Disclaimer: This page is general educational information, not medical advice. Treatments described here are medical procedures with potential risks; candidacy, results and recovery vary from person to person. Consult a qualified, licensed provider before any treatment.
Overview
Laser skin resurfacing targets the skin's surface and deeper layers to improve texture, fine lines and the appearance of scars. Ablative lasers, such as CO2 and erbium, remove thin layers of skin and typically involve more downtime. Non-ablative lasers heat the skin without removing the surface and usually involve less recovery but more sessions.
Fractional lasers treat a fraction of the skin in a grid pattern, leaving untreated skin in between to aid healing. Many resurfacing treatments today are fractional.
Skin type, health history, downtime tolerance and goals all affect which option is appropriate.
What the work usually involves
- Pre-treatment skin preparation.
- Numbing.
- Consultation and skin assessment.
- Follow-up.
- Post-treatment care.
Things worth considering
- Sun avoidance is critical during healing.
- Multiple sessions may be needed.
- Ablative treatments have more downtime.
- Cold sore history may require precautions.
- Skin tone affects risk of pigment changes.
Local notes for San Jose
In California, rules about who can perform laser and other medical aesthetic procedures, and under what supervision, are set by the state. Asking about supervision and credentials is a reasonable part of any consultation.
We take inquiries from San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Campbell, Milpitas.
Before you send an inquiry
- Think about timing, including upcoming events, travel or sun exposure, since some treatments need recovery time.
- Be ready to describe your skin type and any history of scarring, pigmentation changes or cold sores.
- Write down what you would like to change or improve, and what results you are hoping for, in your own words.
- Prepare questions about who will perform the treatment and who supervises it.
- Mention if you are pregnant, nursing or planning a pregnancy, since many treatments are postponed in that case.
Signs to slow down
- Guarantees of specific results, or claims that a treatment has no risks or downtime.
- Pressure to buy large packages or prepay for many sessions at the first visit.
- Prices that seem far below typical without an explanation.
- Unwillingness to name the products or devices being used.
- No written consent form explaining risks, alternatives and aftercare.
How to vet a provider
- How much downtime should I expect?
- How should I prepare?
- What are the risks for my skin type?
- How many sessions?
- Ablative or non-ablative, which is better for me?
Quick answers
- Can resurfacing treat acne scars?
- It's commonly used for texture concerns; results vary.
- How long is recovery?
- It varies widely between ablative and non-ablative treatments.
- What is fractional laser resurfacing?
- A technique that treats small columns of skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact.
Related topics
- What to Expect at a Consultation: How aesthetic and laser consultations usually work, how to prepare and questions that help you compare providers.
- Laser Hair Removal: How laser hair removal works, why multiple sessions are needed, skin type considerations and questions to ask a clinic.
- Pigmentation and Sun Damage: Treatment options for sun spots, uneven tone and other pigmentation concerns, and questions to ask a provider.
Have a skin resurfacing question for your situation? Use the form below to send an inquiry.
Disclaimer: This page is general educational information, not medical advice. Treatments described here are medical procedures with potential risks; candidacy, results and recovery vary from person to person. Consult a qualified, licensed provider before any treatment.