Laser Resurfacing

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chesterfield Valley, O'Fallon and Chesterfield, MO

Laser resurfacing is a state-of-the-art cosmetic procedure that improves skin appearance, texture, tone, and overall quality. This innovative technique uses laser energy to precisely remove damaged skin layers, promoting the growth of new, healthier skin cells. 

Dr. Robert T. Cristel is a double board-certified surgeon who specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and proudly leads Synergi Facial Surgery. His goal is to provide individualized, refined care to deliver your ideal changes while preserving your natural features. If you are seeking a skin transformation and wish to achieve a new youthful glow, contact us online or call our office directly at (314) 523-5738 to explore your laser treatment possibilities.  

About Laser Resurfacing 

Laser resurfacing uses concentrated beams of light to remove outer skin layers and stimulate collagen growth in the dermis. This effectively reduces wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and other unwanted blemishes. These devices work by energizing the water in your cells to heat, vaporize, and remove damaged outer layers. As this occurs, it triggers the body’s natural healing processes—boosting collagen production, tightening skin, and revealing a smoother complexion.

How Erbium Lasers Work

Erbium lasers deliver energy at various wavelengths to the deeper skin layers, and the water in your cells absorbs this more efficiently than with CO₂ lasers. This absorption allows for highly precise ablation of the skin’s surface with minimal surrounding heat damage; this is where the colloquial name “cold laser” comes from. Erbium lasers aim to remove thinner layers of tissue to address fine lines, mild sun damage, and uneven skin texture. These lasers are also safer on delicate areas such as around the eyelids and mouth. 

How Ablative Lasers Work

Ablative lasers work by delivering an intense beam of light that vaporizes the outer layers of damaged skin and gently heats the dermis. This thermal energy triggers the body’s natural healing response, stimulates collagen production, and reveals smoother and tighter-looking skin. 

How Non-Ablative Lasers Work

Non-ablative lasers pass concentrated light through the epidermis without damaging it. The skin’s water and pigment absorb laser energy to generate heat that triggers the body’s healing response.  

How Fractional Lasers Work

Fractional lasers treat only a fraction of your skin’s surface, leaving the surrounding area untouched. This approach can be ablative or non-ablative. The lasers create precise micro-injuries that trigger the body’s natural healing process and stimulate collagen and elastin production. This method also leaves the surrounding tissue intact to speed up recovery. 

Benefits

Laser skin resurfacing offers an effective, non-surgical way to enhance skin quality and reduce unwanted blemishes. Under Dr. Cristel’s care, you can:

  • Improve skin texture
  • Enhance hydration, clarity, and complexion 
  • Diminish acne scarring
  • Correct hyperpigmentation
  • Reduce rosacea and general redness
  • Improve self-esteem  
  • Minimize wrinkles and creases
  • Reignite a vibrant, youthful glow

Candidates

If you are currently experiencing an uneven skin complexion, acne scarring, or hyperpigmentation and want to achieve a youthful-looking appearance free of skin imperfections, you can benefit greatly from laser resurfacing. To qualify for treatment, you should be in relatively good health and free of any underlying skin conditions, rashes, or active sunburns in the target area. It is also important that you hold realistic expectations regarding achievable outcomes. Dr. Cristel will establish your candidacy during your consultation.  

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Cristel will evaluate your medical history and discuss your skin goals. He will also carefully examine your concerns, noting their location, distribution, and severity, while also assessing your skin type and texture. With this information, he will personalize your treatment plan, adjusting variables like laser type, strength, duration, and more. This meeting is also an opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have before undergoing your treatment.

Contact us online or call either one of our offices in Chesterfield Valley, O’Fallon, or Chesterfield at (314) 523-5738 to schedule your personal consultation. 

Preparation

Dr. Cristel advises that you follow these general guidelines before your laser resurfacing treatment:

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure for four weeks before your treatment
  • Pause the use of retinoids and harsh acids at least one week before treatment
  • Protect your skin by using sunscreen daily
  • Avoid blood-thinning medications

Procedure

Laser resurfacing may be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia depending on the amount of area being treated. After calibrating your selected laser to the correct settings, Dr. Cristel will carefully guide the handheld device over your skin, working in sections to target each area of concern. This device will directly pulsate beams of light that penetrate deeper layers. As the laser passes over the target concerns, it will remove the damaged outer layers while heating the underlying dermis, stimulating collagen production. He will repeat this process until he addresses each area of concern.

