Laser Skin Resurfacing in San Francisco, CA
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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.
Laser Variations
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.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Reviews
This review is long overdue! Dr. Austin is incredible at treating rosacea!! Dr. Austin has been life changing for me and my skin. I found her online from searching frantically for someone for years in the Bay who had experience working with rosacea. Rosacea started for me in my early 30s, what felt like out of no where during grad school. After trying many other things, including strictly cutting out foods that were irritating I was still having intense rosacea breakouts. Dr. Austin took pictures, explained what was happening and we went over my skin routine. I learned how there are different types of rosacea, she explained what can irritate it (which can include natural oils!) and then she gave me a very specific skin care routine with products. I saw results almost immediately after using sticking to the topical routine. I recently saw her after 3 years of sticking to my regimen and my skin has greatly improved. I flare maybe a few times a year with stress but it will usually go away that day with combo ointment meant for rosacea. I have even seen lines on my forehead go away with one of the topicals, an added bonus! She is also very encouraging, has a warm bedside manner. If you have been dealing with skin issues and the confidence behind that look no further, Dr. Austin is worth it!
5 stars for Dr. Kathleen Welsh. She has performed numerous procedures on me for the past 20 years; from fillers to laser abrasions etc. I went to someone more inexpensive in the past and had to return to Dr. Welsh to correct the work. When you ask her opinion she will give you an honest assessment.
I have been seeing Dr. Austin for 4 years now. I initially saw her when I was experiencing some difficult to treat acne in my early 20s. She listened to my concerns and really educated me on proper skin care. Since then she has continued to help provide new products/recommendations based on my needs at that time. I have also been seeing her for filler and botox treatments for the past two years. She has always listened to what I wanted and given me incredible results. She keeps things natural and really has an amazing eye for the face and facial structure. Beyond her work, she is a really incredible doctor. Her bedside manner is unparalleled and she is always evidence based in her practice. She is a beautiful person who works hard to help others feel beautiful. 11/10 would recommend.
Katie and Bianca were great! I was a bit apprehensive about having Fraxel, but the prep was excellent (I was very numb), and there was very little pain. They answered all of my questions, and sent me home with detailed aftercare instructions. I look forward to seeing great results as the healing unfolds over the next few weeks, revealing my new, fresh face. Thanks, BACD!
The team at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology is incredible. If you’re a celebrity or an every day person looking to take excellent care of your skin, the staff at BACD will treat you the same either way. I have been to a diverse set of dermatologists over the past 15 years and BACD is definitely the absolute best. I am under the care of Dr. Welsh and Dr. Austin, who both stay on the forefront of technology and look out for you without plumping you beyond recognition or pushing services and products on you. They are the best of the best and you can count on personable, high end, quality attention and expertise. Thank you, Dr. Welsh and Dr. Austin, for supporting my commitment to my self and to my skin care!
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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.
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About UsRestore Damaged Skin
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!