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Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center
About Us
Conditions We Treat
Our Services
BOTOX, Dysport and Dermal Fillers
Chemical Peels
Cosmetic Surgery
Body Liposuction
Blepharoplasty (Eyelift)
Facelift
Facial Liposuction
Fat Transfers
Renuvion®
Scar Revisions
Sclerotherapy
Skin Resurfacing
Subcision
Tips to Minimize Bruising
The Neglected Cell
VASER® Liposuction
Laser Treatments
Medi-Spa Services
Ultrasound and Radiofrequency Treatments
Promotions
Contact Us
Department of Dermatology
Teledermatology
Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center
About Us
Conditions We Treat
Our Services
BOTOX, Dysport and Dermal Fillers
Chemical Peels
Cosmetic Surgery
Body Liposuction
Blepharoplasty (Eyelift)
Facelift
Facial Liposuction
Fat Transfers
Renuvion®
Scar Revisions
Sclerotherapy
Skin Resurfacing
Subcision
Tips to Minimize Bruising
The Neglected Cell
VASER® Liposuction
Laser Treatments
Medi-Spa Services
Ultrasound and Radiofrequency Treatments
Promotions
Contact Us
Department of Dermatology
Teledermatology

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Skin Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing, also called skin resurfacing, is done to:

  • Erase fine lines and wrinkles on the face
  • Smooth and tighten eyelid skin
  • Improve "smokers lines" around the mouth
  • Remove brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin color
  • Improve the look of and/or flatten scars
  • Improve skin tone and texture

Am I a candidate for laser resurfacing?

Treatment indicated for people with:

  • Deeper wrinkles
  • Acne scars
  • Sun or age spots

Treatment may be less successful for people with:

  • With very dark skin
  • Who are prone to scarring
  • Are taking certain medications
  • A skin disorder

What to Expect During the Procedure

During a skin resurfacing, the laser beam is directed to the area that is to be treated and ablates, or removes, the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). At the same time, the laser heats the underlying skin (the dermis) which stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers. As the wound heals, new, smoother and tighter skin forms in the treated area.

Treatment time ranges from a few minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the amount of resurfacing you need.

Typical Results

The results of laser resurfacing are variable depending on the technology or treatment prescribed for you.

You may feel like you have moderate sunburn. There will be swelling and redness of the skin. You may experience itching or stinging for 12 to 72 hours after the procedure. Five to seven days after laser resurfacing, your skin will become dry and peel. Your skin may be red for a few months following the procedure, but make-up can conceal any redness.

The full effect develops over a few months and can last for several years.

Contact Us

Complete our Contact Us form or contact one of our offices directly.

UPMC Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center

Wexford
2100 Georgetown Drive
Suite 400
Sewickley, PA 15143

724-940-7546
 
Shadyside
5401 Walnut Street
Suite 300
Pittsburgh, PA 15232

412-621-7546

Patient Resources

  • Postprocedure instructions after skin resurfacing, laser, and dermabrasion procedures
  • Tips to minimize bruising
UPMC
200 Lothrop Street Pittsburgh, PA 15213

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