Lasers & IPL
in Florida

The Procedure Process

Initial Consultation

Your surgeon will evaluate the changes in your skin, review your goals, and explain the options that are best for you. He or she will explain the details of the planned operation including risks, benefits, and alternatives and how you can work together to limit your risks and achieve or surpass your desired results.

Often, pre-treatment of the skin, with creams like Retin-A and/or Hydroquinone are used for several weeks prior to the laser treatment.  Anti-viral medications are typically given to patients with a past history of cold sores.

Day of Surgery

The procedure can be performed with a variety of anesthesia choices, including numbing creams, nerve blocks, IV sedation or general anesthesia.  This will depend on the depth of the planned laser treatment, and whether other surgical procedures are being performed. The facial skin is cleansed, the eyes are protected, and the laser is applied by the surgeon.  Areas requiring more treatment may need several passes of the laser.

Once completed, a moisturizing ointment will be applied.

Immediate Aftercare

You’ll be monitored in a recovery area and return home with detailed aftercare instructions. Sometimes your surgeon may prefer an overnight stay, if multiple procedures are being performed.  You will have to re-apply the ointment to the layered areas multiple times each day.  Avoid sun exposure.

Follow-Up Visits

 Your Board Certified FSPS surgeon will guide your healing process and carefully monitor your progress with scheduled follow-ups. Post-operative care is an important part of recovery and getting your best result.

Results: What to Expect

Patients typically notice a significant improvement in skin quality shortly after the skin resurfaces. Final results become more visible over months as the skin matures and benefits from skincare products. Sunblock is essential during this time period to avoid pigment changes in the skin. The desired outcome is a clean, smooth, youthful appearance.

Recovery and Aftercare

Deeper laser peels take longer to heal than more superficial ones. Initial downtime ranges from 3-10 days depending upon the type of laser and the level of treatment. The laser “dots” seen immediately after treatment will typically peel in about 5-7 days in a medium to deep laser treatment, as the skin heals.   Smoother skin will be seen, but is often initially pinky-red in color.  This color will fade back to normal over the following weeks.  Once the skin has recovered, a customized skin care program may be helpful to achieve the desired result.

Risks and Considerations

As with any procedure, laser resurfacing carries some risks. Common issues often stem from early sun exposure, which may cause hyperpigmentation (freckling). Acne flare-ups are not uncommon initially, due to the use of the ointments. Melasma could be made worse by this treatment.  Burns and scars are a remote possibility, particularly with deep or intense treatments.  These patients may require multiple lighter treatments instead. Choosing a board-certified FSPS member surgeon ensures that you’re in expert hands, with safety protocols and personalized care to minimize complications.

Why Choose an FSPS Member Plastic Surgeon?

Selecting a member of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons ensures you receive care from a highly trained expert who holds certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. These surgeons bring extensive experience and surgical precision, maintain hospital privileges as board-certified specialists, and uphold the highest safety and ethical standards. With convenient locations across Florida—including Boca Raton, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, and more—expert plastic surgery care is never far away.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser resurfacing

Serving Florida Communities Statewide

FSPS surgeons proudly serve patients across Florida, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Sarasota, Gainesville and beyond.