Many things can damage our skin, including sun exposure, aging, acne, gravity, and pollutants in the air. Over the years, these variables often leave our complexion looking dry and lifeless and cover our skin with wrinkles, creases, and other impurities. If you’d like your skin to regain the vitality and smooth, youthful complexion it once possessed, you may want to consider laser skin resurfacing in Tampa.
Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that uses specialized lasers to remove the outermost layer of damaged skin. When signs of aging impact skin, they primarily affect the top layer, so when that layer is carefully removed, it brings smoother, more youthful skin to the surface. Additionally, laser skin resurfacing can help stimulate the production of collagen, which keeps the skin firm and vibrant.
We use several lasers at Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & MedSpa to administer laser skin resurfacing. Each laser works differently to revitalize the skin.
Ablative fractional laser emits potent, rapid bursts of energy, which only impact the targeted skin cells. The eC02 ablative fractional laser is excellent for treating acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and moderate to severe wrinkles.
This unique laser features a computer-monitored interface for customized energy streams. The TRL Erbium YAG laser can treat blotchy skin, wrinkles, lines, and creases.
The Renuvion Dermal Resurfacing device is FDA-approved and used to tighten loose skin and revitalize the complexion. The device utilizes J-Plasma technology, which is made with radiofrequency energy that’s passed through cold helium. This treatment can also correct enlarged pores, reduce sun spots, and increase collagen production.
The HALO hybrid fractional laser is a specialized laser that combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to achieve superior results. This laser treats sun damage, wrinkles, scarring, skin discoloration, and laxity.
For anyone looking to rejuvenate their facial skin, laser skin resurfacing can provide multiple benefits:
At Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, we take great pride in treating our patients with exceptional aesthetic care. If you visit our Tampa MedSpa location, Dr. Holcomb or Dr. Kreithen will resurface your laser skin with precision and attention to detail. Both doctors are highly skilled, experienced, and committed to providing superb results.
The number of sessions depends on the laser used and the severity of your skin concerns. More aggressive ablative lasers, such as the eC02 or TRL Erbium YAG, can produce meaningful improvement in a single session, while lighter treatments may require a series. Your provider will outline the appropriate number of sessions during your consultation.
Preparation typically begins two to four weeks before your appointment. Your provider will likely recommend pausing retinoids and exfoliating acids, which sensitize the skin, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure, as recently tanned skin increases the risk of complications. A full pre-treatment protocol specific to your laser will be provided at consultation.
The experience depends on the laser used and the depth of treatment. During the procedure, most patients notice warmth or mild stinging; afterward, the skin typically feels similar to a sunburn for several days, with some sensitivity in the treated areas. More intensive ablative sessions involve a more pronounced post-procedure experience than lighter approaches.
Ablative lasers remove the outer layer of skin directly, producing more immediate improvement but requiring a longer recovery. Non-ablative lasers work beneath the surface without removing skin, stimulating collagen with little to no visible downtime. The HALO Hybrid Fractional Laser at HK MedSpa combines both approaches, delivering meaningful results with a shorter recovery than fully ablative treatment alone.
Yes, and this is a common approach. Laser resurfacing is frequently performed alongside facial surgery to address both structural changes and surface skin quality within a single recovery period. Dr. Holcomb's background in cosmetic laser surgery makes him particularly well positioned to integrate resurfacing with surgical procedures.
Laser resurfacing can be applied to the neck, chest, and hands, though the face is the most common treatment area. The skin in these other locations tends to be thinner and may require adjusted laser settings or a more conservative approach. Your provider will determine which areas are appropriate during your evaluation.
Laser resurfacing can be appropriate across a range of skin types, but certain wavelengths carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for patients with deeper skin tones. A thorough skin evaluation before treatment is essential for selecting the right laser and parameters for your complexion. HK MedSpa Tampa's access to multiple laser platforms makes it possible to tailor treatment more precisely across different skin types.
The most common post-treatment experiences are temporary swelling and skin sensitivity, both of which resolve as the skin heals. Less common but possible risks include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, prolonged discoloration, infection, or changes in skin texture, particularly when aftercare instructions are not followed carefully. Your provider will review all relevant risks before your procedure.
