Laser skin resurfacing combines the results of cutting-edge technology and medical-grade skincare. With lasers, you may gently repair and rejuvenate your skin complexion, saying goodbye to wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven texture. With laser skin resurfacing, explore the endless possibilities and enhance your complexion to reveal a younger, smoother appearance. Dr. Solomon Azouz, a board-certified plastic surgeon, uses precise laser technology to successfully treat a variety of skin conditions in his Dallas practice. This can help you battle the symptoms of aging or reduce acne scars, for smoother, more even skin.

What is laser resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that enhances the skin’s appearance by using concentrated light beams. This cutting-edge therapy targets a variety of skin issues, including:

• Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Laser skin resurfacing can help minimize the look of wrinkles and fine lines, especially those brought on by aging and sun damage. Lasers can smooth out the skin’s surface and enhance its texture by increasing the production of collagen and encouraging skin regeneration.
• Acne Scars: Laser skin resurfacing can greatly improve acne scars, including shallow depressions and uneven texture. A more even complexion is the result of the laser energy’s ability to modify scar tissue and encourage the creation of new, smoother skin cells.
• Sun Damage: Laser skin resurfacing is an excellent treatment for sunspots, age spots, and uneven pigmentation brought on by sun exposure. The laser targets and eliminates the skin’s excess melanin, or pigment, giving the skin a more youthful appearance of sun damage.
• Uneven Skin Tone and Texture: By eliminating damaged outer layers of skin and promoting collagen formation, laser skin resurfacing can help improve overall skin tone and texture. Skin that is textured and uneven may become smoother and more even.
• Skin Laxity and Sagging: By inducing collagen formation and strengthening the skin’s underlying support structure, certain laser treatments, especially those that use non-ablative or fractional lasers, can help improve skin laxity and sagging. Over time, this can result in skin that is more lifted and firm.
• Enlarged Pores: By tightening the skin around the pores and promoting the synthesis of collagen, laser skin resurfacing can help minimize the size of enlarged pores.
• Scars and Stretch Marks: Although laser skin resurfacing cannot entirely remove all forms of scars and stretch marks, some types, like surgical scars, can be made to appear smooth by inducing collagen creation and skin remodeling. Acne scars are also well treated CO2 laser.
• Rosacea and Redness: By focusing on and constricting skin blood vessels, laser treatments, especially those utilizing vascular lasers, might help decrease redness and other rosacea-related symptoms. Over time, this may result in a more balanced complexion.

Laser Resurfacing for Under Eyes

​​Laser resurfacing can help the skin under the eyes in many ways, especially by addressing signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. By eliminating the damaged outer layer of skin, it stimulates collagen formation, resulting in smoother, firmer skin and less visible fine lines and wrinkles. On top of that, it can tighten the skin, which helps fight against the loss of elasticity that causes wrinkles. Laser resurfacing also helps to reduce dark circles caused by melanin accumulation, which is especially effective for people who have sun damage or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Overall, this treatment enhances the texture and tone of the under-eye area, making it appear brighter, and perhaps even plumper as a result of collagen stimulation.

What are the benefits of CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

The benefits of CO2 laser skin resurfacing can last for several years with good maintenance and sun protection, making it an investment for your skin. Patients undergoing skin laser resurfacing can benefit from:

• Improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone, and texture
• Diminished acne scarring, age spots, and pigmentary changes
• Tightened loose skin
• Reduced pore size
• Improved melasma and rosacea

Who is a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing?

A laser skin resurfacing procedure is best suited for men and women who want to improve the quality, tone, and texture of their skin. During your initial consultation, Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz will discuss your goals, medical history, issues regarding your skin, and any questions or concerns.

How is laser resurfacing performed?

The laser’s controlled mechanism initiates the body’s natural healing process, which results in the production of new collagen and elastin fibers. The essential protein collagen gives the skin structural support, and the protein elastin keeps the skin firm and supple. Over time, smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin will emerge from laser skin resurfacing’s stimulation of collagen formation, which also promotes skin tightness and rejuvenation.

