Is Laser Skin Resurfacing Painful?

Laser skin resurfacing typically involves some level of discomfort, but the degree of pain varies depending on the type of treatment and the individual’s pain tolerance. A topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort during the procedure. For more invasive treatments, such as CO2 laser resurfacing, Dr. Urban may also administer local anesthesia or offer sedation to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. While you may experience a mild stinging or warming sensation during the treatment, most patients report that the procedure is well-tolerated.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of laser skin resurfacing sessions required depends on the type of treatment selected and the specific skin concerns being addressed. A single session is sufficient for most patients to notice noticeable improvements, especially for noninvasive treatments like fractional or erbium lasers. However, multiple sessions may be recommended for more severe skin issues like deep wrinkles or significant scarring. These treatments are typically spaced several weeks apart to allow for healing and skin regeneration.

How Long Until I See Results?

Results from laser skin resurfacing become increasingly noticeable as the skin heals and regenerates over time. Most patients begin to see skin texture, tone, and appearance improvements within two to three weeks following the procedure, although initial redness and swelling may mask these results. As the skin continues to heal, typically over a period of three to five months, the full benefits of the treatment will become apparent.

Can I Combine Laser Skin Resurfacing with Other Procedures?

Yes, many patients choose to combine resurfacing with injectables such as Botox or dermal fillers to address fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss and improve skin texture. Facelifts, eyelid surgery, or chemical peels can also be paired with resurfacing. However, allowing your skin to heal properly after each treatment is important, so Dr. Urban will carefully design a treatment plan that ensures the best and safest outcome and minimizes the risk of complications.

What Are the Risks Associated with Laser Skin Resurfacing?

The most common side effects include redness, swelling, and dryness, which are typically temporary and subside within a few days to weeks. However, more serious complications, though rare, can occur, such as scarring, infection, or pigmentation changes. Certain skin types, especially darker skin tones, may have a higher risk of pigmentation changes, which is why Dr. Urban chooses each treatment to suit the patient’s skin type. Prior to your procedure, Dr. Urban will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for laser resurfacing and discuss any specific risks based on your skin’s condition and history.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Introduction

Introduction to Laser Skin Resurfacing

Even with proper skincare, sun exposure, aging, and environmental damage can leave the skin looking dull, uneven, and weathered. So what do you do? Laser Skin Resurfacing offers a solution. It uses advanced technology to uplift the skin’s texture, tone, and overall radiance without the need for invasive surgery.

Laser technology is one of the decade’s most exciting and innovative scientific achievements. It is being utilized throughout the healthcare community. Dr. Urban in Salt Lake City uses one of the newest lasers, a fractionated carbon dioxide laser, to treat sun-damaged skin, facial wrinkles, and scars, and an Erbium YAG laser for superficial skin resurfacing.

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

The word laser is an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A surgical laser, such as the CO2 laser, is a beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue, such as scarred, lined, wrinkled, and otherwise imperfect skin. The laser vaporizes skin cells by emitting bursts of radiation that are absorbed by water in these cells. Laser light penetrates to a very precise, controlled depth, making the procedure safe and predictable while reducing the risk of scarring or pigmentation problems. Laser skin resurfacing is bloodless and is performed right here in our office, under light sedation. As a result of this treatment, you are left with more natural-looking skin.

What Type of Lasers Does Dr. Urban Use?

Dr. Urban utilizes two types of ablative lasers: a Fractional CO2 laser and an Erbium YAG laser. The CO2 laser can be used for deep resurfacing, while the Erbium YAG laser is used for superficial rejuvenation.

Close-up of a fair-skinned woman with light brown hair, wearing a white tank top. Her hands gently frame her face, one on her forehead and the other on her chin. She has a neutral expression, with natural pink lips and a downward gaze. Her fingernails are light and natural. The background is a soft beige or peach tone, emphasizing her smooth skin and facial features. - Laser Skin Resurfacing in West Jordan, UT

What Are the Benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing? Why Repair and Restore Your Skin?

