Is Laser Skin Resurfacing Painful?

CO2 laser resurfacing can cause some minor discomfort, but Dr. Familusi and her team do everything possible to ensure your experience is stress-free. The skin is numbed prior to your season, and after your appointment, you can take over-the-counter painkillers to help you relax. Most patients describe a mild sensation of “pins and needles” during treatment.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Most patients are able to achieve their cosmetic goals by undergoing a single CO2 laser skin resurfacing session. However, those with more entrenched wrinkles or larger areas of scarring may need multiple sessions for comprehensive improvement.

How Long Until I See Results?

It can take up to three weeks for the skin to fully heal after treatment. During this time, the complexion may appear slightly pink. Gradual improvements in the skin’s tone and texture will slowly emerge, with full results becoming apparent within 3-6 months.

Can I Combine Laser Skin Resurfacing With Other Procedures?

Yes. Many patients choose to combine laser skin resurfacing with other treatment options, such as microneedling, dermal fillers , BOTOX , and lip augmentation . If this is of interest to you, mention it to Dr. Familusi during your private consultation in Sandy Springs, GA.

What Are the Risks Associated With Laser Skin Resurfacing?

While risks after laser skin resurfacing are rare when you choose a qualified, Fellowship-trained plastic surgeon like Dr. Familusi, they do exist. Risks may include: Acne flare-ups Hyper- or hypopigmentation Reactivation of herpes simplex cold sores Swelling Milia (small white bumps) Scarring (rare)

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Introduction to Laser Skin Resurfacing

Skin resurfacing using state-of-the-art CO2 laser technology is a powerful way to revitalize the complexion and remove layers of damaged, blemished skin. This cutting-edge treatment can address a wide array of aesthetic problems, ranging from hyperpigmentation and scarring to common signs of aging. Dr. Olatomide (Tomi) Familusi at Élevé Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Atlanta, GA, is passionate about providing beautiful, transformative results and a patient experience that exceeds expectations.

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What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic treatment to rejuvenate the complexion by vaporizing the outermost layer of compromised skin. It is an effective solution for eradicating wrinkles, scars, hyperpigmentation, and even benign and malignant lesions.

The CO2 laser emits rapid, concentrated pulses of light energy, which work precisely to resurface the epidermis (superficial skin layer). At the same time, the device administers thermal energy to the dermis (deeper skin layer), triggering the body to produce more collagen, a protein that boosts skin resilience, suppleness, and youthfulness. Thus, skin resurfacing with the CO2 laser achieves both immediate and longer-term rejuvenation goals.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Firmer, tighter pores
A more youthful-looking complexion
A smoother, more even skin tone
Reduction in redness and inflammation
Enhanced collagen output
An excellent solution for scar revision
Treatment can be highly customized
Brief treatment time
Boosts self-confidence

Who Are the Best Candidates For Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Ideal candidates for laser skin resurfacing are healthy individuals who are unhappy with skin imperfections, signs of aging, or poor skin texture. They may also be frustrated by sun damage, hyperpigmentation, or acne scarring. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations for improvement rather than perfection when it comes to their results. Dr. Familusi will meet with you for a private consultation in Sandy Springs, GA, to assess your candidacy and ensure that laser skin resurfacing will achieve your cosmetic goals.

Note that CO2 laser skin resurfacing may not be suitable for patients…

Who are pregnant or nursing
With deeply entrenched folds and wrinkles
With a history of keloid scarring
With a history of ectropion
With darker or tanned skin
Taking certain medications identified by Dr. Familusi
Struggling with an active skin condition or disorder
Suffering from allergies
Suffering from herpes or cold sores
Diagnosed with an autoimmune disease

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Let’s Get Started

What’s the first step?

The first step along your journey to a brighter, more pristine complexion begins with a private consultation in Sandy Springs, GA. During this initial meeting, Dr. Familusi will analyze your skin, review your medical history, and engage in a frank discussion regarding your goals and expectations.

Prior to your session, you should quit smoking for several weeks (if you smoke), avoid spending too much time in the sun, and drink plenty of fluids. For at least three days before your appointment, avoid medications like doxycycline or minocycline that can cause undue sensitivity to the sun. If you have a history of herpes or cold sores, let Dr. Familusi know ahead of time so she can prescribe an antiviral medication for you.

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What to Expect on the Day of a Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment

CO2 laser skin resurfacing is performed using local anesthesia and takes around 30-60 minutes to complete, depending on the areas addressed. You have the option to take a sedative to help control any anxiety related to treatment. Once you are settled and relaxed, the laser device will emit powerful thermal energy that penetrates your skin, melting away damaged cells while stimulating collagen renewal for longer-term rejuvenation.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery

After your CO2 laser skin resurfacing session, you may encounter redness, stinging, and a sensation of tightness. These are normal side effects of the treatment and are not a cause for alarm. Dr. Familusi may prescribe a therapeutic serum to use for the first week that will accelerate the healing process. After 7-10 days, you will begin noticing a visible reduction in wrinkles, lines, scarring, age spots, and discoloration. Over the next 6-9 months, your results will continue to evolve and improve as collagen production is slowly ramped up.

Transparent Pricing

How Much Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost in Atlanta, GA?

Laser skin resurfacing in Atlanta can cost anywhere from $500 to $2500, depending on the areas treated and the extent of the changes required. Patients will sometimes need to attend multiple sessions to achieve their ideal cosmetic results. During your private consultation, Dr. Familusi will examine your skin and provide you with a transparent quote for services at that time.

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Why Choose Dr. Familusi?

Dr. Familusi is a caring, dedicated provider who goes above and beyond to ensure her patients enjoy concierge care in a world-class, technologically advanced practice setting. She is an Ivy League and Fellowship-trained beauty expert who is board-certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS). Dr. Familusi insists on natural-looking outcomes that are finely tailored to the individual, reflecting each patient’s unique aesthetic sensibilities. She is thrilled to offer skin resurfacing using best-in-class CO2 laser technology to help patients look on the outside as vibrant and youthful as they feel on the outside.

Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQ’S

CO2 laser resurfacing can cause some minor discomfort, but Dr. Familusi and her team do everything possible to ensure your experience is stress-free. The skin is numbed prior to your season, and after your appointment, you can take over-the-counter painkillers to help you relax. Most patients describe a mild sensation of “pins and needles” during treatment.
While risks after laser skin resurfacing are rare when you choose a qualified, Fellowship-trained plastic surgeon like Dr. Familusi, they do exist. Risks may include:
- Acne flare-ups
- Hyper- or hypopigmentation
- Reactivation of herpes simplex cold sores
- Swelling
- Milia (small white bumps)
- Scarring (rare)

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are ready to get started with laser skin resurfacing, contact our knowledgeable, experienced team at Élevé Plastic Surgery today. Your initial consultation with Dr. Familusi will involve a physical evaluation, a thorough medical review, and an in-depth discussion about your procedure. You can expect to walk away from your consultation feeling empowered to make the best decisions for your overall health and well-being.

Schedule a Consultation

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