Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.
Skip to main content

Laser Resurfacing Specialist

Koch Facial Plastic Surgery

R. James Koch, M.D.

Facial Plastic Surgeon located in San Mateo, CA

Laser resurfacing is an effective way to restore lost volume in your face while also addressing common imperfections like wrinkles and acne scars. At Koch Facial Plastic Surgery in San Mateo, California, R. James Koch, MD, uses advanced laser technology to enhance the firmness and appearance of your skin without invasive surgery. Dr. Koch is an expert in the latest aesthetic laser technology and teaches laser techniques to other physicians. Find out if ablative or non-ablative laser resurfacing is right for you by calling Koch Facial Plastic Surgery or by scheduling a consultation online today.

Laser Resurfacing Q & A

What is laser resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is a rejuvenation procedure that focuses on treating minor skin flaws in the face and improving your overall complexion.

There are two types of laser resurfacing procedures Dr. Koch can use to achieve your aesthetic goals, including:

Ablative laser treatments

Ablation laser treatments use CO2 fractional energy to remove the outer layer of your skin to eliminate dead skin cells. This laser procedure also heats the skin underneath to trigger the growth of new collagen. As new collagen forms, it fills in areas of lost volume to tighten your skin and make it look younger.

Non-ablative laser treatments

Non-ablative laser treatments don’t remove any layers of skin but will stimulate the growth of new collagen. The new collagen helps to improve the tone and texture of your skin without the need for recovery.

Why should I consider laser resurfacing?

You should consider laser resurfacing if you’re unhappy with the appearance and texture of your skin.

In addition to enhancing your complexion and the tone of your skin, Dr. Koch can also use advanced laser technologies to treat:

  • Wrinkles
  • Age spots
  • Fine lines
  • Acne scars
  • Sun damage

He performs a comprehensive skin evaluation and discusses your aesthetic goals to determine if laser resurfacing is the right treatment option for you. Dr. Koch customizes a resurfacing treatment plan to your needs and focuses on addressing the skin flaws that bother you most.

What happens during laser resurfacing?

During ablative laser resurfacing, Dr. Koch directs an intense beam of light at specific treatment areas of your face. Depending on the size of the treatment area, the process of removing your outer layer of skin can take 30 minutes to several hours.

For resurfacing using non-ablative lasers, Dr. Koch applies the laser energy to the treatment area to stimulate collagen growth. To achieve the best results, you might need a series of laser treatments over the course of several months.

After an ablative laser resurfacing procedure, your skin will appear raw. You might also experience swelling and itchiness. To increase your comfort, Dr. Koch applies an ointment and clean dressings. Your skin will heal within 1-2 weeks, and you will need to stay out of the sun and use high-quality skin care products that won’t irritate the healing skin.

There’s no recovery time for non-ablative laser resurfacing, although you may have some swelling and redness initially after your procedure.

Find out if laser resurfacing is right for you by calling Koch Facial Plastic Surgery or by scheduling a consultation online today.