Laser Skin Resurfacing in San Francisco, CA

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About Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a minimally-invasive skin-rejuvenating technique that uses laser technology to stimulate collagen and grow healthier, younger looking skin. At Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology, our team of skin care professionals uses laser resurfacing to treat wrinkles, crepiness, sun spots, and acne scars. Our team of medical professionals use the most advanced resurfacing lasers available - Fraxel Re:pair and Fraxel Dual - to help our patients achieve stunning results. In fact, Dr. Andrea Hui Austin is the #1 provider of Fraxel Re:pair treatments in the United States.

Prior to treatment, a provider will consult with you to determine which laser and settings will address your needs and give you the best outcome. Fraxel re:pair typically recommended for skin showing severe signs of skin damage such as deep frown lines and wrinkles, crepiness, sun spots, and redness caused by sun damage. The Fraxel re:pair uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to vaporize microscopic columns of tissue deep within the skin. Recovery time is around three weeks.

Soon after treatment, the skin will be softer, brighter, and more even-toned. Then over the next four to six months, as the skin continues to heal, new collagen forms to creating healthier, younger looking skin.

For skin showing less severe signs of aging, a light or moderate Fraxel re:pair treatment may be recommended. Lighter settings are less invasive, penetrating more superficial layers of the skin and reducing the overall recovery time.

Light or moderate Fraxel re:pair treatments are appropriate for patients with less sun damage and more shallow lines and wrinkles. Lighter treatments may also be used preventatively, to keep wrinkles and other signs of aging at bay.

Fraxel Dual is a non-ablative laser that effectively treats older skin cells while leaving the skin’s protective barrier intact. Fraxel Dual is FDA approved to treat wrinkles around the eyes, acne scars, surgical scars, age spots/sun spots, melasma (irregular patches of brown skin on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip and nose), and Actinic Keratoses (precancerous lesions).

The Fraxel Dual has less downtime than deep Fraxel re:pair treatments - about 3-5 days. However, more than one treatment may be necessary to see maximum results. Here at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology, we have a variety of laser skin resurfacing options to address your skin’s specific needs.

I've tried so many skin care products to address my acne, scars, and texture over the years and nothing worked. Then I went to a "medical spa" to treat my skin issues, which was a big mistake because most med spas just hire sales reps who are not medically trained or certified. They burned my face badly, did not know how to fix it, and told me to try products that made the condition even worse. That was when I decided to consult a dermatologist for a second opinion and was so lucky I found Dr. Austin at BACD!During the initial consultation, Dr. Austin explained what was causing my skin problems, came up with a treatment plan, and answered all of my questions. She's an expert in her field with extensive medical knowledge about how skin reacts to multiple factors such as lifestyle choices or other medical conditions, and I trust that she's considering everything holistically whenever she recommends a treatment. It has been 6 months ever since I started seeing Dr. Austin and my skin looks better than ever. Not only did Dr. Austin fix the damage from the last med spa I went to, but multiple friends have told me that I'm aging in reverse! :) As other reviews mentioned, BACD isn't cheap, but you get what you pay for. I'm thrilled with my care, trust the professional staff members here, and highly recommend seeing Dr. Austin for any skin concerns.

