Address multiple skin imperfections including wrinkles, acne marks, scarring, and pigmentation issues.
Ablative laser resurfacing has arisen as a forefront technology to provide unparalleled results in resurfacing the facial skin. This procedure is used to address multiple skin imperfections including wrinkles, acne marks, scarring, and pigmentation issues. By using an erbium laser, with a wavelength specific to targeting water molecules in the skin, the treatment is able to more safely vaporize the top layer of skin to allow a new healthy layer of skin to form while minimizing risk of thermal injury of deeper structures. Through the targeted thermal injury into the dermal skin layer, collagen remodelling leads to smoother, firmer and healthier skin.
Discontinue topical Retinol & Exfoliants – Stop using retinol, tretinoin, AHAs, BHAs, and any exfoliating products at least 2 weeks before your treatment. Oral retinol must be discontinued 6 months prior to treatment. Avoid waxing, lasers and sun exposure in the days leading up to your treatment. These can make your skin more sensitive and prolong healing.
Avoid Blood Thinners – If possible, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), fish oil, and vitamin E as they can increase the risk of bruising. (Always check with your doctor before stopping any medication.)
No Active Breakouts or Skin Irritations – If you develop an active cold sore, rash, or skin infection in the treatment area, notify your provider before your appointment.
Stay hydrated prior to your treatment and keep skin clean – Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and avoid heavy makeup, lotions, or skincare on the day of treatment.
After your initial consultation with Dr.Song, depending on your skin type you may be started on a prophylactic treatment of Hydroquinone.
A multimodal analgesia or numbing process is incorporated to optimize your comfort during the procedure. First, a topical numbing agent is applied to your skin for 30-60 minutes. Afterwards, local anesthetic will be injected at specific points depending on the area treated to provide nerve blocks. Your skin will be cleaned in the treatment area and your eyes will be protected with safety shields. A laser handpiece will be positioned gently on the skin. When the laser energy is applied, you will hear a rapid succession of snapping sounds. The handpiece will be moved around to adjacent locations until the entire treatment area has been covered. The procedure normally takes 30 minutes.
Immediately following the procedure you may experience redness and a sensation resembling sunburn. Dr. Song will advise you on specific after-treatment care, which may include analgesics, antibiotics and application of an ointment to keep the skin moist. You will be provided a detailed post-treatment instruction manual outlining your provided prescriptions, skin aftercare, and overall recovery.
After treatment, expect redness, swelling, and a sunburn-like sensation for 24-48 hours. Keep skin hydrated with a gentle moisturizer, avoid touching or picking, and use cool compresses if needed (mild bruising can also occur). Around days 2-7, peeling begins—let it happen naturally (don’t pick) and stick to mild skincare with SPF 30+. Avoid makeup, exfoliants, and heat exposure. By days 7-14, new skin emerges but may still be pink and sensitive, so continue hydration and strict sun protection until fully healed. For best results, adhere to your treatment provider’s recommendations, maintain SPF daily and stay hydrated.
A fully ablative laser resurfacing treatment will treat 100% or the entire surface of the desired area of treatment. As the entire surface of the skin is treated with an ablative laser treatment,
there will be more impactful results after one session, as well as a longer duration of recovery. For most indications, one treatment with the fully ablative laser is adequate for long lasting results. By comparison, a profractional laser will treat only a specific density or percentage of the desired area. By creating small micro-channels of injury in the skin, while leaving surrounding tissue untouched, there will be a faster course of recovery. For more sensitive skin circumstances, a few treatments with the profractional laser may be recommended.
Our practice uses the Joule device from Sciton, the aesthetic industry gold standard manufacturer of laser instruments. The Joule device incorporates an erbium laser specifically, referring to the fully ablative Tunable Resurfacing Laser (TRL) and the fractionated ablative Profractional laser. This latest Joule device allows us to independently change depth and coagulation settings during a treatment, tailoring treatments specific to the individual’s skin composition and aesthetic goals. For example, a 30 year old patient with acne scarring will have different skin density and cosmetic goals in comparison to a 60 year old patient with static wrinkles. The Joule device allows us to match the desired recovery or “down time” and degree of skin correction to the patient’s individual goals.
Ready to meet your aesthetic goals? Learn how our range of treatments, from facial surgery to minimally invasive cosmetic facial procedures, can be your pathway there. Book a consultation today.
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In the immediate days following new skin formation, you will notice a difference in the contour and complexion of your skin. However, further skin tightening and rejuvenation occurs secondarily due to the collagen remodelling process, completing around 3-6 months following treatment.
A multimodal analgesia or numbing process is incorporated to optimize your comfort during the procedure. First, a topical numbing agent is applied to your skin for 30-60 minutes. Afterwards, local anesthetic will be injected at specific points depending on the area treated to provide nerve blocks. Your skin will be cleaned in the treatment area and your eyes will be protected with safety shields. A laser handpiece will be positioned gently on the skin. When the laser energy is applied, you will hear a rapid succession of snapping sounds. The handpiece will be moved around to adjacent locations until the entire treatment area has been covered. The procedure normally takes 30 minutes.
Discontinue topical Retinol & Exfoliants – Stop using retinol, tretinoin, AHAs, BHAs, and any exfoliating products at least 2 weeks before your treatment. Oral retinol must be discontinued 6 months prior to treatment. Avoid waxing, lasers and sun exposure in the days leading up to your treatment. These can make your skin more sensitive and prolong healing.
Avoid Blood Thinners – If possible, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), fish oil, and vitamin E as they can increase the risk of bruising. (Always check with your doctor before stopping any medication.)
No Active Breakouts or Skin Irritations – If you develop an active cold sore, rash, or skin infection in the treatment area, notify your provider before your appointment.
Stay hydrated prior to your treatment and keep skin clean – Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and avoid heavy makeup, lotions, or skincare on the day of treatment.
After your initial consultation with Dr.Song, depending on your skin type you may be started on a prophylactic treatment of Hydroquinone.
You may not be a suitable candidate for Sciton Erbium Laser if you have:
