Sun damage, wrinkles, or acne scars might leave you longing for a new complexion. Laser skin resurfacing can dramatically transform your skin, revealing a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Laser skin resurfacing uses advanced laser technology to precisely target wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage. Unlike some chemical peels, laser resurfacing offers precision and control, addressing your specific concerns, whether it’s crow’s feet, forehead lines, or uneven skin texture. Treatments can target your entire face, neck, or chest.
Laser resurfacing is done with ablative lasers, which remove the outer layers of your skin and heat the underlying skin to stimulate collagen production.
Our goal is a safe and effective treatment that minimizes the risk of harm to your surrounding tissue.
Ideal candidates for this treatment often seek to address visible signs of aging or sun damage. If you have wrinkles, creases, or fine lines around your eyes or mouth, laser resurfacing can effectively reduce or remove them.
If you’re someone with sun-damaged skin—including age spots, freckles, and uneven pigmentation—or wish to address blemishes or imperfections, laser resurfacing can leave you with a more even tone, and a smoother, clearer appearance. You may also be a good candidate if your skin has lost elasticity due to aging and you want a tighter, more youthful look.
Our team at Renovation Medical Spa will perform a microlaser peel of 30 microns or less. At VirdenMD, you can request a deeper resurfacing peel.
If you think you’re a good candidate for laser resurfacing, schedule an appointment with our team today.
There are three options for pain management. We can prescribe a numbing cream, which you should apply one hour before your arrival. We can use ProNox—laughing gas—which provides relaxation and pain relief throughout your procedure. (ProNox is a safe blend of 50 percent oxygen and 50 percent nitrous oxide which leaves your system within 10 to 15 minutes post-treatment.) We also offer cooling air therapy, which allows you to control a cooling hose that blows cold air directly on the treatment area, providing localized relief wherever you feel discomfort.
Once treatment begins, the laser delivers a precisely controlled beam of light energy to remove the outer layers of your skin. It heats the underlying skin which stimulates collagen production. This leads to firmer, smoother skin over time. You may experience a warm sensation or slight prickling during your treatment.
Depending on the size of the treatment area and depth of the resurfacing, this treatment may take between 30 minutes to one hour.
Your provider will apply a soothing ointment to the treated area to minimize discomfort, swelling, and the risk of infection. Within the first week, you may experience redness, swelling, and flaking skin. It may appear as though you have a sunburn. You can apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort, and avoid picking or scratching the area. Full recovery may take up to one month.
We’ll provide you with aftercare instructions, which include pain management and how to care for the treated area.
Laser skin resurfacing uses concentrated beams of light to remove damaged outer layers of your skin. This triggers collagen production, leading to smoother, tighter skin, and is ideal for wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars.
Laser skin resurfacing is considered an elective procedure and insurance does not cover it.
Before your treatment, your provider will apply a topical numbing cream to help manage discomfort. During treatment, you may feel a warm sensation or slight prickling. Your individual tolerance for pain is a major factor in how painful this treatment is. In general, it is considered tolerable.
Post-treatment, you may experience red, swollen, and tender skin, but medication can help with the discomfort.
Laser skin resurfacing is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We will carefully consider your individual situation during your consultation. People with darker skin tones might be more prone to pigmentation issues after the procedure. If you have active acne breakouts or a history of keloid scarring, that could make laser resurfacing a less suitable option. Certain medications can also interact with the laser treatment, so being upfront about your medical history is important.
Overall, your face will likely appear raw and sensitive for the first few days following laser resurfacing. The treated area will appear red and inflamed, resembling a sunburn. This redness should gradually subside over the next few days or weeks. Swelling is also common, especially in the initial days, making your face feel puffy or tight. As your skin heals, it will likely form a crust that eventually dries and flakes off, revealing smoother skin beneath. Resist the urge to pick and scratch, as it can disrupt healing and lead to scarring. While uncomfortable, this is a normal part of the healing process.
Your skin will become dry and start to peel about a week after your treatment. This will start to expose the new skin. It may take up to one month to see a full recovery.
Dr. Virden has successfully performed over 5,000 laser skin resurfacing procedures to remove deep wrinkles, liver spots, and sun damage. With his experience and skill, you can be sure that your skin treatment at his office in Reno, NV will be safe, effective, and thorough.
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