As people age, their collagen production begins to deteriorate, leading to the breakdown of the skin’s underlying support structure. Daily exposure to UV rays and other environmental elements can cause the skin to become discolored, and premature wrinkles may emerge. Treatments with the CO2 Erbium YAG laser system will enhance the skin’s strength and elasticity. The skin will have a smoother, tighter texture, and pigmentation problems will begin to diminish.

Laser resurfacing can be used as an alternative to chemical peels and dermabrasion. This technique offers less pain, a faster recovery time, and, in most cases, is also less costly.

What Are the Treatment Capabilities For An Erbium YAG Laser (Superficial Skin Resurfacing)?

The Erbium YAG laser can treat atrophic acne scars, photo-damaged skin lesions, mild to moderate facial wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation, as well as seborrheic keratosis. During the treatment, epidermal cells are removed while the dermal tissue receives gentle healing to stimulate collagen renewal. Extended ablation technology’s precision and minimal residual thermal damage accelerate the re-epithelialization process, leaving no demarcation line. This allows for the treatment of small problem areas, providing a full laser facial with minimal downtime and outstanding results.

What Areas Can Be Treated Through Laser Resurfacing?

The laser reduces tiny wrinkles, acne scars, and other minor skin imperfections, especially around the mouth and eyes. It can also improve sun-damaged and acne-scarred skin, which often concerns both men and women.

What Are the Treatment Capabilities For a Fractionated CO2 Laser (Deep Resurfacing)?

The fractionated CO2 laser can treat mild to moderate wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, sun damage, skin texture irregularities, and pigmented lesions.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is particularly effective for individuals with fair to light skin tones, as the treatment can sometimes cause pigmentation changes in darker skin tones. Those with active skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or current infections may not be suitable candidates until these conditions are properly managed. Candidates should also avoid excessive sun exposure and smoking, as these factors can hinder the skin’s healing process and impact results. At Dr. Urban’s facility in Salt Lake City, a consultation is essential to evaluate your skin type to determine whether laser skin resurfacing is the right choice for you.

What’s the First Step?

Before surgery in Salt Lake City, Dr. Urban and you will discuss the goals for facial improvement, whether improving texture, reducing scarring, or addressing signs of aging. You’ll also be given a comprehensive breakdown of the costs involved, ensuring that there are no surprises. Leading up to the procedure, your skin may be pretreated with specific products or medications to aid the healing process and minimize any potential discomfort or complications.

How Does Fractionated CO2 Laser Technology Work?

The CO2 laser will direct a grid pattern of tiny pulses of light at the skin. Each pulse delivers a column of energy that can reach the skin’s dermal layer. Unlike 100% ablated CO2 lasers, a fractionated laser only resurfaces a predetermined portion (25-85%) of the skin surface. CO2 laser skin treatment stimulates a natural renewal process of the body’s own collagen. Also, because the laser beam has been fractionalized, small areas of untreated skin will be left between the treated spots. The healing process is accelerated by strategically performing the procedure in this manner.

What to Expect on the Day of Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment

A local anesthetic is given to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The area is cleansed and draped. Dr. Urban directs the laser beam toward your skin imperfections. The laser quickly and accurately vaporizes the outermost layers of skin, which are just four or five cells in thickness. Treatment sensations vary from person to person. As tiny pulses of energy are delivered into the skin, most patients will experience a warm, sharp feeling and an immediate tightening of the skin. Most patients look and feel like they have a mild sunburn for a few days after the treatment. Anesthetic ointments and cooling devices may be used to reduce any discomfort during and after the procedure.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery

Day 1: Immediately after the treatment, the skin will be pink and have a sensation similar to a mild sunburn.
Day 2: The skin will be pink or red; make-up can be applied
Days 3 & 4: The skin will begin to exfoliate as new skin cells replace the dry, dead ones.
Days 5-7: All signs of the procedure will have vanished, leaving your newly revealed skin looking and feeling tighter, younger, and naturally healthy.

