Face & SkinLasers

Essential Guide to Skin Resurfacing

essential guide to laser skin resurfacing

Almost all skin has texture and tone irregularities that result from chronic sun damage, skin disorders, the natural effects of aging, and even hereditary factors that affect the skin. Although uneven skin texture is totally normal, some people desire a smoother, more even complexion. In addition to these common issues, it’s also normal for the skin to lose collagen and elastin with time, which causes it to feel less firm and lose the healthy glow associated with younger skin. Skin resurfacing treatments can help restore the skin to a more youthful state.

Because various issues can affect the skin’s surface, many treatments are available that address an individual aspect of skin resurfacing. 

Laser resurfacing and mechanical and chemical resurfacing are the standard treatments used to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven texture, and discoloration. These treatments can be performed on the entire face, specific body parts, like the neck and hands, or around the eyes.  

Finding the best treatment to address your concerns should be determined after a consultation. So call us today to set up your consultation with one of our skin specialists, and they can answer all your questions and help design a custom treatment plan to achieve your optimal results. 

Most patients find that a multi-modality approach is the best way to achieve the results they desire. A series of sessions is needed to garner successful results from skin resurfacing treatment, but more importantly, the patient must be committed to good skin care. That means protecting their skin with proper skincare and SPF products as this is the best way to protect investment in your skin resurfacing procedures that the results will be longer-lasting. 

What can skin resurfacing address?

Although no service or treatment can completely stop the signs of aging, skin resurfacing can improve your skin tone and texture, and in turn, boost your confidence. In addition, skin resurfacing can address the following issues:

  • Superficial lines and wrinkles- these finely etched lines and wrinkles are ever-so present on the skin 
  • Pigmentation- such as sunspots, acne scars, freckles, or darkened patches of skin
  • Scars- as the result of injury to the skin or acne
  • Vascular conditions- these often look like broken or red capillaries or create a constant flush of facial redness
  • Loss of skin tone- weakening the supportive skin structure leads to less firm skin; this is standard in aging as collagen production slows down and elastin fibers weaken
  • Dull skin- loss of the vibrant glow associated with youth

Every patient is unique based on their skin type, genes, lifestyle, and skincare habits. Because of these differences, our team must customize skin care to treat the different combinations of environmental and genetic signs of aging that can impact the skin.

What skin resurfacing services do you offer?

Microneedling

Microneedling (also known as collagen induction therapy or CIT) is a highly effective, minimally invasive skin rejuvenating treatment that improves the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, large pores, acne, scarring, and stretch marks. It works by safely creating micro-injuries in the skin that stimulate wound healing and collagen production to improve skin texture. The treatment can be performed on the face, neck, and chest. At Coastal Aesthetics in Cape Neddick Maine, we used the only FDA-approved device called SkinPen

This procedure is done by safely and quickly penetrating the skin with very tiny needles.

PRP is a natural blood product that contains properties responsible for healing and repairing. Our board-certified Nurse Practitioner will draw blood from your arm and spin it in a centrifuge to separate the different components of the blood. The remaining plasma (the healing properties) will be used for facial injection. After the plasma separated, it now contains a higher than average concentration of platelets which is why it’s called platelet rich plasma. These platelets are a unique component in the blood that helps tissue heal and grow new cells. When injected into specific areas of the skin, PRP acts as a catalyst that stimulates the body’s collagen to develop and regenerate tissue, which naturally smooths and tightens the skin. As a result, PRP will soften wrinkles and create smoother skin. This procedure is popular because it involves no chemicals. You’re going to love your results.

Harmony XL Pro ClearLift

ClearLift is a highly effective skin resurfacing treatment and has achieved award winning results around the globe. Patients love ClearLift because it requires no downtime and is completely safe for all skin types. ClearLift utilizes the most powerful Q-SWITCHED Nd:YAG laser technology, which lets your practitioner control the exact depth or the treatment. This means much more precise treatments than ever before. ClearLift can be used to address the following concerns:

  • Acne/Acne Scars
  • Varicose Veins
  • Hair Removal
  • Tattoo Removal
  • Pigmentation
  • Fine lines
  • Sunspots
  • Psoriasis
  • Fungal infection
  • Skin texture
  • Wrinkles
  • Skin laxity
  • Spider veins
  • Acne scars
  • Hyperhidrosis
  • Tattoo removal

If you’d like to learn more about ClearLift and if it’s right for you, call us today and book a consultation!

