Laser Resurfacing

• Laser resurfacing uses powerful light beams to stimulate and revitalize your skin
• It addresses common signs of aging and skin imperfections for a more youthful, blemish-free appearance
• At ACS, we use advanced erbium laser technology which has the benefit of a short recovery period 

Laser resurfacing is a safe, effective cosmetic procedure with a powerful ability to rejuvenate your appearance. One of the most powerful anti-aging solutions available today, it virtually eliminates age spots, fine lines, wrinkles and textural irregularities. 

At Advanced Cosmetic Surgery, we’ve been providing safe, precise laser services for men and women in the Upstate for twenty years. Book a virtual or in-person consultation with the leading laser experts in the Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson area today!

Laser Resurfacing at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery

Laser resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that involves focusing powerful beams of light on the skin to destroy damaged cells and encourage the growth of new, healthier cells. 

We use an ablative laser, which has a wavelength that specifically targets water. This laser heats and evaporates water in the skin, vaporizing the topmost layer of skin while heating the underlying layers to stimulate collagen growth. As the treated area heals and repairs, it will be smoother and tighter.

Long pulse erbium lasers

At Advanced Cosmetic Surgery, we use long pulse erbium lasers exclusively. This industry-leading technology causes less thermal damage to the skin, resulting in reduced redness, swelling and bruising compared to CO₂ laser resurfacing. Recovery times are significantly shortened, in some cases to only 1 week (as opposed to the 10–21 days other lasers require). 

What can laser resurfacing treat?

This highly versatile technology can be used on most areas of the body to treat numerous skin imperfections. These include:

• Acne scars
• Age spots
• Certain precancerous growths
• Pigmentation
• Poor skin tone
• Rhinophyma
• Skin lesions (skin tags, solar keratosis, benign moles)
• Sun damage
• Superficial to moderate lines and wrinkles
• Uneven complexion

Before and After Photos

Please note the patients featured in these images may have undergone other treatments in conjunction with laser resurfacing. This photo gallery does not guarantee that everyone who undergoes laser resurfacing will obtain these or similar results.

Are You a Good Candidate for Laser Resurfacing?

The ideal candidate for laser resurfacing is anyone in good health who wishes to eliminate fine lines, sunspots and other signs of aging from their face, neck, chest or hands. The erbium lasers we use are especially beneficial for people with mild to moderate skin concerns who don’t want to undergo an extensive recovery period.

The best way to determine whether you’re a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing is to talk to us! 

What to Expect During Your Laser Resurfacing Treatment

Laser resurfacing is an outpatient procedure, meaning you don’t have to stay overnight. Your surgeon begins the process by numbing the area to be treated. If your entire face is being treated, you may require general anesthesia. 

The surgeon passes the laser multiple times over your skin until the entire treatment area has been adequately heated. The procedure may take from 30 minutes up to 2 hours, depending on the treatment area size. 

You’ll be sent home with bandages covering the treated area. For the next several days, you’ll need to change the dressings, cleanse the skin several times a day and apply an ointment to prevent scabbing.

In the following days you’ll experience swelling, itching and stinging before your skin starts to peel. Your skin should be fully healed 1 week after the procedure. However, you must protect your skin from the sun for several months post surgery, as the new skin will be light sensitive. Limit your time in direct sunlight, wear a broad-brimmed hat and reapply 30 SPF sunscreen every two hours.

For many people, laser resurfacing is a one-time procedure; if you continue to take care of your skin, you’ll enjoy the results for a long time. People with more severe concerns may consider undergoing a series of treatments administered over several months.

Total Facial Rejuvenation

When it comes to completely rejuvenating the face, laser resurfacing is an excellent step forward. However, for an overall more dramatic effect, many of our patients also pair their treatment with another procedure. Common complementary operations include:

• Facelift: While laser resurfacing addresses skin quality, a facelift can address additional signs of aging by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the underlying tissue on the face and neck
• Mini facelift: This type of facelift specifically targets loose skin around the jaw and neck; it does not usually require general anesthesia and involves less downtime than a regular facelift
• Eyelid surgery: Also known as blepharoplasty, this surgery removes sagging skin and fatty deposits from around the eyes, eliminating under-eye bags. 

How Much Does Laser Resurfacing Cost?

Your procedure’s cost depends on several factors, including the size of the area or areas being treated, the type of damage being addressed and whether you elect for multiple sessions. To learn more about our pricing, please give us a call.

Laser Resurfacing FAQ

Is laser resurfacing safe?

Laser resurfacing is considered quite safe. Side effects are rare but may include: 

• Bacterial infection
• Burns
• Changes in pigmentation
• Reactivation of cold sores
• Scarring

Can laser resurfacing be performed on dark skin?

Not all types of laser resurfacing are safe for darker skin tones, as they pose a risk of hypopigmentation (undesired skin lightening). However, the newer long pulse erbium laser technology we use at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery is considered safe for all skin tones.

Does laser resurfacing hurt?

Most people describe laser resurfacing as a prickling, warming sensation. You’re more likely to experience pain after the procedure; if you do, it’s recommended to take ibuprofen to relieve any discomfort.