fraxel® laser system is a fractionated, non-ablative laser system-meaning that the entirety of the dermis is not treated, but only a small portion. 30-minute treatment time. We recommend a series of 3-5 treatments, one month apart for best results. To maintain results, we often recommend a single treatment every 6 months to a year following your initial series of treatments. Tenderness, redness, or swelling for 1-7 days is common. A pins and needles sensation is common during the procedure.
Choosing a Provider in Los Angeles
When seeking laser skin care in Los Angeles, it is important to consult with experienced professionals who prioritize safety and efficacy. Many practices offer state-of-the-art laser treatments to address a wide range of skin concerns.
Expertise and Technology at Local Clinics
At Shiny Laser Skin Clinic, we prioritize our patients' unique needs and safety. Our specialists collaborate to identify ideal treatments, making your well-being and satisfaction our top priorities. Our specialists will do their utmost to get to know their patients and work with them towards finding the right treatment for every concern they might have. I did ECO2 & Bellafill targeting my scar and Picossure to laser my sunspots and skin tags, which were many. I did 3 sessions with about 3 weeks in between each session, and the results are incredible. My skin texture is improved and more elastic, and all my spots are gone. I am so happy with my skin and I get compliments from all my friends.
At DSC Laser & Skin Care Center, our board-certified doctor has over 30 years of experience. He has been a guest speaker at conferences around the globe for 20 years and has developed a number of innovations in minimal and non-invasive procedures in the field of cosmetic dermatology. We are committed to frequent updates in technology for the betterment of our clients. Our staff receives weekly updates and education in the latest developments, as well as analysis of our own protocols for the best outcome for all clients. Our clients can expect the best results from our treatments. With constant updates and feedback, we are determined to deliver our best. With many years of practice and constant innovations, we strive to further improve our clients’ satisfaction. This includes minimizing pain and recovery time. We emphasize natural beauty with minimal side effects, and we encourage nutritional changes to complement our treatments. Synergistic benefits result from this customed approach.
Board-certified dermatologist Paul Yamauchi, MD, PhD, of Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center in Santa Monica, California, offers the most advanced laser and light technology to address skin complaints like facial wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scarring. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn how you can benefit from laser treatments.
CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment | Real OR Footage + Before & After Results ✨
Laser Treatments for Various Skin Concerns
Laser treatments apply highly focused light energy to treat cosmetic complaints, aging skin, and unwanted hair. Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center offers the latest advanced laser technology. Laser treatments may be used to ease the look of sun damage, rosacea, birthmarks and angiomas, leg veins, acne and other scarring, wrinkles, facial creases, and fine lines, sagging skin, sun or age spots, vitiligo, and warts. Laser treatments can also destroy hair follicles to remove unwanted hair from your upper lip, chin, armpits, legs, arms, back, and bikini area.
How Laser Treatments Work
Laser energy boosts your skin’s natural healing mechanisms to rejuvenate its deeper layers. New collagen forms in response to the light energy, so your skin tightens and becomes smoother and more evenly toned. Age spots and discolored areas absorb the light energy and slough off within a few days of treatment. If you have laser treatment for hair removal, the energy destroys follicles, so hair can no longer grow. Laser heat also closes broken capillaries to erase visible veins.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Any medical laser treatment has risks involved, including burns, scars, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and inadequate results. Occasionally, patients can develop an infection or an acne flare from the treatment, which can be managed with medications. It is very rare for any of these issues to occur with the newer laser technology available.