Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is a medical procedure that uses concentrated beams of light to improve the appearance and health of the skin. It is a precise treatment designed to address visible sun damage, uneven texture, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and certain precancerous changes. Richey Dermatology is proud to offer Fraxel®, a low-downtime laser treatment that improves signs of skin aging, sun damage, skin tone and texture, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
Dr. Richey is a board-certified dermatologist who has completed fellowships in both Mohs surgery and laser and cosmetic dermatology. She is a well-known laser expert with years of experience who completed her training at Harvard Medical School and the Wellman Center for Photomedicine, where Fraxel® laser, pulsed dye laser, cryolipolysis, laser hair removal and laser tattoo removal were invented.
Laser skin resurfacing works by directing focused light energy into the skin to remove damaged outer layers and stimulate new collagen production beneath the surface. Collagen is the structural protein that gives skin its firmness and elasticity. As we age and accumulate sun exposure, collagen breaks down, leading to wrinkles, laxity, and uneven texture. By creating controlled injury in specific layers of the skin, the laser triggers a healing response that replaces older, damaged tissue with smoother, more even skin.
Fractional means the laser energy is delivered in microscopic columns of heat over a small percentage of the skin surface. The untreated portions of skin allow for rapid healing with no scarring and minimal downtime.
Fraxel® laser is a non-ablative fractional laser that has two wavelengths. One wavelength (1550nm) helps improve texture, fine lines, wrinkles, and scars, while the other (1927nm) helps improve brown spots, sun damage or pigmentary issues. A recent Harvard study demonstrated that regular treatments with the Fraxel® laser decreases the risk of skin cancer.
A numbing cream is typically applied before treatment. The laser treatment itself takes about 20 minutes or so. You may feel heat or a mild pin prick sensation. After the treatment, the skin appears red or sun-burned, with mild swelling. Downtime can range from 2-5 days. Expectations regarding skin improvement and post-procedure downtime will be discussed with you in detail prior to the treatment. For most patients, a series of monthly treatments are recommended, followed by maintenance treatments.
At a Glance
Dr. Patricia Richey
- Board-certified dermatologist
- Fellowship-trained and board-certified Mohs surgeon
- Harvard fellowship-trained in lasers and cosmetics
- Author of innovative dermatology research and publications
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