D.C. Yelp

I've been seeing Dr. Austin for nearly four years now and she is without a doubt the best dermatologist in SF. Dr. Austin is brilliant and ahead of all the latest, cutting edge treatments, warm and collaborative, and extremely perceptive. I go a few times a year for Botox and Clear + Brilliant treatments (mini laser to heal sun damage). My face tends to be very expressive when I talk, so before I started seeing Dr. Austin, I would accumulate frown/squint lines easily. I also have an active lifestyle and spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun. With the minimal number and dosage of treatments each year, my forehead wrinkles have disappeared, sunspots are gone, and my skin looks so healthy, smooth, and glowing to the point that I'm often told I look over a decade younger than my actual age. Dr. Austin is passionate about helping her clients look their best, and her positive, delightful energy pervades the clinic. She gets to know you as a patient and as a person, so the treatments are tailored uniquely for you, your lifestyle, and your goals for appearance. I want a natural, healthy look and we work together to choose treatment plans that best suit me. Dr. Austin is proactive in recommending the best options for your skin while also not over-prescribing, which I find especially helpful given good skincare is not inexpensive. The investment in my skin has been more than worth it.I can't emphasize enough the human touch throughout the office for a pleasant, welcoming, smooth experience. Dr. Austin always remembers to ask about my latest trip or my pup Pecan. All her team is terrific, unfailingly pleasant, professional and responsive. You are immediately made to feel welcome and comfortable, from the front desk to the medical staff working with you and Dr. Austin. (Special shout out to Monica, who does hydro facials and is wonderful). Communications are always transparent and policies are accurately disclosed upfront for no surprises. I look forward to each visit, and hope you will do something wonderful for yourself and visit Dr. Austin at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology too. Dr. Austin and her team are a treasure, and I am grateful to have found them.

E.M. Yelp

I have been seeing Dr. He and the staff at BACD for over a year now and it has been a very pleasant experience. I will continue to come back and likely have my husband sign up as a patient soon as well to address some of his skin needs. After all of the things I put my skin through, I am so grateful to work with someone so warm and thoughtful! He is the last person to try to sell you services and listens intently to your needs. He’s also highly knowledgeable and excellent at getting to the root cause of your issues, which I really appreciate — I am very fortunate to have a simple effective skin care routine thanks to him which is aligned with my lifestyle and needs.

D.E. Google

Dr. Austin is amazing! Throughly explains all treatment options, the science behind them, which has made compliance a breeze. I have been coming to her for a year now and I get compliments WEEKLY on my skin. She has reduced my skin care routine by half and I have better skin because of it. I can’t say enough about it her and her team

E.H. Google

Dr. Welsh is the consummate skin care professional. She is thorough and inquisitive, extremely knowledgeable and informative. Her genuine concern for her patients is clear; and it is the hallmark of her practice. She is as lovely as she is brilliant. BACD treatment rooms share the widest possible variety of equipment designed to treat skin ailments. This investment by Dr. Welsh ensures that each patient will receive the specific and individual care best for the problem that brought them to her. If I could think of how to recommend her more highly, I would. I am grateful for the time Dr. welsh has accorded my family and me.

K.R. Google

729

Total Reviews

4.9

Average Rating

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What to Expect

Even though laser skin resurfacing is nonsurgical and is considered noninvasive, there generally is some downtime associated with the procedure depending on the depth of the treatment. To ease any discomfort during treatment, provider may choose to numb the skin using either a topical numbing cream or injections a local anesthetic. A sedative may also be given to relax the patient. During laser skin resurfacing, the provider will deliver brief, pulsating beams of light to the treatment area.The laser will provide controlled wounding to the chosen depth of treatment, stimulating collagen growth. 

Other Considerations

After the procedure, the treated skin will appear red, swollen, and raw. With deep Fraxel re:pair treatments, pinpoint bleeding, as well as oozing for up to 48 hours, are common post-procedure side effects. Other temporary side effects include mild itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking. Crusting can also occur, so the patient must refrain from picking since this can lead to permanent scarring.

Directly following treatment, a medical assistant will apply a thick, protective ointment and cover the area with gauze to protect the treated skin. During recovery, the treated area will need to be kept clean and protected. Detailed Post Care Instructions will be given to the patient prior to leaving the office.

New skin is usually generated in about one to two weeks. Following a Fraxel Dual treatment, swelling lasting about one to two days and redness lasting about three days, are the most common side effects. Skin may also appear temporarily bronzed. Itching, peeling, and flaking skin are also experienced.

Once this process is complete, new skin will appear in its place that is healthier, brighter, younger looking, and more even-toned.

About Us

Our office offers numerous laser resurfacing options for sun-damaged and aging skin. Laser skin resurfacing can be a great option based on the patient’s individual condition, aesthetic goals, budget, as well as pain tolerance and allowance for recovery time. Call our office today to find out if laser resurfacing is for you!

*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.