CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing | Starkman Facial Plastic Surgery

About laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing in Scottsdale at Starkman Facial Plastic Surgery is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses pulsating beams of light to address dead and damaged skin layers.

The treatment is used to reduce facial lines and wrinkles and for minimizing skin flaws, including acne scars, pigmentation, and other issues. Also known as a laser peel, laser skin resurfacing is an ideal procedure for patients desiring softer, clearer, more youthful-looking skin. We are proud to use the Candela CO2 laser technology, which can be precisely adjusted according to your skin type and conditions.

Laser skin resurfacing is a bit more aggressive than a photofacial, so there will be more downtime required—however, the results are also more dramatic. If you are interested in learning how laser skin resurfacing could enhance your facial skin, we would love for you to schedule a consultation at our Scottsdale, AZ office.

Types of laser treatments

Starkman Facial Plastic Surgery offers three types of laser skin resurfacing treatments, which will be chosen based on the condition of your skin. Some are performed for milder cases of skin damage while others are more aggressive:

Ablative Laser Treatments

Ablative lasers treat thin layers of skin, like a deep chemical peel or dermabrasion, with a precision that allows the aesthetician to reduce skin damage. Ablative lasers are best for firming the skin and treating wrinkles and acne scars.

Non-Ablative Laser Treatments

Non-ablative lasers do not remove any skin — the light simply creates micro-damage to the skin to encourage natural skin healing. Non-ablative facials are great for addressing fine lines and wrinkles on patients who are able to wait for 2 – 3 months for strong results.

Fractional Laser Treatments

Fractional lasers are both ablative and non-ablative that create small holes in the deeper layers of the skin. The skin's self-healing process creates tighter skin. Fractional lasers may also be used for fine lines, acne scarring, sun damage, and pigmentation issues.

I had an excellent experience with Dr. Starkman.

I had some questions throughout the process of my consultation and appointment. Dr. Starkman and his staff were very knowledgeable and accommodating. They took their time answering my questions and addressed any concerns I had.

EXCELLENT experience with Dr. Sid Starkman...new to Scottsdale! You can trust him because he comes to us with knowledge, experience, a caring demeanor and professional! I was more than satisfied with my procedure there and I know you will be, too..whatever you choose to do!

What an amazing job!

Positive experience from the referral. The Dr was able to fit me in the same day I was referred. The office is clean and modern. I really enjoyed not filling out ANY paperwork. Everything was electronic. Dr Starkman has a kind, straightforward demeanor.

Ideal candidates for CO2 laser resurfacing

There are multiple factors to think about when determining which laser peel procedure is right for your needs. Laser skin resurfacing in Scottsdale is ideal for people who are unhappy with their skin's appearance.

If you have sun damage, acne scars, age spots, wrinkles, redness, or pigmentation troubles, a laser peel treatment can be helpful to improve these complexion blemishes. In addition, a laser peel works well for those who have scaly patches, rough texture, or other irregularities.

This treatment is not recommended if you have very dark skin or active acne. Additionally, it is important to know that there is downtime associated with these laser treatments. Some patients, depending on the condition of their skin, may need up to 2 – 3 weeks for their skin to normalize.

Procedure technique during CO2 laser resurfacing

Before you have a deeper or more intense laser peel treatment, you may be asked to use a retinoid product for a few weeks before your appointment. This helps prepare the skin for more effective results. Medication will be suggested prior to the treatment to help lessen any pain or discomfort you may feel during your session. If your skin needs mild correction, a topical anesthetic will be used to numb certain areas the laser will target. For the full face or more intense laser treatments, some kind of sedation may be required.

During the procedure, you will relax in our treatment chair while the laser glides over your skin, precisely targeting the selected surfaces for rejuvenation. You will feel the heat of the laser followed by cold air from its built-in cooling system. The laser works to remove damaged and dead skin cells while also stimulating new collagen production.

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What to expect following CO2 laser resurfacing

Following a milder laser resurfacing treatment in our Scottsdale office, a healing ointment will be applied to the skin and you can return home to recover. The skin will appear red, and there will be some irritation and swelling. This should subside within a couple of days, and the peeling process will last approximately three to five days.

If you are getting a more intense laser treatment, your recovery time will last longer. The treated areas will most likely be covered by dressings, and the swelling, irritation, and burning symptoms will be stronger. Medication can be prescribed to lessen these side effects. The recovery period associated with a deeper laser treatment can last 2 – 3 weeks. All patients should minimize their sun exposure after their laser peel and apply sun protection throughout the day. For all laser skin resurfacing treatments, the skin will naturally flake, crust, and peel away. It is crucial to avoid interfering with the healing process and to protect your skin from environmental exposure to prevent scarring. Once the peeling process has been completed, your skin will feel softer and look clearer, younger, and rejuvenated.

FAQ

How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?

Laser skin resurfacing costs vary based on the treatment you get. During your consultation, Dr. Starkman or our medical aesthetician will ask about your skin problems and goals before reviewing the different types of resurfacing treatments. Then, we can help you decide on your resurfacing method and discuss costs.

What's the best type of resurfacing for me?

Dr. Starkman or our medical aesthetician will help you decide which laser resurfacing treatment will best meet your needs and goals during your consultation. The best treatment for you will depend on the condition of your skin, your skin issues, and how deep you want your treatment to go. Your desired recovery time may also be a deciding factor when choosing your treatment type. When in doubt, it's best to select a lighter treatment to see how you like your results and adjust as needed for your next treatment.

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

Dr. Starkman or our aesthetician will talk to you about how you can help your skin heal after a laser skin resurfacing treatment. The most important rule is to not pick or peel your skin. This could create lasting damage, including scars. You should skip all hair removal methods in the treatment area, which means no shaving, waxing, or depilatory creams. We will recommend an ointment to help soothe and heal your skin.

Should I get laser skin resurfacing, a chemical peel, or dermabrasion?

After listening to your skin problems, we will help you decide if laser skin resurfacing, a chemical peel, or dermabrasion treatment will achieve your goals. While they all improve the surface of the skin, each has its own benefits and drawbacks. During your consultation, we can review each option and make a recommendation for your treatment.

How often should I get laser resurfacing treatments?

Depending on the resurfacing options we select for your treatment, you may need to wait several weeks or even months between appointments. Deeper treatments will provide longer-lasting results but will require a lengthy recovery period. Talk to Dr. Starkman or your aesthetician about how often you are willing to come back for treatments so this can be considered during your consultation.

Before & After

The CO2RE Treatment

CO2 laser skin resurfacing at a glance

Average Cost: $3,500
Recovery Time: 1 – 2 Weeks
Average Procedure Time: 1 – 2 Hours
Post-op Follow-up: 4 – 6 Weeks
Procedure Recovery Location: In-Office

A softer, clearer complexion

A laser skin resurfacing treatment, or laser peel, offers amazing results if you want a younger-looking complexion. If you are curious about laser skin resurfacing in Scottsdale, we invite you to call our office today to schedule your consultation. You can learn more about laser treatments or other non-surgical procedures offered at Starkman Facial Plastic Surgery.

Additional References:

If you have any remaining questions about laser resurfacing treatments, take a look at some of the blogs that we have to help add further clarity. Please reach out to our staff if you would like to set up a consultation with Dr. Starkman.

A Deep Dive Into Skin Resurfacing

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Scottsdale