Laser Skin Resurfacing

If you have fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, or skin discoloration, laser skin resurfacing is an effective treatment that improves the texture of facial skin with the use of lasers. This treatment can enhance the overall appearance of the skin by restoring a youthful glow and creating a more uniform appearance for the skin.

Laser Skin Resurfacing in Palo Alto, San Jose, and the Bay Area

If you’re in Palo Alto, San Jose, or the Bay Area and are unhappy with the appearance of your skin, laser skin resurfacing may be the perfect procedure for you.

What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing works by using lasers to create tiny wounds on the facial skin. As these tiny wounds heal, fibroblasts (the cells that make collagen) are recruited to the area. These cells deposit brand new collagen, and new skin cells are formed. These cells are healthy and undamaged, which means that the damaged skin, with all its imperfections, is gone — and smoother, healthier skin is in its place.

Results speak for themselves

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What types of lasers does Dr. Hessler use?

As a leading laser skin resurfacing provider, Dr. Jill Hessler uses several types of lasers depending on the individual needs of the patient. She is particularly pleased to offer fractional laser treatments.

CO2 laser resurfacing

CO2 lasers are ablative lasers used to treat wrinkles, scars, and deeper skin imperfections. CO2 laser resurfacing works by mechanically removing the entire top layer of skin. This laser is highly effective, but requires extensive recovery time.

Fractionated CO2 laser

This type of laser works by delivering very precise microbeams of heat to the area, leaving the surrounding skin intact. This means that the skin regenerates faster and the procedure is much safer for all skin types.

Erbium laser resurfacing

The Erbium laser is a very precise ablative laser that targets water in the skin tissue to vaporize superficial cells and cause thermal injury to trigger collagen remodeling. This type of laser is best for uneven skin tone and texture, as well as wrinkles and fine lines.

Laser for Asian skin

Dr. Hessler has the only specialized filter for the Sciton® BBL™ in the U.S. created exclusively for Asian skin. Previously, laser treatments for Asian patients were to be avoided. Now Asian patients can achieve excellent results through this specialized laser.

Laser skin resurfacing treatment details

On the day of your laser skin resurfacing treatment, please do not wear any makeup, contact lenses, and/or hair products. Please also wear a loose-fitting, buttoned shirt. Before administering the laser energy, Dr. Hessler will cleanse your skin and apply a topical numbing cream. For more powerful pain relief, nerve injections can be used.

Twilight sedation can also be used if you prefer. Safety glasses will be provided to protect your eyes. Dr. Hessler will then hold the laser skin resurfacing device over your skin, moving it around the targeted area. Several passes at different settings, may be made to achieve the desired effect.

Depending on the size of the area to be treated, the procedure may take 15 minutes to one hour. Most laser skin resurfacing treatments produce significant results in a single session; however, in some cases, Dr. Hessler may recommend multiple sessions.

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Before treatment

Before a laser skin resurfacing procedure, Dr. Hessler will meet with you to discuss your specific treatment plan and any necessary preparations. Some patients may need to undergo pre-laser therapy such as Valtrax® or hydroquinone to prepare their skin and minimize the risk of complications.

Please be sure to inform Dr. Hessler of any history of cold sores, as antiviral medication will need to be taken for two days prior to a laser treatment and continued for a full week afterward.

I felt calm and optimistic because of the warm and nurturing environment that offered the latest breakthrough technology that specifically catered to my skin problems. Two years later, with a combination of laser and facial treatments, my skin improved dramatically. Dr. Hessler completely transcended my expectations into the stratosphere.

Louis R.

Recovery

Immediately after skin resurfacing, your skin might look very pink, and you might feel like you have a sunburn. Your skin will appear swollen and look as though there is a pattern of tiny dots on it for about one week. Later the skin will gently peel off, and it will typically heal within 5 to 7 days — however, some residual redness might last for 1 to 2 weeks. It’s very important to keep your skin well hydrated with Aquaphor® or similar emollient-type material until your skin has fully peeled.

A light laser treatment can heal in as quickly as 3 to 5 days, while more extensive treatments for deeper wrinkles might take about 7 to 10 days. During this time, the redness can usually be covered with makeup, and patients will be able to return to work and their daily activities. Dr. Hessler follows the recovery of her patients very closely to ensure that the skin is healing properly and any possible concerns are addressed as soon as possible.

Hessler Plastic Surgery for laser skin resurfacing in Palo Alto, San Jose, and the Bay Area

Dr. Hessler is proud to offer a variety of sophisticated laser resurfacing treatments. As an expert in laser skin resurfacing, her office is equipped with the latest devices available in laser technology. She uses these devices to perform personalized treatments for her Palo Alto, San Jose, and Bay Area laser skin resurfacing patients. In addition, Dr. Hessler’s expertise has been recognized by her colleagues, who frequently invite her to lecture at national meetings of the topic of laser resurfacing. Not only are laser resurfacing treatments such as Fraxel and BBL our specialties; Hessler Plastic Surgery is also known for being one of the best centers for facial treatments, as Dr. Hessler is a highly experienced, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. If you are in Palo Alto, San Jose, or the Bay Area and you’re considering laser skin resurfacing, please contact us today.

FAQ

Does laser skin resurfacing cause scarring?

Not usually. Unlike traditional surgery, scarring is uncommon with laser resurfacing if the procedure is performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon. However, for those with a tendency to form keloids or excessive scarring, laser skin resurfacing may not be the best option.

Can all ethnicities get laser skin resurfacing?

Yes, as long as your provider has the right type of lasers and is very experienced. Individuals with increased pigmentation, including Hispanic, Indian, and Asian patients, can receive laser treatments.

What is the goal of laser skin resurfacing?

The goal of laser skin resurfacing is to erase some of the skin damage that occurs as a result of aging and exposure to various environmental factors. Over the years, we are exposed to sun, wind and temperature changes, we experience stress, do not get enough sleep, and do not follow nutritionally balanced diets. As a result of these factors (as well as genetics), the skin begins to show visible signs of aging such as fine lines and a dull appearance to the skin.

How can I slow the effects of skin damage?

Quitting smoking, avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke, and wearing sunscreen on a daily basis are some of the most important steps to slowing skin damage. However, these precautions cannot reverse the damage that has already been done. This is where laser skin resurfacing can help. Laser treatments are very beneficial for skin that is showing the first signs of aging, such as discolorations and static wrinkles. Static wrinkles are the lines in the skin that are present at all times, even when you’re not talking or smiling. They are caused by intrinsic changes in the skin due to damage. Static wrinkles are different from dynamic wrinkles (the lines that appear only when you show facial expressions). Depending on the location, dynamic wrinkles are generally best treated with neuromodulators such as Botox®. For static wrinkles and discolorations, a more comprehensive approach is needed, which is why Dr. Hessler often recommends laser skin resurfacing.