Opus Plasma

Opus Plasma features Alma’s proprietary high-frequency, unipolar technology. The Opus system features first-of-it’s-kind Fractional Plasma technology, providing impressive results that until now could only be achieved with a laser. This non-invasive skin rejuvenating treatment can be used to address the following concerns with less downtime than ablative lasers. 

  • Fine lines & wrinkles
  • Skin laxity (face, eyes, neck, belly, knees, arms, legs)
  • Uneven tone and texture
  • Acne scars, surgical or trauma scars
  • Stretch marks
  • Unwanted pigmentation
  • Aging skin

Opus Plasma has become one of our most popular resurfacing services because we can non-invasively treat such a wide variety of concerns with the added benefit of less downtime than laser treatments. 

How do I know which procedure is best for me?

With so many wonderful options, it’s hard to know where to start! Our talented staff of skin care specialists can examine the areas you’d like to treat and make recommendations based on your goals. If you’d like to come in and discuss your options, we’d encourage you to book a consultation.

Am I a good candidate for skin resurfacing?

If you aren’t suffering from extreme skin conditions that need medical treatment (such as sunburns, rashes, or eczema) and you are currently unhappy with the surface texture, tone or elasticity of your skin, you’d likely be a great candidate for skin resurfacing. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, are non-smokers, and are not currently pregnant.

How many sessions will I need?

Your treatment plan will depend on which combination of services you choose and your desired results. Some clients may see a difference in their skin after just one of these treatments, but optimal results commonly take several visits. When you meet with one of our skincare specialists during your consultation, we will examine all the areas you’d like to treat, explain all your options and answer any questions you might have. The recommended treatments for each specialized service are as follows:  

  • Microneedling: Most patients book three sessions to achieve their optimal results.
  • ClearLift: For best results, you will need two to four treatments at intervals of 2-3 weeks. 
  • Opus Plasma: Visible results after as few as one treatment, with optimal results after a completed series (2-3 treatments).

What is the recovery like?

Recovery for a skin resurfacing treatment is highly dependent on the type of service you have performed. Some have minimal downtime, like Opus Plasma, and ClearLift while Microneedling might take a few days to recover. When you come in for your consultation, we customize a skin treatment plan for you based on your skin and answer any questions you might have.

Why choose Coastal Aesthetics for my skin resurfacing?

Coastal Aesthetics was the first practice on the East Coast to offer this device after its launch in April 2020. Owner Kimberlee Smith FNP is an Alma Lasers ambassadors and travels the country speaking about this device. Many of her before and afters are featured on the company website, with the permission and consent of her patients. 

Since 2017, Kimberlee Smith FNP and her medical team have been serving the coastal York, Maine community. Patients love working with the medical staff at Coastal due to their acute attention to detail, precision treatment, and attentive patient care. In addition, the Coastal team seeks to improve upon your natural beauty. We have a reputation for excellence, and we can’t wait for you to see for yourself. 

Kimberlee’s medical background started in the hospital with Urgent Care. When she transitioned into aesthetics, she received advanced training at the Esthetics Skin Institute and National Laser Institute in Boston, MA. She has also earned the elite status of Master Injector from the prestigious Allergan company. Quality service and patient care are her primary concerns, which is why she only works with the best of the best. You’re going to love the entire Coastal medical team.  

Are you ready to see what a difference Coastal Aesthetics can make for you? We want you to look and feel your best. So when you come in for your consultation, you’ll be able to ask any questions you have, and our professional staff will help you establish a treatment plan for optimal results. You won’t be disappointed. So call us now to book your consultation and start your journey to a better you today!

Services Pricing Guide

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