In most cases, only one to three treatments are needed. The initial redness fades in a few days to a light pink, which can be concealed with makeup. The discoloration usually disappears in a few days. Fractionated laser resurfacing aims to enhance facial appearance with minimal recovery or complications. Expectations by the patient must be realistic, and results should be anticipated as improvements rather than total corrections. The results of the surgery depend on many factors, such as the size, shape, and location of the imperfection and the patient’s heredity, age, and general skin condition. Please inform Dr. Urban of any skin disorders or history of skin viral diseases.

How Much Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost in Salt Lake City, UT?

The cost of Laser Skin Resurfacing in the greater Salt Lake City area can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of laser treatment used, the size of the area being treated, the complexity of your skin concerns, and the expertise of the practitioner. On average, patients can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for a full-face treatment. However, more targeted treatments or less extensive procedures may cost less, while advanced resurfacing techniques, like fractional CO2 lasers or deep resurfacing, may be priced higher. During your consultation with Dr. Urban, you will receive a detailed breakdown of pricing with financing options if needed.

Why Choose Utah Facial Surgical Arts?

Dr. Urban is dual board-certified in Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, holding credentials from the prestigious American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. With over twelve years of specialized education, Dr. Urban’s extensive background ensures a deep understanding of the face’s aesthetic and functional aspects. The Joint Commission has accredited his surgical facility as an Office-Based Surgical Center, reflecting the highest patient safety and care standards.

At Utah Facial Surgical Arts near Salt Lake City, Dr. Urban fosters a patient-centered environment, ensuring that each individual receives personalized care focused on their unique needs, with a commitment to exceeding expectations and delivering beautifully natural results.

Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQ’s

Laser skin resurfacing typically involves some level of discomfort, but the degree of pain varies depending on the type of treatment and the individual’s pain tolerance. A topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort during the procedure. For more invasive treatments, such as CO2 laser resurfacing, Dr. Urban may also administer local anesthesia or offer sedation to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. While you may experience a mild stinging or warming sensation during the treatment, most patients report that the procedure is well-tolerated.
The number of laser skin resurfacing sessions required depends on the type of treatment selected and the specific skin concerns being addressed. A single session is sufficient for most patients to notice noticeable improvements, especially for noninvasive treatments like fractional or erbium lasers. However, multiple sessions may be recommended for more severe skin issues like deep wrinkles or significant scarring. These treatments are typically spaced several weeks apart to allow for healing and skin regeneration.
Results from laser skin resurfacing become increasingly noticeable as the skin heals and regenerates over time. Most patients begin to see skin texture, tone, and appearance improvements within two to three weeks following the procedure, although initial redness and swelling may mask these results. As the skin continues to heal, typically over a period of three to five months, the full benefits of the treatment will become apparent.
Yes, many patients choose to combine resurfacing with injectables such as Botox or dermal fillers to address fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss and improve skin texture. Facelifts, eyelid surgery, or chemical peels can also be paired with resurfacing. However, allowing your skin to heal properly after each treatment is important, so Dr. Urban will carefully design a treatment plan that ensures the best and safest outcome and minimizes the risk of complications.
The most common side effects include redness, swelling, and dryness, which are typically temporary and subside within a few days to weeks. However, more serious complications, though rare, can occur, such as scarring, infection, or pigmentation changes. Certain skin types, especially darker skin tones, may have a higher risk of pigmentation changes, which is why Dr. Urban chooses each treatment to suit the patient’s skin type. Prior to your procedure, Dr. Urban will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for laser resurfacing and discuss any specific risks based on your skin’s condition and history.

Patient Reviews

I went home today and literally was blown away by how good my procedure looks! This is why you come to Dr. Urban and his team. I pulled out my license photo when I was 39 and I look just like that again. It’s amazing. Feel free to ask for before and after photos at the the office.

You will not be disappointed!

View Results – S.V.
Best experience! If you’re looking for a great result and great treatment, this is the place for you!

View Results R.C.
Mini facelift and I am loving it! The Drs follow up was beyond expectations. I feel so much more confident when meeting new people. I would do it again but only with Dr Urban.

View Results C.C.

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