Commonly Asked Questions About Skin Resurfacing Treatments

You may have seen the amazing before-and-after photos on social media, or maybe you’re already a skin care aficionado—either way, skin resurfacing is probably on your radar. Skin resurfacing is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments today, and for good reason. Few other treatment technologies have as much of an impact on your appearance in just one session. Read on to have all your questions about skin resurfacing answered. 

What Does a Skin Resurfacing Treatment Do? 

Put simply, laser skin resurfacing treatments remove the superficial layers of the skin and promote healthier, newer skin cells to grow in their place. This process improves textural irregularities of the skin and restores a brighter, smoother complexion. There is a variety of resurfacing lasers to choose from ranging from more ablative to non-ablative, a term which basically denotes how deep the laser penetrates your skin. The formerly popular CO2 lasers, for example, are fully ablative, meaning the treatments are more painful and require a longer recovery time. The latest advances in technology, however, have made it possible to get the same results with no discomfort or downtime via Nanofractional Radio Frequency skin resurfacing.   

Venus Concept’s skin resurfacing devices, Venus Viva™ MD and Venus Versa™, use tiny pins to safely deliver NanoFractional Radio Frequency through the surface of the skin. This creates very small micro-dermal wounds, which your body naturally heals on its own. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s own healing response, kickstarting collagen and elastin production and generating healthy skin cell turnover. The healing process repairs signs of skin damage that are visible on the surface, such as scars from acne or injury, deep wrinkles, enlarged pores, uneven skin texture, and pigmentation. The increased levels of collagen and elastin also tighten skin and further reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scarring over time. Since the wounds are so small, the treatment is much more comfortable than traditional CO2 lasers, while still producing astonishing results. 

Your Skin Resurfacing Questions Answered 

Q: Am I a good candidate for this treatment? 

A: Anyone who shows signs of skin damage, including deep wrinkles, scars, visible pores, stretch marks, and/or anything else that affects the skin’s texture is a good candidate for skin resurfacing. Your treatment provider will assess your skin beforehand to make sure of your positive results. 

Q: I have darker skin, can I still get a skin resurfacing treatment? 

A: Yes. Venus Concept’s skin resurfacing treatments use technology that’s safe for all skin tones, no matter how dark or light. 

Q: How many sessions will I need to see results? 

A: Most patients receive 3-4 treatments per area in sessions 4-6 weeks apart. The exact number will depend on each individual person and the area being treated. 

Q: What do I need to do to prepare for a skin resurfacing treatment? 

A: Make sure your skin is clean. Do not apply any lotions, creams, perfumes, powder, or makeup before your treatment session, and avoid tanning. Remove all jewelry around the area being treated. If you have excessive hair on the treatment area, shave it beforehand. It also helps to be prepared with information about your medical history—the technician will likely ask about it. 

Q: How long does a treatment session last? 

A: Each session lasts 15-30 minutes, depending on the area being treated. 

Q: What does a skin resurfacing treatment feel like? 

A: You will feel tiny pins on your skin followed by a little zap. Some people compare it to an elastic band snapping the skin. Your face will then feel warm, similar to how a sunburn feels. 

Q: Are skin resurfacing treatments painful? 

A: Venus Concept’s nanofractional radio frequency skin resurfacing treatments may be slightly uncomfortable, but not painful. You’ll feel intense heat, similar to the feeling of sunburn, and your face will look red right after the treatment. For more aggressive treatments, you may get a topical numbing cream to reduce any discomfort. 

Q: How will I feel after the treatment? 

A: Your skin will be red and feel warm afterward, like a sunburn. Your provider will give you aftercare instructions to help you protect your skin in the days immediately following the treatment. 

Q: How long is recovery time? 

A: Your face will be slightly red for 24 hours post-treatment or up to 5 days for more aggressive treatments. As long as you follow the post-care instructions, healing happens very quickly. 

Q: What do I need to do after my treatment? 

A: Avoid touching or scratching the treatment area. For the first 24 hours, only apply products that are expressly recommended by your treatment provider, as there are many topicals that could cause severe irritation. After 24 hours, you should apply sunscreen (at least SPF 30), preferably one without chemicals. Also avoid rigorous exercise and hot baths or massages on the treatment area for the first 2 days after your session. Make sure to keep your skin clean and protected from the sun. Avoid any sort of tanning.  

Q: How long will my results last after the treatment? 

A: After your final treatment, your results will continue to improve. However, one touch-up session may be needed approximately every 6 months, depending on how your skin responds. 

Q: I’m interested in getting a skin resurfacing treatment. What devices perform the treatment? 

A: If you’re getting a skin resurfacing treatment done, your treatment provider may be using Venus Viva™ MD or Venus Versa™. 

To find a provider offering Venus Concept’s leading skin resurfacing technology, search for a clinic near you below.