Fractional Laser Resurfacing

Whether the issue is fine lines, dullness, acne scars or hyperpigmentation, a state-of-the-art laser treatment solves it all. The name? Fractional laser resurfacing. Fractional laser skin resurfacing in Birmingham, AL essentially allows patients to peel away their skin concerns through a laser that literally burns away old skin to reveal a new layer of healthy, glowing skin. Used for resurfacing, this cosmetic surgery procedure leverages your body’s natural healing properties and improves overall appearance.

How does it work?

A device called a fractional laser delivers precise microbeams of laser light to lower layers of skin creating deep narrow columns of tissue coagulation. This coagulated tissue in the treatment area stimulates a natural healing process that results in fast growth of healthy new tissue. During this process, columns of skin are addressed in a controlled fashion, leaving the skin surrounding each column intact to aid healing and reduce downtime. Thus, working from the inside out, the surrounding skin also stimulates production of new collagen, adding resilience and firmness.

Laser Resurfacing

What can Fractional Laser Resurfacing treat?

Fractional laser skin resurfacing in Birmingham, AL is highly sought after to treat acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, or sun damage and wrinkles. It can also treat injury scars, benign skin growths such as warts, enlarged oil glands on the nose, birthmarks and other skin conditions. Textural improvement, pore size reduction, mild skin tightening, and a more even tone and complexion can also be achieved. Lasers are commonly applied to the face, but the neck, chest, arms, and hands are also popular treatment areas.

What to Expect

You will be given MAC anesthesia (Monitored Anesthesia Care) Twilight Sedation before your procedure so you are comfortable during treatment. Following the procedure, your skin will be red, peeling, and scaly for about three to five days. Patients may also experience a breakout of whiteheads because of the rapid skin turnover, however, if you are prone to breakouts, your cosmetic surgeon will prescribe antibiotics as a preventative measure. Average results last about one year but can vary greatly from patient to patient and longevity of results depends upon hair color, eye color and complexion type.

If going without makeup is a concern, be sure to plan your appointment accordingly, as you won’t be able to wear makeup for several days while your skin heals. Applying any products other than face wash, light moisturizer or vitamin C serum is not advised while healing. You should also avoid sun during this time as the skin is more vulnerable to pigment discoloration.

The number of sessions required depends on the area being targeted. For pigment issues, patients can see results in one to two sessions. Acne scarring or wrinkles may require three to five sessions. If you’re treating both acne and wrinkles, sessions should be spaced out four weeks apart. Photo damage treatments should be spaced out six to eight weeks apart.

Why Choose Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic?

As a world-renowned plastic surgeon specializing in the face and neck, Dr. Rousso has more than 30 years of experience and has gained worldwide recognition for his contributions to the fields of plastic surgery and hair restoration. Dr. Adams is double board-certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, making him an expert in facial anatomy.

Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams will never give you a result that looks artificial; your results will always look subtle, natural, and inherent. Our facility uses state-of-the-art medical equipment and many of our staff have been with Dr. Rousso for more than 20 years. We offer a patient experience above and beyond what you will find elsewhere, including concierge services on par with the best five-star hotels. Our friendly staff can help you arrange travel and hotel accommodations, lab appointments, sitters, aftercare, and many other services from start to finish. If you are considering a fractional laser skin resurfacing treatment in Birmingham, Montgomery, or surrounding areas contact us today.

FAQ

How do my hair, eye, and skin color affect my laser results?

Laser energy targets melanin (pigment). Your hair, eye, and skin color determine your unique skin type. Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams customize the laser’s wavelength and depth to your specific traits to prevent hyperpigmentation, maximize safety, and ensure your new collagen lasts as long as possible.

Why does this laser require MAC 'Twilight' sedation?

Because our medical-grade fractional laser targets deep dermal layers for significant structural remodeling, local numbing creams aren't enough. Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) keeps you entirely relaxed, comfortable, and pain-free without the need for general anesthesia or a breathing tube.

What causes post-laser whitehead breakouts, and can they be avoided?

The laser triggers ultra-fast skin cell turnover. As old skin sheds rapidly, it can temporarily clog pores and cause minor whiteheads. If you are prone to breakouts, our surgeons will prescribe a preventative antibiotic protocol prior to your treatment session to keep your skin clear.

Why are sessions spaced 4 weeks apart for acne/wrinkles, but 6–8 weeks for sun damage?

Different skin depths heal on different biological timelines. Reversing superficial sun damage targets surface pigment, requiring a longer 6–8 week window to completely settle. Remodeling deep acne scars or wrinkles requires stacking collagen production, which is optimally done in tighter 4-week intervals.