Is Laser Skin Resurfacing Painful?

One of our providers will apply a potent topical anesthetic before the procedure to minimize pain. For more intensive resurfacing, local anesthesia or sedation may be used. You might feel a warm, prickling sensation during the treatment as the laser targets the skin, but this is usually manageable. Afterward, you may experience some mild redness, swelling, or a sunburn-like sensation, which typically subsides in a few hours to a few days.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Since Dr. Heringer uses a CO2 laser to remove the outer layer of your skin, a single treatment is often all it takes. Depending on your needs, this type of treatment takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours and should provide lasting results. For deeper lines and wrinkles, scars, or extensive pigmentation issues, an additional session may be recommended 3 to 6 months later.

How Long Until I See Results?

Results from laser skin resurfacing typically start to appear within a week as redness and swelling subside. Full results are usually visible within 3 to 6 months.

Can I Combine Laser Skin Resurfacing with Other Procedures?

Laser skin resurfacing can be combined with surgeries such as facelifts , neck lifts, blepharoplasties , and other procedures such as dermal fillers and Botox.

What Are the Risks Associated with Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is considered safe, but it has some potential risks like any procedure. Common side effects include redness, swelling, and mild irritation, which typically resolve within a few days. Rare complications can include pigmentation changes, scarring, or infection, especially if aftercare instructions aren’t followed. Aftercare is essential for optimal results.

Scottsdale, AZ

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Introduction

Introduction to Laser Skin Resurfacing

When you aren’t ready for surgery but want to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, laser resurfacing can help your skin look younger and healthier. At Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery, expert oculofacial plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dustin Heringer, MD, recommends laser resurfacing to men and women who want to minimize imperfections and improve the look of damaged, aging skin. This non-surgical procedure can even be combined with a facelift or blepharoplasty. Call our office to schedule an appointment or book online today.

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing improves the tone and texture of the skin and reduces aging signs, including lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation.

Dr. Heringer uses a CO2 fractional laser to gently remove a thin top layer of your skin, allowing a newer, smoother layer of skin to emerge. The laser also stimulates new collagen production, so your skin appears more elastic and refreshed from the inside out.

Our bodies produce less collagen as we age, so our skin gradually loses elasticity and moisture. Laser resurfacing helps stimulate collagen production from within the deeper layers of tissue, so your skin renews itself in the weeks following your treatment.

What are the
benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing

A woman with curly hair poses against a blue sky, eyes closed and head tilted, radiating confidence and serenity. - Laser Skin Resurfacing in Scottsdale, AZ

Some of the benefits of laser skin resurfacing include:

More even skin tone
Improved appearance of blemishes or acne scars
Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Glowing, youthful-looking skin
Improved sun-damaged areas and age spots
Help improve mildly sagging skin
Reduce the appearance of larger pores

Who are the
best candidates

You may be a good candidate for laser resurfacing if you have uneven skin pigmentation, sun-damaged skin, or non-responsive skin after a facelift. CO2 Laser resurfacing is ideal for individuals with lighter skin tones, while people with darker skin tones are not candidates for treatment.

During your consultation, one of our providers will examine your skin closely and recommend the treatment options that will benefit you most.

If you’d like to learn more about laser resurfacing treatments as part of a comprehensive skin care and anti-aging solution, call the office to make an appointment or book a consultation online.

Your Laser Skin Resurfacing Journey with Dr. Dustin Heringer

What’s the first step?

The first step is booking a consultation at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery. During this visit, you’ll discuss your skin concerns and aesthetic goals. One of our expert team members will assess your skin and decide if laser skin resurfacing is right for you.

CO2 Laser resurfacing is ideal for individuals with lighter skin tones, while people with darker skin tones are not candidates for treatment.

What to Expect on the Day of a Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment

You’ll start your laser skin resurfacing treatment with a thorough cleaning of your skin, followed by the application of a topical and local anesthetic. Dr. Heringer or one of his trusted providers will then use a CO2 laser to target your damaged skin layers to help promote collagen production and rejuvenation. Depending on the size of the treatment area, the whole session typically lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Expectation

Your Guide to Post-Laser Skin Resurfacing Care

Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery

Immediately following treatment, your skin feels like you have a moderate sunburn, so it may appear red and be sensitive to touch. Like a sunburn, your skin heels after about a week, and you can conceal any redness with makeup after it has healed.

As your skin heals from the laser resurfacing treatment, avoid sun exposure. Even in the weeks that follow, continue applying sunscreen liberally and wear a hat for protection.

How Much Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost in Scottsdale, AZ?

Schedule a consultation to learn more about the cost, customized treatment plans, and available financing options for achieving your aesthetic goals.

Cost

Why Choose Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Dustin Heringer is a highly respected oculofacial plastic and cosmetic surgeon based in Scottsdale, AZ, at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and dedication to patient care, he focuses on delivering natural, refined results that enhance his patients’ aesthetic goals and overall confidence.

Dr. Dustin Heringer holds the unique distinction of being board-certified in not just one but in all three of these prestigious societies: the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Ophthalmology, and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

A leader in his field, Dr. Heringer combines technical expertise with a passion for helping patients look and feel their best. Whether addressing facial aging, restoring youthful skin, or refining facial contours, his approach is always tailored to each individual’s unique goals.

Why us?

Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQ’S

One of our providers will apply a potent topical anesthetic before the procedure to minimize pain. For more intensive resurfacing, local anesthesia or sedation may be used. You might feel a warm, prickling sensation during the treatment as the laser targets the skin, but this is usually manageable. Afterward, you may experience some mild redness, swelling, or a sunburn-like sensation, which typically subsides in a few hours to a few days.
Since Dr. Heringer uses a CO2 laser to remove the outer layer of your skin, a single treatment is often all it takes. Depending on your needs, this type of treatment takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours and should provide lasting results.

For deeper lines and wrinkles, scars, or extensive pigmentation issues, an additional session may be recommended 3 to 6 months later.
Laser skin resurfacing is considered safe, but it has some potential risks like any procedure. Common side effects include redness, swelling, and mild irritation, which typically resolve within a few days. Rare complications can include pigmentation changes, scarring, or infection, especially if aftercare instructions aren’t followed. Aftercare is essential for optimal results.

Send a message to AO&FPS

Schedule a Consultation

Scheduling a consultation at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery is your first step to achieving refreshed, youthful-looking skin. During your visit, you’ll discuss your skin concerns and goals, and our team will create a customized treatment plan for your needs. With his expertise in laser skin resurfacing and dedication to natural, beautiful results, you’ll feel confident and informed every step of the way. Contact the office today to book your appointment and take the next step in your skin rejuvenation journey.