Laser treatments generally take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on laser intensity, severity of concerns, and size of your treatment area. After concluding treatment, Dr. Cristel will apply a soothing ointment and allow you to return home.    

Recovery

Immediately after your treatment, you will notice redness, mild swelling, and skin sensitivity, which are normal and will subside in a couple of days. Healing time takes about one to two weeks for initial healing. In this time, you must cleanse your skin at least twice a day using a gentle cleanser and continue to keep your skin hydrated with a thick layer of occlusive ointment. Full results can take several months to 1 year. Dr. Cristel recommends elevating your head and applying cold compresses intermittently to reduce swelling and redness. It is also very important that you avoid picking or scratching at the skin, public pools, strenuous activities, and hot saunas, as this can lead to permanent scarring or infections.    

Results

Once your skin recovers, you will enjoy enhanced skin texture, a smoother complexion, reduced hyperpigmentation, smaller pores, and an overall rejuvenated, clearer appearance. As elastin and collagen production continues over the following weeks to months, these results will improve further. Final results generally appear after three months and continue to improve over 1 year, and the effects can last many years with proper skin care and sun protection.  

Corresponding Procedures 

Botox 

Botox is a neuromodulator that relaxes certain facial muscles to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Botox can effectively minimize crow’s feet, forehead lines, glabellar lines, and other unwanted creases.

Dermal Fillers 

Dermal fillers improve volume in key facial areas, often with hyaluronic acid as the active ingredient. This key ingredient draws water molecules to the treatment zone, effectively reversing volume loss and hollowness. 

Cost of Laser Treatments in Chesterfield Valley, O’Fallon, and Chesterfield, MO

The cost of your laser resurfacing treatment varies depending on the size of your treatment area, your target concerns and their severity, your personal goals, and whether you include any other procedures. Dr. Cristel will provide a detailed cost outline for your treatment during your personal consultation. Contact us online or call the office nearest you at (314) 523-5738 to schedule your personal consultation.  

FAQ

What skin concerns can laser resurfacing address? 

Laser skin resurfacing can treat fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, age spots, and uneven skin tone. It also promotes collagen production, leading to smoother and firmer-looking skin. 

How is erbium laser resurfacing performed? 

Dr. Cristel utilizes advanced laser technology to target specific areas. Laser technology removes damaged skin layers, prompting the body’s natural healing process.

Can laser resurfacing cause any discomfort? 

Patients report tolerating laser treatments very well, but Dr. Cristel can provide mild anesthetics if you are more sensitive.

How long is the recovery after laser resurfacing? 

The recovery time for your laser treatment varies depending on the depth of the treatment. Immediately after, you will experience redness, swelling, and surface peeling, which will typically subside within a couple of weeks. Dr. Cristel provides detailed post-operative care instructions for optimal healing. 

Can laser resurfacing be customized for varying skin concerns?  

Yes, laser resurfacing is highly customizable, and Dr. Cristel tailors the treatment to address each patient’s unique skin concerns and goals. 

Are there risks or complications associated with laser resurfacing? 

While laser resurfacing is generally safe, there are potential risks, including infection, scarring, or changes in pigmentation. Dr. Cristel conducts a thorough assessment during the consultation to minimize risks and ensure a safe procedure. 

When will I see the results of laser resurfacing? 

Your initial results are visible shortly after the procedure, with continued improvement over several weeks as the skin heals and regenerates. The outcome, with smoother and more youthful skin, becomes more noticeable with time as collagen and elastin production builds.   

How long do the results of laser resurfacing last?

The longevity of results varies, but with proper skincare and sun protection, you can enjoy the benefits of laser resurfacing for many years. If you are considering laser resurfacing to rejuvenate your skin, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cristel to discuss your individual goals.  

References

  1. Janik JP, Markus JL, Al-Dujaili Z, Markus RF. Laser Resurfacing. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2007;21(3):139. doi:10.1055/s-2007-991182
  2. Khatri KA, Ross V, Grevelink JM, Magro CM, Anderson RR. Comparison of Erbium:YAG and Carbon Dioxide Lasers in Resurfacing of Facial Rhytides. Archives of Dermatology. 1999;135(4). doi:10.1001/archderm.135.4.391
  3. Preissig J, Hamilton K, Markus R. Current Laser Resurfacing Technologies: A Review that Delves Beneath the Surface. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2012;26(03):109-116. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1329413