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Your skin tells your story—but sometimes it shares more than you’d like. Fine lines, uneven texture, sun damage, or acne scarring can all impact how we perceive our skin. Laser skin resurfacing at Schoemann Plastic Surgery is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure that uses pulsating beams of light to exfoliate damaged surface skin.
The treatment is effective for correcting facial lines and wrinkles, as well as improving skin blemishes such as acne scars, pigmentation, and more. Also known as a laser peel, laser skin resurfacing is an excellent facial treatment for patients seeking softer, clearer, and more youthful-looking skin. Depending on the condition of your complexion, the laser will be adjusted accordingly. Schoemann Plastic Surgery offers laser skin resurfacing for anyone in Encinitas and other North County communities who wants to refresh their skin’s youthful glow.
Improves fine lines, sun spots, and roughness
Light touch-ups or deep resurfacing options available
Depending on intensity and skin type
Encourages firmer, more elastic skin over time
Versatile treatment for multiple areas
Laser skin resurfacing uses focused light energy to gently remove damaged skin cells layer by layer. As the skin heals, it stimulates the production of new collagen, helping your complexion appear brighter, firmer, and more even.
At Schoemann Plastic Surgery, we offer laser options tailored to your skin tone, lifestyle, and goals. Whether you need a light refresh or deeper resurfacing, we’ll guide you toward the right technology and settings for your skin.
Schoemann Plastic Surgery offers multiple laser skin resurfacing techniques, each chosen based on your skin’s specific needs.
Our specific technologies, UltraPulse, AcuPulse, DeepFX, and ActiveFX, are chosen according to your unique needs, such as the amount of downtime required following these laser skin resurfacing procedures. Any concerns or questions can be discussed with your provider during your consultation.
Each technology falls under one of the following categories:
Ablative lasers eliminate thin layers of skin, like a deep chemical peel or dermabrasion, with a precision that allows the technician to avoid skin damage. Ablative lasers are ideal for tightening skin and correcting wrinkles and acne scars.
Non-ablative lasers do not remove any skin — the light creates micro-damage to the skin to prompt the body’s natural healing response. Non-ablative procedures are ideal for minimizing fine lines and wrinkles on patients who are able to wait several months for strong results.
Fractional lasers are both ablative and non-ablative, creating micro-damage in the lower layers of the skin. The skin’s automatic healing creates firmer, healthier skin. Fractional lasers may also be performed to help with deep wrinkles, acne scarring, sun damage, and pigmentation problems.
Laser resurfacing is performed in-office, and treatment time depends on the size of the area and the depth of resurfacing.
Procedure Technique
When undergoing a deeper or more intense laser resurfacing treatment, you may be advised to use a retinoid cream for several weeks prior to your laser procedure. This helps prepare the skin for better results. Medication will be prescribed prior to the treatment to help minimize pain for greater relaxation during your session. If your skin requires mild correction, a topical anesthetic will be used to numb the specific areas where the laser will be targeted.
For the full face or more intense laser treatments, some form of sedation may be used. During the procedure, you will relax in our treatment chair while the laser glides over the skin, precisely targeting the specific sections for resurfacing. You will feel warmth from the laser, followed by a cooling sensation from the built-in cooling system. The laser works to eliminate dead and damaged skin cells while also stimulating the production of natural collagen.
It’s ideal for patients looking for non-surgical rejuvenation with real, lasting results.
Laser resurfacing is especially effective for:
Laser skin resurfacing provides noticeable results for individuals seeking to refresh their appearance without undergoing surgery. Whether you want to smooth fine lines, fade dark spots, or even out texture from old acne scars, this treatment works deep within the skin to rebuild what time or damage has worn down—naturally.
Many patients love that resurfacing can improve:
It’s not about changing how you look—it’s about restoring the healthy, balanced skin that already belongs to you. With the right care, results can last for months and continue to improve your skin’s tone and resilience over time.
Several factors should be taken into consideration when determining which laser peel treatment is best suited for your skin. Laser skin resurfacing is designed for individuals who are unhappy with their overall complexion.
If you have sun damage, acne scars, age spots, lines and wrinkles, redness, or concerns about pigmentation, a laser skin resurfacing treatment may be necessary to address these cosmetic flaws.
Additionally, laser skin resurfacing is effective for patients with scaly patches, a rough texture, or other skin irregularities. This treatment is not recommended for individuals with very dark skin or active acne. Additionally, it is essential to be aware that downtime is a common side effect of these laser peels. Some patients, depending on the condition of their skin, may require up to 2–3 weeks for recovery.
All patients should reduce their sun exposure after their treatment and apply sun protection frequently. For all peel intensities, the skin will naturally flake, crust, and peel away. It is vital to avoid interfering with the healing process to evade scarring and to protect the treated area from UV exposure. Once the peeling process is complete, your skin will feel softer and appear younger and clearer.
After lighter peels, a healing ointment will be applied to the skin, and you can return home to recover. The skin will appear red, accompanied by some irritation and swelling. This should subside within a couple of days, but the peeling process will last over a 3 – 5-day timeframe.
If you are receiving a more intense laser treatment, your recovery period will last longer. The treated areas will most likely be covered by dressings, and the irritation, swelling, and burning side effects will be more intense. Medication can be prescribed to minimize these side effects. The recovery time associated with a deeper laser peel can last 2 – 3 weeks.
You’ll notice a smoother, more refined look once the initial healing phase is complete—usually within 7 to 10 days for lighter treatments. Deeper resurfacing continues to improve for weeks as collagen rebuilds beneath the surface.
Results can last for months or even years with good skincare and sun protection, and many patients schedule maintenance treatments every 6–12 months, depending on their goals.
Laser skin resurfacing peels can offer excellent results for achieving a younger-looking complexion. If you are considering a laser resurfacing treatment and would like to learn more about it, as well as other nonsurgical treatments offered by Schoemann Plastic Surgery, please call our office in Encinitas today to schedule a consultation with our team at (760) 550-9965 or complete our online form.
The cost of laser skin resurfacing varies depending on the treatment area, the depth of resurfacing, and the number of sessions required. Light treatments may start at a few hundred dollars, while deeper, full-face resurfacing can be more expensive. During your consultation, we’ll provide a personalized quote based on your goals and treatment plan.
Results can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the depth of the treatment, your age, and your skincare routine. Most patients enjoy longer-lasting results with proper sun protection and periodic maintenance sessions.
Yes—with the right technology and provider. While deeper resurfacing lasers may carry risks for certain skin tones, there are safe, effective resurfacing options for Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI. We’ll assess your skin during consultation to ensure the approach is both safe and effective.
There’s no “perfect” age—it depends on your skin’s condition. Patients in their 30s and 40s often start with light resurfacing for early signs of aging, while deeper treatments may be ideal in your 50s or beyond. We tailor your plan based on skin health, not just age.
Absolutely. Fractional laser resurfacing is a popular and effective option for minimizing the appearance of acne scars, particularly those with pitted or textural characteristics. Multiple sessions may be recommended depending on severity.
We’ll provide specific pre-care instructions, but in general, avoid sun exposure, retinol products, and exfoliants for at least 1 week before treatment. Stay hydrated, and let us know about any medications or recent treatments to ensure your safety.
