Price: Starting at ~$1,300
Procedure Time: 1 hour
Recovery Time: 1 week
Introduction to
Skin tells a story of laughter, sun-kissed adventures, and the passage of time. Yet, with each passing year, our skin can evolve, marked by the subtle signs of aging, sun damage, and environmental stressors. At Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, AL, we understand the desire to rewrite that story, to unveil a complexion that radiates youthfulness and vitality. Welcome to the world of Skin Resurfacing, where the craft of rejuvenation and restoration leads the way. Keep reading to learn more about the transformative power of Skin Resurfacing, meticulously crafted to address your unique skincare concerns and unveil the glowing complexion you deserve.
We invite you to schedule a consultation or read below to learn more about one of the best Skin Resurfacing Birmingham has to offer.
Before & After Results
Expert In Skin Resurfacing In Birmingham, AL
Skin Resurfacing in Alabama represents an umbrella term that describes a subset of cosmetic procedures (i.e., Dermabrasion, Chemical Peel, CO2 Laser) aimed at rejuvenating the skin by addressing problem issues such as wrinkles, fine lines, scars, pigmentation irregularities, poor tone, and uneven texture. This transformative treatment involves the use of advanced techniques and technologies to remove damaged outer layers of skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production (the backbone of healthy-appearing skin) to reveal smoother, healthier-looking skin. At Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. Raggio offers a range of Skin Resurfacing options tailored to each patient’s unique needs and desired outcomes, helping them achieve a refreshed, youthful complexion.
Mechanical Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is the original skin-resurfacing procedure that uses a rapidly rotating device to remove the outer layer of skin. The skin that grows back is usually smoother. Dermabrasion can decrease the appearance of fine facial lines and improve the look of many skin flaws, including acne scars, scars from surgery, age spots and wrinkles. Dermabrasion can be done alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures. During dermabrasion, your doctor numbs your skin with anesthetics. You might also have the option of taking a sedative or receiving general anesthesia, depending on the extent of your treatment. Skin treated with dermabrasion will be sensitive and blotchy for several weeks. It might take about three months for your skin tone to return to normal. For this reason, and with the advent of new and more predictable technologies (i.e. Chemical Peels and CO2 Laser), Dr. Raggio only reserves this treatment modality for certain circumstances.
Chemical Peel
A surgical-grade chemical peel is a powerful skin resurfacing procedure where a chemical substance applied to the skin causes controlled damage leading to skin regeneration and remodeling. The result is a more youthful and rested appearance to the skin with improvements in texture (wrinkles), tone (laxity), and discoloration (pigmentation). The procedure takes approximately 15-30 minutes to complete, and can be performed in the office setting (with you awake) or intraoperatively (while you are asleep), depending on the patient’s goals and desired effect. The recovery is variable, with downtime ranging from 7-14 days until you appear “socially presentable.” For this reason, chemical peels are often combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as facelifts, neck lifts, eyelifts, etc, so that downtime is shared. In short, whether used alone or in combination, Chemical Peels represent a reliably predictable and powerful tool to restore a more youthful appearance to the skin.
CO2 (carbon dioxide) Laser
Considered the gold standard in laser facial rejuvenation, the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is one of the original lasers and represents a trusted and powerful skin rejuvenating modality where the delivery of light-based energy to the skin causes controlled damage leading to skin collagen and elastin regeneration and remodeling. The result of CO2 laser skin resurfacing is a more youthful and rested appearance to the skin with improvements in texture (wrinkles), tone (laxity), and discoloration (pigmentation), amongst other improvements. The CO2 laser procedure takes approximately 60 minutes to complete, and can be performed in the office setting (with you awake) or intraoperatively (while you are asleep), depending on the patient’s goals and desired effect. The recovery is variable, with downtime ranging from 7-14 days until you appear “socially presentable.” For this reason, CO2 laser resurfacing may be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as facelifts, neck lifts, eyelifts, etc, so that procedural downtime is shared. In short, whether used alone or in combination, Laser skin resurfacing represents a reliably predictable and powerful tool to restore a more youthful appearance to the skin. Skin resurfacing with CO2 laser is Dr. Raggio’s preferred method given its precision, predictability, effectiveness, and overall safety profile.
Skin resurfacing offers a multitude of benefits for individuals seeking to improve the appearance and health of their skin. Some of the key advantages include:
The best candidates for Skin Resurfacing procedures are individuals who have concerns about the appearance of their skin. The best candidates in Birmingham are looking to:
What’s the first step to schedule a Skin Resurfacing procedure (Dermabrasion, Chemical Peel, CO2 Laser)?
