Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing

Lucas Bingham, MD -  - Dermatologist

Coastal Hills Dermatology

Lucas Bingham, MD

Dermatologist located in Ladera Ranch, CA

Secret™ PRO Fractional CO₂ Resurfacing

Ablative fractional laser resurfacing for advanced photoaging, scars, and deep wrinkles.

What to Expect:
Laser treatment following topical appication of anesthesia to induce controlled skin renewal.

Downtime:
Moderate. Redness, swelling, oozing, and peeling typically 5–10 days or longer depending on treatment depth.

Contraindications:

  • Pregnancy

  • Active infection or impaired wound healing

  • Recent isotretinoin use (provider dependent)

  • History of keloid scarring (relative)

Pre-Care:

  • Strict sun avoidance for several weeks prior

  • Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating agents 1 week prior to treatment

  • Pre-treatment antiviral therapy if you have a history of cold sores

Full Pre and Post Care

For best results please follow these instructions

 

BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT:

  • Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment
  • Excess hair may need to be shaved. Men should be cleanly shaved
  • No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment
    • Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc.
  • Avoid skin irritants (examples below) 5-7 days before treatment
    • Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, vitamin C/ascorbic acid, astringents, etc.
  • Notify clinic with any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment
  • History of herpes or cold sores may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment
  • Avoid blood thinning medications, supplements, and alcohol for 48 hours prior to treatment
  • Pacemaker or metal implants in treatment areas are contraindications for RF microneedling
  • If using Alastin Duo Kit, start applying Skin Nectar daily for 1 week prior to procedure.
  • Highly recommended to receive medical grade facial with esthetician 2-4 weeks prior to procedure to prep skin for best results.

 

AFTER YOUR TREATMENT (CO2):

  • Do not wash your face/neck/chest for at least 6-8 hours post-treatment
  • Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat dry the skin gently twice day until the crusting naturally exfoliates/sloughs off
  • Recommended doing vinegar soaks for the first 3 days. Soak sterile gauze in 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water and leave on the face/neck/chest for 20 minutes. May do this several times a day to help reduce irritation.
  • Apply a mild/non-fragrant moisturizing cream to the treatment area 2-4 times daily for 2 weeks or until the area is fully healed. Alastin Nectar is recommended
  • A visible fine scab or crusting will develop 3 to 5 days after your treatment
    • Do not remove it forcibly or scratch it. Ok to apply Vaseline/Aquaphor to any scabs
    • You may take an oral antihistamine to help with any itchiness that may occur
  • You may feel redness, dryness, swelling, and some pain for 2 to 3 days
  • Start applying sunscreen 2 days post treatment to help prevent UV-induced pigmentation for 6 weeks post treatment
  • Do not wear a face masks until the fine scabbing/crusting has exfoliated or sloughed off (up to 5 days)
  • Avoid skin irritants (examples below) for 10-14 days after treatment
    • Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, vitamin C/ascorbic acid, astringents, etc
  • Avoid sauna and aggressive exercises for 1-2 weeks. Gentle exercise is ok starting 48 hours post treatment.
  • Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
  • Notify clinic of any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, persistent grid pattern, etc.)
  • Diamond Glow is recommended 7-10 days after treatment with our esthetician.
What we offer

Dermatology Services