How does skin resurfacing work?
Skin resurfacing uses advanced laser technology to remove damaged surface layers and stimulate new collagen deep within the skin. We use the Rohrer Phoenix CO2 and Rohrer Pico Laser to target fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, discoloration, and scarring.
As the skin heals, fresh collagen strengthens the dermal structure, improving firmness, elasticity, tone, and texture. Over time, smoother and healthier skin emerges, revealing a brighter, more youthful appearance.
Is laser skin resurfacing safe?
Yes, only physicians like Dr. Sugar perform CO2 laser resurfacing in Farmington, NM, ensuring expert precision and safety. We customize every treatment to your skin type, medical history, and goals.
Our advanced devices include built-in temperature and energy controls to protect surrounding tissue and support optimal healing. Side effects are mild and temporary, and your provider gives you personalized post-care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
What does the treatment feel like?
We apply numbing cream before the procedure to ensure comfort. You may feel a warm or prickling sensation as the laser energy works, but most patients describe the experience as very tolerable. Our medical team monitors comfort throughout the session.
Who is a good candidate?
You may be a great candidate if you want to improve fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, uneven tone, or texture. You should be in good overall health and able to follow sun protection and post-care instructions. During your consultation, we evaluate your skin and create a treatment plan that aligns with your goals.
How should I prepare?
To protect your skin and ensure the best results:
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners for several weeks before treatment.
- Discontinue irritating skincare products (exfoliants, retinoids, acids) as advised.
- Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements (like fish oil or ginkgo biloba) for one week prior, unless your physician instructs otherwise.
- Arrive with clean skin on the day of treatment—no makeup or lotions.
- Men should shave the treatment area beforehand.
- For deeper skin tones, we may recommend a pigment control product several weeks prior to help prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
How much downtime should I expect?
You can expect about 1 day of downtime and 1 to 7 days of recovery, depending on the depth of treatment. Mild redness, flaking, or swelling is normal as the skin heals. We provide detailed home care instructions to make healing smooth and stress-free.
When will I see results?
Following your first treatment of CO2 laser resurfacing in Farmington, NM, you should see improvements in 1 to 4 weeks as the surface skin heals and collagen rebuilds. Texture becomes smoother, discoloration fades, and fine lines soften. Collagen continues to strengthen the skin for months, enhancing firmness and overall quality long after your initial recovery.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients start with a series of 3 treatments of CO2 laser resurfacing in Farmington, NM, spaced about 1 month apart. This approach maximizes collagen remodeling and long-term results. After your initial series, we recommend maintenance treatments every 1 to 2 years to keep your skin firm and radiant.
How long do results last?
Skin resurfacing results can last 1 year or longer, depending on lifestyle and skincare habits. Because laser energy stimulates your natural collagen, improvements continue. Protecting your results through sun avoidance, medical-grade skincare, and periodic maintenance treatments helps preserve your smoother, stronger, more youthful skin.