Plastic Surgery San Diego, CA

Se habla español
Directions
858-587-2640
Schedule Now

Laser Skin Resurfacing

41 Procedures ( View All )

3 Lasers Procedures

Laser Skin Resurfacing with Dr. Shumway | San Diego, CA

Sometimes seeing your face after gazing in the mirror can be surprising. On the inside, you feel youthful, vibrant, and as perky as ever. However, when you look back in the mirror, you see skin that is full of wrinkles, fine lines, fine wrinkles, facial wrinkles, sun damage and other signs of age. Time is, in fact, taking a toll on all of us, but measures can be made to repair some of the skin blemishes that can make you look older. One of the more effective ways to rid your skin of signs of aging is laser skin resurfacing — including CO2 laser resurfacing using the Coherent UltraPulse® system — available at Shumway Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego, CA with our cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Robert A. Shumway. This laser resurfacing approach is a skin resurfacing method designed to improve the skin’s appearance and skin’s surface by targeting damaged outer layers while supporting collagen production. If you’re ready to address those skin issues that diminish your self-confidence, you’ve come to the right place. In La Jolla, Dr. Shumway is well known for his expertise in facial rejuvenation with advanced laser technology, and he will personally guide you in finding the skin resurfacing methods and laser treatment plan that best suit your needs. Not only does Dr. Shumway have the skill and experience you want in a cosmetic surgeon, but he also has the compassion and dedication that will help you feel cared for from the moment you step into our office. This won’t end once you’ve completed your procedures because Dr. Shumway is serious about post-procedural care, and he’ll make sure you have everything you need to accelerate your healing process. When you come to Shumway Cosmetic Surgery for your laser skin resurfacing, laser resurfacing, or other cosmetic procedure, you can count on excellent care and gorgeous results, contact us today.
Dr. Shumway

Meet Dr. Shumway

San Diego board-certified facial plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert A. Shumway is the Medical Director of Shumway Cosmetic Surgery. With over 20 years of experience, he offers advanced face, breast, body, and skin procedures tailored to each patient’s goals. He is especially known for his expertise in transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA), a scar-free implant technique performed through the navel, and was the first to bring it to Europe in 2018.

Meet Dr. Shumway

How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work in La Jolla?

Laser skin resurfacing work starts by using laser light—delivered as concentrated pulsating beams—to precisely treat targeted layers of skin. Skin resurfacing is a cosmetic surgery-adjacent procedure that removes the outer, damaged layers of skin to reveal the softer, smoother skin beneath. It’s like exfoliation, only better. CO2 laser skin resurfacing can treat a variety of skin issues and signs of age. The laser can get rid of damage from the sun, such as sun spots, wrinkles, wrinkle reduction, deeper wrinkles, fine lines, and aging skin. Laser resurfacing can also help even out the skin tone on your face, getting rid of irregular skin texture, dull skin tone, and irregular pigmentation (skin coloring) to reveal your most vibrant skin. Finally, the laser can also get rid of troublesome acne scars, including severe acne scars that have been present on your face since puberty. The procedure involves using laser light beams to remove the outermost layer of your skin (outer layer). The skin tissue in this outer layer is damaged (damaged outer layers), and when it is removed, the skin beneath is revealed to be smooth and vibrant. This process is sometimes described as laser vaporization of the damaged outer layers, while the surrounding tissue and surrounding skin are protected through controlled energy delivery. The CO2 laser also can help skin appear fresh by increasing the amount of collagen present in the skin. Stimulating collagen production supports collagen growth and the formation of new collagen fibers and collagen fibers over time. Collagen is an essential part of youthful skin, giving it a more elastic quality and helping to fill in wrinkles. As the treated skin heals, new skin forms and the skin’s appearance can improve, often resulting in smoother skin and a more even skin tone. Laser skin resurfacing is an easy and effective procedure to give you clean and youthful skin. In addition to ablative lasers, some patients may be candidates for non ablative lasers (including nonablative laser options), which target deeper layers and deeper tissue to support collagen production with minimal disruption to the skin’s surface. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is another light-based option used for certain concerns, but it is different from laser skin resurfacing and laser resurfacing.

Reviews

160 Total Reviews

4.9

See All 160 Reviews

Laser Skin Resurfacing – Ideal Candidates

You have several factors to take into consideration when deciding which laser peel treatment is best for your skin. La Jolla laser skin resurfacing is designed for anyone who is unsatisfied with their general complexion. If you see sun damage/sun damaged skin, age spots, acne scars, lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, or redness concerns, laser skin resurfacing procedure may be needed to address these cosmetic flaws. Also, laser skin resurfacing is promising for patients who have a rough texture, scaly patches, or other skin surface problems and want a treatment that improves skin texture and supports better skin texture overall. A laser peel isn’t suggested for anyone who has very dark skin tones or active acne outbreaks. Patients with darker skin may have a higher risk of pigmentation changes; your skin type and medical history help determine the safest skin resurfacing methods. Also, it’s important to be aware that there is a recovery period needed after laser peels. Certain patients, based on their skin condition, may require as much as 2 – 3 weeks for recovery. If you want minimal downtime, ask whether non ablative lasers, fractionated lasers, or a fractional laser approach may be a better fit than traditional ablative lasers.
Staff photo

Schedule a Consultation

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Shumway today and discover the best options to achieve your aesthetic goals.