The first step to Skin Resurfacing in Alabama is to schedule a consultation with our team. During this initial appointment, Dr. Raggio or a team member will assess your skin condition, discuss your concerns and goals, and recommend the most suitable resurfacing treatment option based on your individual needs. This consultation is essential for creating a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific skincare concerns and achieves optimal outcomes for your Skin Resurfacing with either Dermabrasion, Chemical Peel or a CO2 Laser. Dr. Raggio and his team will also provide you with a detailed skin care regimen to optimize the effect of your skin resurfacing, minimize your complications, and decrease your initial recovery.
On the day of Skin Resurfacing, we will welcome you with excitement as you begin on your transformative journey to healthier appearing skin. Depending on the type of skin resurfacing procedure you have decided, you may receive a combination of topical or local numbing anesthesia, oral or intravenous sedation, or nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) to ensure your comfort during the treatment. This will be determined in your consultation with Dr. Raggio.
Once you are prepared, our team will begin the Skin Resurfacing procedure according to the predetermined treatment plan. This may involve the use of laser technology, chemical peels, dermabrasion, or other resurfacing techniques to target specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, scars, or pigmentation irregularities.
Throughout the procedure, our professional team will closely monitor your vital signs and adjust the treatment parameters as needed to achieve optimal results while ensuring your safety. Once complete, you will be monitored and given a step-by-step recovery plan before you’re ready to head home. Note that if you receive any type of oral or intravenous sedation, you will require a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you overnight.
Recovery from Skin Resurfacing varies depending on the type and extent of the procedure performed. Generally, our patients can expect some degree of redness, swelling, and sensitivity in the treated area immediately following the procedure. This is normal and typically subsides within 7-10 days, depending on how “primed” or “ready” your skin is for the procedure. Dr. Raggio and his team will provide you with a detailed skin care regimen to optimize the effect of your skin resurfacing, minimize your complications, and decrease your initial recovery. We also ask you to avoid intense sun exposure, apply emollient topical treatments, and refrain from strenuous activities for these first several days.
Overall, most patients receiving Dermabrasion, Chemical Peel, or CO2 Laser in Birmingham can expect to resume normal activities after a few days, although complete healing and optimal results may take several weeks to appreciate since the skin turnover cycle takes approximately 6 weeks to complete. Of note, collagen and elastin will be continually and slowly stimulated for the next several months, which will provide lasting effects for the skin.
The cost of skin resurfacing in Birmingham, AL, can vary depending on the type of procedure performed, and the extent of treatment needed. It’s essential to schedule a consultation with Dr. Raggio and our team at Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery to discuss your specific concerns, goals, and treatment options, as well as to obtain an accurate cost estimate tailored to your individual needs.
Dr. Blake Raggio embodies a holistic approach to Skin Resurfacing CO2 Laser Surgery, prioritizing each patient’s unique goals and concerns. With a comprehensive facial analysis, he meticulously evaluates all aspects before recommending personalized surgical or non-surgical interventions. Dr. Raggio’s patient-centric philosophy ensures collaboration throughout the treatment journey, culminating in a tailored plan that prioritizes patient satisfaction.
Utilizing proven techniques, both surgical and non-surgical, Dr. Raggio strives to achieve durable and natural-looking results aligned with the patient’s cultural and ethnic values. His commitment extends to upholding classical beauty ideals, ensuring outcomes that stand the test of time.
Dr. Raggio’s success is indicative of his esteemed credentials and qualifications.
He strongly believes in educating the next generation of clinicians and serves as a Clinical Adjunct professor with the Faulkner Physician Assistant Studies Program, as a Clinical Adjunct professor with Tulane University Medical Center Department of Head and Neck Surgery in New Orleans Louisiana, and as a Clinical Preceptor for the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine.
He is an active member of multiple medical societies, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAOHNS) as well as the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (AAFPRS).
Lastly, Dr. Raggio is one of only a few Fellowship-Trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons in the entire Birmingham Hoover Metropolitan area, and has obtained rare Dual board certification in both Head and Neck Surgery as well as Facial Plastic Surgery.
For these reasons, patients can be confident and rest assured that they will receive the absolute best Skin Resurfacing CO2 laser result with Dr. Raggio and his team at Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, AL.
Contact us
To embark on your journey to rejuvenate skin through Skin Resurfacing, schedule your consultation with us today. Our team at Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs and goals. Contact us now to take the first step towards revitalizing your skin and restoring your confidence!