What to Expect

Results of your Skin Resurfacing treatments including smoother, younger, healthier and more vibrant skin will be evident upon healing in two to three weeks and will also gradually improve over time.

How Does it Work?

The procedure consists of delivering energy at certain skin depths to stimulate collagen regeneration, remodel skin proteins, or ablate layers of skin making room for new cells.

Profile Contour^™ is an epidermal and dermal laser treatment that delivers a 2940 nm wavelength Er:YAG laser at variable densities to precisely ablate, or remove, and coagulate 20 to 1,500 microns of the outer layers of skin (note that epidermis depth ranges from 60-800 microns and dermis ranges from 1,000-3,000 microns), remodeling the collagen matrix and improving skin tone and texture.

Portrait^® PSR (plasma skin regeneration) smoothes away wrinkles, eliminates brown spots, improves texture, and tightens and refreshes skin by directing pulses of nitrogen plasma energy into all parts of the skin’s architecture. Energy delivered thermally modifies the skin and causes regeneration of reticular architecture, migration of fibroblasts from deeper parts of the dermis, and restores more normal mechanical and physiological dermal functionality.

Patient Experience

A Laser or Plasma Resurfacing procedure usually takes about an hour. A topical anesthetic is used to minimize discomfort so pulses of energy are relatively painless. Any slight discomfort after the procedure usually subsides within minutes. Redness immediately after the procedure usually fades within weeks, and makeup may be used after one week. Depending on your skin type and current degree of skin health, one to two treatments spaced several months apart may be recommended for best results.

Complete recovery usually takes two to three weeks, depending on the strength of treatment you choose to undergo. Redness and swelling usually subside within several weeks, and makeup may be used after a week. If pigmentation changes occur, they would gradually fade over several months. Antibiotics and anti-viral medications are used to prevent bacterial and viral infections that could otherwise cause scarring.

What are the characteristics of a good candidate for Skin Resurfacing?

If you are concerned about skin texture including wrinkles, pore size, or fine lines, and you are seeking dramatic results but do not want to undergo surgery, Skin Resurfacing may be for you. A wide variety of skin types can be treated; however, due to high affinity to melanin that exists in dark or tan skin, laser treatments may not be advisable on certain darker skin types.

Is Skin Resurfacing safe?

All of the Skin Resurfacing procedures offered at Hotchandani Laser & Vein Center have demonstrated excellent safety profiles in clinical trials. The most common side effects involve redness and swelling, and in rare circumstances there have been pigmentation changes. Redness and swelling usually subside within several weeks, and makeup may be used after a week. If pigmentation changes occur, they would gradually fade over several months. Antibiotics and anti-viral medications are used to prevent bacterial and viral infections that could otherwise cause scarring.

Are Skin Resurfacing treatments painful?

Most patients feel minimal discomfort during the procedure itself. Pulses feel like a combined heat and pressure sensation, and a topical anesthetic is used. Post-procedure discomfort may feel like sunburn, and may be remedied with over-the-counter pain medication as recommended.

What is the recovery time I should expect?

Complete recovery usually takes two to three weeks. You may not be able to return to work for a week to 10 days until healing has progressed to the point when you can wear makeup again.

How can I improve and maintain results?

Following your scheduled treatment regimen, it may be recommended to do maintenance treatments periodically. Longevity of results will improve if you take care to use sunscreen when in the sun, avoid tanning beds, and minimize other activities that will damage your skin like smoking.