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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (which stimulate collagen production without removing skin layers). Dr. Shumway offers both types of treatments at his San Diego practice.

Laser skin resurfacing offers a variety of benefits, including:
– Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles: Especially around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
– Improved skin texture and tone: Helps smooth rough or uneven skin, leaving a more youthful appearance.
– Treatment of acne scars and other blemishes: Reduces the appearance of scars and imperfections.
– Sun damage repair: Evens out skin tone, reducing age spots, sun spots, and pigmentation issues.
– Collagen stimulation: Non-ablative lasers stimulate collagen production, improving skin elasticity and firmness over time.

Laser skin resurfacing works by directing a laser beam onto the skin, where it heats the underlying skin tissues to promote healing and collagen production.
– Ablative lasers (like CO2 and Erbium) remove the outermost layers of skin, encouraging new skin growth.
– Non-ablative lasers (like Fraxel and fractional lasers) don’t remove skin but instead stimulate the deeper layers to promote skin regeneration without visible damage to the surface layer.
Both methods aim to improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity, with some treatments focusing on resurfacing the skin and others stimulating deeper collagen and elastin production.

Laser skin resurfacing is suitable for individuals with:
– Fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture
– Acne scars or other scarring
– Sun damage or pigmentation issues
– Age spots or freckles
– Uneven skin tone or rough skin texture
It is important to consult with a qualified practitioner like Dr. Shumway to determine if laser resurfacing is right for you, especially if you live in or around San Diego, La Jolla, or Oceanside. Some individuals with darker skin tones or specific skin conditions may be at a higher risk for pigmentation changes.

There are different types of lasers used in skin resurfacing, each designed for specific skin concerns:
– CO2 Laser: Ablative laser that vaporizes thin layers of skin, useful for treating deeper wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage.
– Erbium Laser: Also an ablative laser, but less aggressive than CO2. It’s ideal for finer lines, shallow wrinkles, and more superficial skin concerns.
– Fractional Lasers: These lasers deliver energy to a fraction of the skin, promoting healing and collagen production without harming the surface. Examples include Fraxel.
– Non-Ablative Lasers (e.g., IPL, Fractional Non-Ablative): These lasers don’t remove skin but stimulate collagen in deeper layers, making them suitable for treating fine lines and skin texture.
The choice of laser depends on the severity of your skin concerns and your skin type. Dr. Shumway will help you determine the best match for your goals.

The procedure for laser skin resurfacing typically involves the following steps:
– Preparation: Your practitioner will cleanse the skin and apply a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort.
– Laser Treatment: Depending on the type of laser used, the procedure may last anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours. During the treatment, you will feel a sensation of heat or mild discomfort as the laser is applied to the skin.
– Post-Treatment Care: After the procedure, the treated area may feel warm or slightly sunburned. You will receive aftercare instructions, which may include moisturizing the skin, using specific creams, and avoiding sun exposure.
Dr. Shumway and his team will walk you through each step to ensure your comfort.

While laser skin resurfacing is generally well-tolerated, it can cause some discomfort. The sensation varies based on the type of laser used and the depth of treatment. Ablative lasers tend to be more intense and may require local anesthesia or numbing cream, whereas non-ablative lasers typically cause mild discomfort similar to a rubber band snap. After the procedure, you may experience mild swelling, redness, or a sunburn-like sensation, but this usually subsides within a few hours to a few days.

Recovery time depends on the type of laser used:
– Ablative lasers (CO2, Erbium): Recovery can take from 7 to 14 days, with redness, swelling, and peeling in the treated area. Your skin will regenerate over the next few weeks, and you may experience some redness for several months.
– Non-ablative lasers: Recovery is typically quicker, with 2 to 3 days of mild redness or swelling. These lasers require less downtime and are less invasive.
Your practitioner will provide specific aftercare instructions to help manage your recovery and enhance results. At Shumway Cosmetic Surgery, patients from all over Southern California appreciate the attentive support and post-care guidance they receive.

The number of treatments required depends on the type of laser used and the skin concerns being treated:
– Ablative lasers may require just 1 to 2 treatments to achieve significant improvement.
– Non-ablative lasers typically require 3 to 5 treatments, spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart, to see optimal results.
Your practitioner will develop a customized treatment plan based on your goals and skin condition. Dr. Shumway’s individualized approach ensures every patient gets the care that’s right for them.

While laser skin resurfacing is generally safe, there are potential risks and side effects, including:
– Redness and swelling: Most common after treatment, particularly with ablative lasers.
– Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation: Some people may experience darkening or lightening of the skin in treated areas, especially those with darker skin tones.
– Infection or scarring: Though rare, infections or scarring can occur if post-treatment care instructions aren’t followed.
– Temporary changes in skin texture: The skin may appear rough or flakey during the healing process.
To minimize risks, it’s essential to follow Dr. Shumway’s post-treatment care instructions and attend follow-up appointments at his La Jolla-area office.

The results of laser skin resurfacing can last for several years, depending on factors such as the type of treatment, the condition of your skin, and how well you care for your skin post-treatment. For optimal, long-lasting results, it’s essential to maintain healthy skin habits, such as using sunscreen daily, avoiding smoking, and following a good skincare routine. Periodic maintenance treatments may be recommended to sustain your results over time—and Dr. Shumway can guide you through that journey.