Contact Us Today

La Jolla Laser Skin Resurfacing – Procedure Technique

When you are scheduled for a more intense or deeper laser resurfacing treatment, you may be given a retinoid cream for 2 – 3 weeks before your laser procedure. The retinoid helps prepare the skin for better results. Medication may be prescribed prior to the procedure to help minimize any pain for greater relaxation throughout your appointment. If your complexion only needs mild improvement, a local anesthesia may be applied to numb treated areas of the face. For deeper laser procedures, some form of sedation may be used. When you arrive for your appointment, we’ll provide you with eye shields to protect your corneas and retinas from the laser. Depending on the treatment area and your level of comfort, we will either provide you with a local anesthesia or IV sedation. Throughout the procedure, you can relax in one of our comfortable treatment chairs while the laser handpiece passes over your skin, directly targeting the specific sections for resurfacing. You may feel the warmth from the laser, followed with cold air from the system’s built-in cooling device. Many patients describe the sensation as heat or a mild sunburn; mild sunburn-like warmth is common during certain laser treatment settings. The laser energy is designed to eliminate dead and damaged skin cells while also inspiring a natural collagen production at varying depths, depending on your needs. With fractional laser treatment (fractional laser) and fractional laser resurfacing, tiny columns of energy treat the treated area while leaving surrounding skin untouched—supporting faster healing and often minimal downtime compared with ablative laser resurfacing.

Laser Skin Resurfacing – What to Expect

Immediately after your laser skin resurfacing procedure in La Jolla, you will have some skin weeping and redness. Dr. Shumway will provide you with a prescription for an ointment and a bandage to keep on the treated area for the first two days. For the next few weeks, your new skin will appear pink or red. This will gradually fade and can be covered with cosmetics until it does. Please reduce your UV exposure following treatment and use sun protection frequently. Avoid sun exposure while treated skin is healing to reduce the risk of discoloration, especially for darker skin types. For all peel intensities, the treated skin will naturally crust, flake, and peel off. It’s vital to avoid accelerating the recovery process to prevent scarring and to shield the treated area from unnecessary damage. The surrounding skin may feel tight, but it is important to keep the surrounding skin and treated area protected and moisturized as the skin heals. After the peeling is finished, the treated skin should feel smoother while also appearing clearer, younger, and rejuvenated. Over the next few months, as new collagen fibers begin to form, your skin will look younger, fresher, and more beautiful. This collagen growth supports smoother skin, improved skin texture, and more even skin tone. And if you follow Dr. Shumway’s post-procedure skin care orders, your results may last for years.

Laser Skin Resurfacing San Diego – FAQ’s

How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?

Your laser resurfacing cost will depend on the treatment type you choose. During your initial consultation, Dr. Shumway will understand your skin issues and wants before discussing the types of laser resurfacing available. After this, he will help you select your resurfacing treatment and talk to you about costs. Shumway Cosmetic Surgery regularly offers skin treatment specials and packages so ask for more information in your appointment.

What's the best type of resurfacing for me?

Dr. Shumway can help you choose which resurfacing option fits your concerns and goals in your initial consultation. What treatment is best for you will depend on the health of your skin, any skin problems, and the skin depth you want your treatment to reach. Your skin type, medical history, and whether you have non responsive skin to topical options can influence whether ablative laser treatments, non ablative lasers, or fractional laser resurfacing is recommended. The length of recovery time might also be an important consideration when you create a treatment plan. If you are unsure, it is better to try a milder treatment, then assess your outcomes and decide if you want something stronger for your second appointment

How can I help my skin recover after a resurfacing treatment?

Dr. Shumway or someone on his staff will talk to you about ways to speed skin healing following your treatment. The number one rule is to not peel or pick flaking skin. Doing this can lead to long-term damage, like scars. You need to forgo all hair removal methods on the treated skin, which includes waxing, shaving, or depilatory creams. We can suggest a cream to help soothe treated areas. Keep the treated area protected, follow wound-care instructions, and avoid sun exposure while the skin heals.

Should I get laser skin resurfacing or a chemical peel?

Once he has listened to your issues, Dr. Shumway will help you choose whether laser skin resurfacing or a chemical peel fits your needs and goals. Although both rejuvenate your skin, each has pros and cons. In your initial consultation, Dr. Shumway will discuss each choice and make a suggestion for your treatment plan. Some chemical peel options may include glycolic acid for mild concerns, while laser resurfacing may better target deeper wrinkles, acne scars, or sun damaged skin depending on your skin type.

How often should I get laser resurfacing treatments?

Based on the laser resurfacing method you and Dr. Shumway choose for your procedure, you might need to wait a few weeks or even a few months between treatments. Deep laser treatments will give you results that last a long time; however, they do need more time for recovery. You should tell Dr. Shumway about how frequently you want to return for appointments so he can consider this when suggesting a treatment plan in your initial consultation.

What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses concentrated laser light to remove damaged skin layers. The treatment can address a variety of skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, age spots, and uneven skin tone. There are two main types of lasers used in this procedure: ablative lasers (which remove the outer layers of skin) and non ablative lasers/nonablative laser options (which stimulate collagen production without removing skin layers). Fractionated lasers and fractional laser technology can treat the treatment area in micro-columns, leaving surrounding skin untouched to support faster healing. Dr. Shumway offers both types of treatments at his San Diego practice.

What are the benefits of laser skin resurfacing?

LLaser skin resurfacing offers a variety of benefits, including:
– Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles: Especially around the eyes, mouth, and forehead (wrinkle reduction, fine wrinkles).
– Improved skin texture and tone: Helps smooth rough or uneven skin, leaving a more youthful appearance (improves skin texture, skin texture, skin tone).
– Treatment of acne scars and other blemishes: Reduces the appearance of scars and imperfections (acne scars, severe acne scars when appropriate).
– Sun damage repair: Evens out skin tone, reducing age spots, sun spots, and pigmentation issues (sun damage, sun damaged skin).
– Collagen stimulation: Non ablative lasers stimulate collagen production, supporting collagen fibers and new collagen fibers for gradual firming. Some patients notice improved texture and less visible fine lines as collagen growth continues.