Laser Skin Resurfacing
in Tampa Bay, FL

There are two main types of laser skin resurfacing: ablative and nonablative. While both are effective at rejuvenating treated areas, they use different techniques to do so. Ablative lasers work by removing the damaged outer layer of skin. These lasers are designed to vaporize the skin’s surface and can be used to treat deeper wrinkles, scars and other imperfections.

The removal of the skin’s outer layer triggers the body’s natural healing process, resulting in the growth of new skin that is smoother and more even in texture. Ablative lasers can require a longer recovery period, but today’s devices use fractional technology to minimize downtime. Fractionated lasers emit a series of tiny, closely-spaced beams of energy that penetrate the skin in a grid-like pattern, leaving surrounding tissues intact to speed up the healing process and decrease the side effects of treatment. Nonablative lasers, on the other hand, do not remove any skin. Instead, they heat the underlying tissues to stimulate collagen production and promote skin tightening. Because of this, nonablative lasers are generally less invasive than ablative lasers, and patients typically experience little to no downtime or discomfort after the procedure. However, because they do not remove any skin, the results can be more subtle and multiple sessions may be required for optimal results. Nonablative lasers are ideal for improving the skin’s overall tone and texture, as well as treating fine lines, shallow scars and milder signs of aging.

Laser skin resurfacing is an outpatient procedure performed in our Tampa office. Depending on the laser used, nitrous oxide is available for enhanced comfort and a topical anesthetic may first be applied to limit any pain. Protective eyewear is also worn. The length of your procedure ranges from 15 minutes to an hour, but this varies based on the size of the treatment area — larger areas or multiple areas will take longer to complete.

During your laser skin resurfacing procedure, our aesthetic experts will use a handheld device to direct beams of energy into the skin. Some lasers will produce a heating sensation in the deeper tissues, while others may feel like a rubber band snapping against the skin. We work quickly and efficiently to target your concerns and take steps throughout the treatment process to ensure a comfortable procedure and minimize side effects. Afterward, you’ll be free to return home. Dr. Hunt will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help your skin heal and make sure you see the best results possible.

Laser skin resurfacing can dramatically enhance the overall tone, texture and quality of your complexion. However, results aren’t immediate and can take some time to develop. You’ll notice a difference within a few days of treatment, as any peeling, redness or swelling gradually subsides. Then, over the next few months, improvements will continue to appear as the skin naturally repairs itself, generating new collagen and remodeling the tissues in treated areas to reveal a smoother, tighter and more youthful-looking complexion.

*Individual Results May Vary

At the Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa Bay, we are able to offer very low, competitive pricing, as we hope to make our exceptional treatment options as accessible as possible. We encourage you to come in for your free and private consultation to see the difference our experience and care can make.