1. Preparing the skin: Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed from any makeup or oils. A local anesthetic or topical numbing cream may be used to ensure maximum comfort. Retina and Vitamin C products like skinbetter can be helpful in preparing for your laser to maximize results.
2. Laser Resurfacing: A CO2 laser focused emits light beams, which efficiently remove uneven or damaged skin layers, promoting the body’s natural healing process. As the remaining skin heals, it is replaced with healthy, intact skin. Depending on the patient’s skin type, concerns, and desired results, Dr. Azouz can modify the laser’s wavelength, intensity, and pulse duration. This customization minimizes the chance of damaging neighboring tissues while enabling precision treatment of particular skin conditions. This technique also makes it possible for the treatment to be done on the most delicate facial areas, such as around the eyes and lips. C02 laser treatment is safe on the eyelids because Dr. Azouz uses special laser eye shields to protect the eye, coupled with numbing eye drops. This ensures that the procedure is comfortable, even in this sensitive area.
3. Fractionated Approach: Certain fractional laser skin resurfacing procedures divide the laser energy into thousands of tiny beams that target specific, small parts of the skin while sparing the surrounding tissue. Compared to conventional ablative lasers, this fractional approach minimizes downtime and speeds up healing because only a portion of the skin’s surface is treated.

What are the types of lasers used?

The skin cells’ water content absorbs the concentrated light beams during skin laser resurfacing. The heat from this energy is subsequently used to precisely target and eliminate aging or damaged skin tissue, layer by layer. The laser energy can either melt the targeted tissue or ablate (remove) tiny layers of skin, depending on the type of laser utilized and the desired depth of therapy. While non-ablative lasers, such as fractional lasers, penetrate deeper into the skin without removing the outer layers, ablative lasers, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium (Fraxel), remove the injured skin’s outer layers thoroughly.

• Non-ablative Laser Technique functions by heating the skin’s deeper layers without harming the epidermis. This preserves the outer layers of the skin while inducing tightness and the creation of collagen. Non-ablative lasers work effectively to reduce mild to moderate wrinkles and enhance the tone and texture of the skin.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser: The targeted tissue vaporizes when water in skin cells absorbs the wavelength of light that CO2 lasers emit. To stimulate collagen production and skin regeneration, this ablative method eliminates the outer layers of damaged skin.
  • Indications: Deep wrinkles, severe acne scars, and sun-damaged skin can all be effectively treated using CO2 lasers. Although they usually need a longer recovery period than other lasers, they offer a considerable improvement in skin tone and texture.
• Erbium YAG Laser: Erbium lasers also function as ablative methods, but they remove fewer skin layers than CO2 lasers. Therefore, they are less harsh than traditional CO2 lasers. This method transfers energy more precisely, resulting in a faster recovery and less injury to surrounding tissues. Erbium lasers can be used to treat superficial scars, moderate wrinkles, and fine lines. People with lighter skin tones and those who want a quicker recovery period frequently choose them.
  • Indications: enlarged pores, uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, and acne scars. They are appropriate for people of different skin tones.

What is the anesthesia for skin laser resurfacing?

The anesthetic for laser resurfacing can vary depending on the patient’s specific procedure.

1. Topical anesthesia: Dr. Azouz applies a gel or cream, such as Lidocaine, to the skin to numb it before the treatment.
2. Local Injections: A local anesthetic can be injected into the treated area. This produces numbing effects that are more concentrated and strong.
3. Sedation: Dr. Azouz works with anesthesiologists to ensure patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure. The sedation can vary based on the patient’s needs during the procedure.

How long does recovery take?

The amount of time needed for recovery following laser skin resurfacing might differ based on several variables, such as the kind of laser utilized, the extent of treatment, and aftercare instructions. After the procedure, Dr. Azouz will apply a dressing and provide post-procedure instructions. Some patients may need to apply ointment daily, but Dr. Azouz utilizes the most advanced dressings to enhance recovery and comfort for an optimal experience. It is normal to experience redness, crusting, or peeling as the skin heals and produces new collagen and elastin. In any case, Dr. Azouz will provide specific aftercare instructions to ensure optimal results. Since laser treatments are customized to the patient’s specific needs, downtime and recovery may vary. For deeper treatments, more healing and downtime may be necessary. As a general practice, you can expect 3-5 days of downtime.

It’s crucial to remember that each person’s recovery process is distinct and that people may have different experiences. It’s critical to adhere to Dr. Azouz’s post-procedure care recommendations to maximize results. Dr. Azouz may recommend specific skincare products, staying out of the sun, and keeping follow-up appointments.

What surgeries or procedures can be combined with laser resurfacing?

To achieve complete rejuvenation, laser skin resurfacing can be paired with other cosmetic procedures. Combination procedures that are frequently used include neuromodulators, dermal fillers, facelifts, neck lifts, and eyelid surgery.

How much does laser resurfacing cost?

The cost of laser skin resurfacing varies depending on the patient’s needs, the type of laser utilized, the amount of treatment needed, and the level of skin care required. During your consultation, Dr. Azouz will consider your goals and skin type to provide a customized quote for laser skin resurfacing.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Azouz

If you would like a fresh, vibrant appearance without going through invasive surgical procedures, see what our CO2 lasers can do for you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Azouz by contacting us online or calling us at (972) 702-8888 to take the first step in rejuvenating your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Dr. Azouz prepare the skin before a peel or laser resurfacing?

Dr. Azouz often recommends using Retin-A and hydroquinone in order to prep the skin before a laser resurfacing or before a peel. Retin-A has been shown to smooth the skin, increase the amount of hyaluronic acid, thicken the epidermal layer of the skin as well as decrease melanin (found in skin exposure and age spots). Retin-A also can cause regression of many premalignant lesions of the epidermis. Retin-A can improve fine lines and wrinkles.

What does LASER stand for?

Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser is different from natural light as it is coherent, monochromatic, and intense. Coherent means that all the waves are of the same frequency and do not spread out (spatially and temporally in phase). Monochromatic means the light is of one color and has a precise bandwidth. Intense means the laser light delivers the greatest amount of energy per unit area.

How does a laser clinically improve the skin?

An ablative laser removes sun-damaged or aging tissue by removing it in a controlled fashion from the outside in, and allows the body to deposit new collagen. Acne scars can be improved by ablative lasers through the same principles. Non-ablative lasers target specific layers of the skin and can remove vascular malformations or tattoos in a controlled fashion without affecting the epidermis of the skin (outer layer). Non-ablative lasers target specific layers of the skin and can remove vascular malformations or tattoos in a controlled fashion without affecting the epidermis of the skin (outer layer).

Does Dr. Azouz use special dressings after laser resurfacing?

Yes, Dr. Azouz often utilizes a special dressing and ointment after laser resurfacing to protect the skin and keep the patient comfortable.

Is the procedure painful?

Depending on the kind of laser utilized and how deep the therapy is, there may be a range of discomforts. Most patients report some degree of heat and tingling during the procedure. To help with pain management, Dr. Azouz will use topical and local anesthesia, which can be adjusted for your comfort.

How long does the procedure last?

The size of the area being treated and the type of laser used will determine how long the procedure takes. A session typically lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours.

What are the risks or possible side effects?

Some risks include variations in skin color, scarring, infection, redness, swelling, and sensitivity to sunlight. Dr. Azouz uses meticulous techniques to minimize these risks.

How many sessions are required for results?

The number of sessions depends on skin type and desired goals. Some patients achieve results after one session, while others might require multiple sessions spaced out over a few weeks.

How long do the results last?

The effects of laser resurfacing can last if your skin is properly cared for and protected. This can include, wearing sunscreen, and developing a consistent skin care regimen. Aging is a normal process; maintenance procedures may be required.