Laser Skin Resurfacing in Pittsburgh, PA

Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic skin rejuvenation procedure that utilizes focused laser beams to remove the upper layer of skin in specific areas, revealing a healthy, new layer. The laser focuses on damaged skin in particular, which destroys it, allowing it to peel away so that a fresh layer of healthy, vibrant skin remains. Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. James Fernau, offers several options for laser skin resurfacing. During the initial consultation, he will assess the face, neck, and chest and determine which method is most appropriate to attain the patient’s aesthetic desires. Because each patient has skin damage that can be due to varying factors such as aging, sun exposure, smoking, acne, and more, there are various lasers to treat the condition. Dr. Fernau is proud to offer the latest, most state-of-the-art laser skin resurfacing technologies for patients so that the most optimal outcome can be achieved. 

There are some great lasers on the market today that create gorgeous results, essentially allowing patients the opportunity to turn back the hands of time and once again have younger looking skin. Dr. Fernau is proud to offer several top lasers to patients who are seeking a nonsurgical skin resurfacing treatment. During the consultation, he will assess your skin condition, discuss your aesthetic desires, and goals for recovery and recommend the appropriate laser treatment. 

The Fraxel Dual 1550/1927 resurfacing treatments effectively target both the surface and deeper layers of the skin for a smoother, fresher, younger looking appearance. The Fraxel laser treatment uses patented fractional laser technology to target aging and sun damaged skin. “Fractional” means that most of the area surrounding the tissue that is being lasered is left undisturbed. This helps in the overall healing and recovery time following treatment. Fraxel Dual has two advantages in that it utilizes two distinct treatment modes:

• 1550: Penetrates deep into the skin layers, specifically targeting concerns such as wrinkles or acne scarring
• 1927: Targets tone, texture, and other more superficial signs of aging

Both men and women of all ages who desire a smoother, fresher, younger appearance can benefit from the effects of Fraxel. It is a highly customizable treatment created to improve tone and texture, reduce wrinkles around the eyes, and diminish brown spots, acne scars, and the appearance of sun damage. It is an excellent treatment for the face, neck, chest, arms, legs, and back. The Fraxel Dual laser treatment requires minimal to no downtime. Some refer to it as the “lunchtime peel” as most can return to their normal activities following treatment.

Dr. Fernau also offers the Sciton Erbium laser—which he considers to be one of the most advanced and sophisticated technologies in skin resurfacing. The “gold standard” this laser is a deep surface, full face laser that targets severe skin irregularities, sun damage and deep skin wrinkles. It is ablative by nature and does require some downtime. The results, however, are gorgeous and long lasting.

Our plastic surgery office is proud to now offer the SecretRF skin resurfacing laser by Cutera. Also known as RF Microneedling, SecretRF uses radio frequency energy and microneedling simultaneously to treat the signs of aging. While the tiny tips of the handpiece disrupts the surface layer of the skin, the radio frequency energy emitted at various depths to stimulate and remodel collagen regeneration. Using both skin rejuvenation techniques in one treatment is ideal for patients who desire to revitalize the appearance of their skin. The system comes with two separate handpiece sizes (one large and one small) making it an excellent option for both the face and chest, as well as other parts of the body. Each treat is totally customizable for the patients' specific needs such as wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, photoaging, and striae at the depth required.

Laser skin resurfacing is an outpatient procedure. There may be some moderate discomfort during treatment, depending on the laser used and the areas treated. A local anesthesia may be applied to ease this discomfort. Regardless of which laser is used, patients will experience some degree of peel. They will be advised to keep the treated areas safe from any sun exposure and to be patient as the area heals. It may take a few days before the patient can resume normal activities.

The average price for laser skin resurfacing ranges from $1,000 to $4,000. The range depends on the type of laser used and the size of the treated area. The price also fluctuates depending on how many sessions are required to attain the patient’s desired results.

After a thorough assessment, Dr. Fernau will recommend a treatment plan that may include one or both of these laser treatments. In addition, he may also recommend other nonsurgical procedures to compliment the benefits of laser resurfacing, such as BOTOX and/or a filler product. We invite you to call our office to learn more and schedule a consultation.