Laser Skin Resurfacing in Fredericksburg, VA

CO2 laser skin resurfacing is the single best nonsurgical skin rejuvenation tool available. Laser skin resurfacing can wipe away spots, wrinkles and fine lines. At Ageless Innovations Medical Spa, we offer the best CO2 laser device on the market, Lumenis’ Active FX and Deep FX laser skin resurfacing. Both men and women living in Washington DC, Fredericksburg, Stafford, Richmond, Charlottesville and the surrounding areas of Virginia can benefit from this treatment.

What Is CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

CO2 laser skin resurfacing uses high-intensity light to remove damaged layers of skin and stimulate the skin to repair itself. This skin renewal proess results in thicker, tighter skin that is blemish-free.

We use the Lumenis ActiveFX/DeepFX system because it is the most powerful CO2 laser on the market. It is also the most versatile, with the ability to treat in a fractionated (partial skin removal) or a fully ablative (complete skin resurfacing) mode. This allows us to tailor the treatments to each person’s needs. Generally, the more powerful the treatment, the longer the downtime.

View Laser Skin Resurfacing Before and After Pictures

What Are the Benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing?

CO2 laser is an ablative laser.

Benefits of CO2 laser skin resurfacing include:

• Promotes the development of new, healthy skin cells
• With aggressive settings, years of aging can be reversed
• Remedies common skin problems, such as wrinkles, scars and age spots
• Only one session required for treatment
• Creates long-lasting improvements

Cosmetic concerns that are well-suited for treatment with CO2 laser skin resurfacing include:

• Fine lines
• Sun-damaged skin
• Acne scars
• Hyperpigmentation
• Dull complexion
• Uneven skin tone and texture
• Enlarged pores
• Skin laxity
• Deeper lines around the eyes and mouth (phenomenal results)

Is Laser Skin Resurfacing Right for Me?

CO2 laser skin resurfacing is an excellent treatment for men and women seeking to revitalize the appearance of their skin. During an initial consultation, Dr. Palmer will review your cosmetic concerns and discuss whether laser resurfacing is a suitable treatment. While laser skin resurfacing helps with many cosmetic problems, some conditions cannot be treated, such as:

• Melasma
• Sagging cheeks/jowls
• Uncontrolled acne

If you have any of these conditions, Dr. Palmer may recommend an alternative procedure. Also, Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI should avoid aggressive settings with this device. However, the treatment can also be combined with other surgical or nonsurgical procedures to attain comprehensive results.

How Is Laser Skin Resurfacing Performed?

A topical numbing agent is applied to the desired treatment site before the laser skin resurfacing treatment to help mitigate discomfort. Typically, we recommend IV sedation during treatment. Once the treatment site is numb and you are sedated, Dr. Palmer will pass the CO2 laser handpiece across your skin.

The laser energy is administered in short bursts that target the treatment site precisely. The short bursts of laser energy break up into thousands of individual columns of light. When these individual columns of light come into contact with your skin, they will pulse for less than a millisecond, which will cause controlled damage to the treatment site. The controlled damage will keep surrounding skin tissues intact and allow the skin to generate new tissues more rapidly. The columns that are formed in the skin allow for the production of new collagen and healthy cells.

After Dr. Palmer has thoroughly passed the CO2 laser skin resurfacing device across your skin, he will apply a soothing ointment and may apply a protective bandage to it. Laser skin resurfacing is a treatment that takes approximately 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the size of the treatment site.

What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery Like?

Laser skin resurfacing is performed in our office. You will be released after a short recovery in our surgical suite. You may have some discomfort based on the degree of resurfacing that is performed. After your treatment, your skin will be red, and you may experience flaking, which are common side effects that typically subside after seven to 10 days. Your skin will essentially feel like it has a sunburn. It is crucial not to pick at the dry skin. Doing so can potentially affect your results and recovery process. Your skin should peel and heal naturally.

During the first week after your laser skin resurfacing treatment, you should clean your skin with a gentle cleanser and tepid water. It is critical to wear sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight to avoid such issues as the development of abnormal pigmentation. Wearing sunscreen will also help preserve the longevity of your results. When your skin has fully healed, you will be able to apply makeup again (usually around 10 days).

You can return to work and other day-to-day activities when you feel comfortable with your appearance. It can take up to two weeks for your skin to fully heal, and a mild pinkness may remain for up to four to six weeks.

What Results Can I Expect After the Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment?

Laser skin resurfacing results are noticeable immediately after treatment. Results will also continue to improve over time as your collagen production increases, making your skin more radiant and youthful. After your treatment, your skin will be visibly smoother and softer. Collagen and elastin fibers will continue to produce in more significant quantities for several months. While laser skin resurfacing produces immediate results, it will take approximately three to six months for your final results to be fully realized. By then, you will be able to appreciate fewer wrinkles and pigmentation concerns. Your complexion will have a more refreshed appearance.

Aftercare is very important, with sun avoidance being the most important. You will also need to keep your skin hydrated. Vitamin C supplementation is recommended. It is essential to take care of your skin to ensure your results last for as long as possible.

The results of CO2 laser skin resurfacing are long-lasting, but the natural aging process resumes following treatment.

Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Laser Skin Resurfacing?

CO2 laser skin resurfacing has a very low complication rate in our hands, with hyperpigmentation being the most common problem. We recommend a bleaching cream post-procedure to help prevent this. Scarring is always a risk, but with the modern technology and new treatment algorithms, we have not had any scarring.

It is essential to follow the aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Palmer after your laser skin resurfacing treatment. In addition to the strict sun avoidance, this will include an antiviral to prevent cold sores, antibiotics and a cleaning/hydrating regimen.

What is the Cost of Laser Skin Resurfacing in Fredericksburg, VA?

Our CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatments start at $2,500. The size of the area treated and the treatment intensity determine the price. A treatment plan will be developed with Dr. Palmer during the consultation. If you decide that CO2 laser skin resurfacing is right for you, payment can be made by cash, personal check, money order or credit card. Patients who are interested in financing can apply through CareCredit®, United Medical Credit and Prosper™ Healthcare Lending.

CO2 laser skin resurfacing is an effective rejuvenation procedure for many skin problems. Dr. R. Shane Palmer offers CO2 laser skin resurfacing for men and women in Washington DC, Fredericksburg, Stafford, Richmond, Charlottesville and the nearby communities in Virginia. Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation.