Age Spots & Sun Damage
Laser resurfacing can target pigmented areas associated with sun exposure to reduce the appearance of age spots and promote a more even-looking skin tone.
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Laser Skin Rejuvenation • Marietta, Georgia
Laser Skin Resurfacing in the Atlanta Metro Area
Laser skin resurfacing reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by treating damaged skin layer by layer. It can also minimize visible skin irregularities from blemishes, acne scarring, facial scars, or uneven pigmentation.
Skin Renewal
Refine damaged skin with a treatment tailored to your complexion
Treatment may focus on the full face or a specific area, such as around the eyes or mouth.
Your experienced board-certified plastic surgeon at Plastic Surgery Center of the South can help determine your individual needs. Laser resurfacing at our metro Atlanta center in Marietta, GA, serving Roswell, Woodstock, Smyrna, Sandy Springs, and beyond, is popular with both women and men.
Laser treatment depth, technique, recovery, and expected improvement vary based on your skin, concerns, and treatment goals. Your consultation is the place to discuss which approach is appropriate for you.
Before & After
CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Results
Explore featured patient cases from Plastic Surgery Center of the South.
Plan Your Treatment
Not sure what your skin needs?
Use our interactive treatment planner to explore medical spa treatments for your cosmetic concerns and learn which procedures, products, and services may align with your aesthetic goals.
Treatment Concerns
What concerns can laser skin resurfacing address?
Laser resurfacing may be used to improve texture, tone, and visible signs of skin damage. The appropriate treatment depends on the concern and your skin type.
Skin Texture & Large Pores
By removing damaged outer skin and promoting collagen production, resurfacing can smooth uneven texture and help create a more refined surface.
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Laser resurfacing is particularly useful for fine lines around the eyes and mouth, helping soften wrinkles and create a firmer, rejuvenated appearance.
Mild Sagging
For mild skin sagging, laser resurfacing may help tighten the appearance of tissue through new collagen production. More severe laxity or jowls may require facial plastic surgery.
Acne Scars
Ablative laser resurfacing removes outer layers of skin to expose smoother skin beneath. It may not eliminate every acne scar, but it can make scars less noticeable.
Melasma
Laser resurfacing may be considered for dark facial patches when other treatments have not been successful. Patients with darker skin types may not be good candidates for laser melasma treatment.
Rosacea
Laser resurfacing may address thickened skin associated with rosacea and may reduce visible redness or blood vessels. Not every rosacea patient is an appropriate candidate.
Laser Facials
Customizable rejuvenation for tone, texture, and early signs of aging
A laser facial goes beyond surface cleansing and exfoliation by using controlled laser energy to target specific concerns within the skin.
At Plastic Surgery Center of the South, laser facial treatments are personalized according to your skin type, treatment history, concerns, and desired amount of downtime.
What can a laser facial improve?
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Sun damage and age spots
- Fine lines and early signs of aging
- Enlarged or noticeable pores
- Dull or tired-looking skin
- Mild acne scarring
- Areas of unwanted pigmentation
Because different lasers target different skin concerns, not every laser facial is appropriate for every patient. Your provider will evaluate your complexion and recommend a treatment approach designed for your individual skin.
Candidacy
Candidates for laser skin resurfacing
Potential Candidates
Fine lines, lipstick lines, scars, and complexion concerns
Laser resurfacing may help improve fine lines around the eyes from facial movement or aging, as well as fine vertical creases above the mouth. Men and women of different ages may benefit depending on their skin and concerns.
Important Considerations
Laser resurfacing is not appropriate for everyone
The supplied guidance notes increased pigmentation risk for very dark or black skin, and identifies active acne or Accutane use within the past 12 to 18 months as factors that may make a patient inappropriate for treatment. Alternatives such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels may be considered.
Medical Oversight
Laser resurfacing guided by Dr. Corey Harkins
Dr. Harkins evaluates your skin, treatment goals, medical history, and appropriate level of resurfacing before recommending a plan. Treatment selection and depth are individualized based on your complexion and desired outcome.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Individualized Treatment Planning
State-Certified Surgical Facility
About the Procedure
Controlled laser energy removes damaged outer skin
Concentrated beams of light are delivered in short pulses to the outer layers of the skin. Controlled penetration allows the treatment depth to be selected according to the concern being addressed.
CO2 Laser
Deeper resurfacing
CO2 laser resurfacing is described in the supplied content as a deeper method used for concerns such as wrinkles, scars, enlarged oil glands on the nose, or some skin cancers.
Erbium Laser
Superficial to medium resurfacing
Erbium treatment is designed for more superficial or medium resurfacing on areas such as the face, hands, chest, or neck.
Setting
Outpatient
Treatment Time
30–90 Minutes
Treatment Area
Full Face or Targeted
Common Lasers
CO2 & Erbium
These procedures can be performed in the state-certified operating rooms at Plastic Surgery Center of the South or in the minor procedure room. Procedure time varies based on treatment depth and whether the full face or a specific area is treated.
Combination Treatment
Commonly combined procedures
Laser resurfacing may be part of a broader facial rejuvenation plan when multiple signs of aging or skin concerns are being addressed.
Facial Surgery
A facelift, forehead lift, or eyelid surgery may be combined with laser skin resurfacing for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX may be used around the eyes as part of a treatment plan that also addresses skin quality with laser resurfacing.
Dermal Fillers
Filler injections may complement resurfacing when facial volume and skin texture are both part of your aesthetic goals.
Recovery
Recovering from laser skin resurfacing
Recovery depends on the depth of your treatment. Mild swelling and discomfort are normal, and the supplied guidance notes that there may be minimal bleeding because of the treatment’s precision.
Healing typically takes about 10 to 14 days, although visible redness may continue much longer.
During the initial healing period
- Clean your face 2 to 5 times daily with a diluted vinegar solution or saline.
- Apply Vaseline®, Eucerin®, or Aquaphor® to the treated area after cleansing.
- Keep the area moist to help prevent scabbing.
- Avoid picking at crusting to reduce the risk of scarring.
Once the area has healed, oil-free makeup may be used to camouflage the pinkish-red color normally seen after resurfacing. Redness begins fading after 2 or 3 months but may persist for up to 6 months.
Protect Your Results
Maximize your results with ongoing skin protection
Sun protection matters
For the most enduring results, protect the treated area from the sun until all color has returned to normal and continue sun protection afterward. The supplied guidance recommends limiting sun exposure, using broad-spectrum sunblock with SPF 15 or higher, and shading the face with a hat or visor and sunglasses outdoors.
Long-lasting, not permanent
Laser skin resurfacing can significantly improve skin quality and create a fresher, smoother appearance. Results are long-lasting but not permanent. Sun protection and a skin care regimen recommended by the practice can help maintain your rejuvenated look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQs
What’s the difference between laser skin resurfacing and laser skin rejuvenation?
Even though the phrases are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a difference between the treatments. Laser skin resurfacing removes the outer skin layers to treat deep wrinkles and scars, requiring more downtime. Laser skin rejuvenation is gentler, targeting pigmentation and mild wrinkles with minimal recovery time. Both stimulate collagen production for improved skin texture.
Can laser skin resurfacing be used as an alternative to facelift surgery?
Facelift surgery and laser skin resurfacing target different signs of facial aging. Laser resurfacing primarily targets skin texture, fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation issues, while a facelift addresses sagging skin and deeper structural changes.
How long will my results last?
Laser skin resurfacing results typically last between 3 to 5 years. The longevity of your results depends on several factors, including how well you care for your skin after the treatment. To extend the duration of the results, follow a daily skincare regimen, avoid extensive sun exposure, and stay hydrated.
What’s the best age for laser skin treatments?
There is no “best” age to get laser skin treatments. Women and men of all ages who want to address concerns with their complexions, scars, or wrinkles can benefit from a laser treatment.
Is laser resurfacing worth it?
Most patients believe the results following laser resurfacing are worth the investment. The supplied content notes that on the RealSelf website, 90% of patients who underwent laser resurfacing said the procedure was “worth it.”
Is the treatment painful?
There is minimal discomfort during the procedure because Dr. Harkins provides patients with a local anesthetic with sedation. During recovery, you may experience some discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter medication.
Personalized Laser Treatment
Find the resurfacing approach that fits your skin and goals
At your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the procedure, risks, benefits, options, medical history, and expectations so you can make an informed decision about laser skin resurfacing.