Surgical rejuvenation addresses gravity. A facelift repositions soft tissues on the skeletal framework to restore the facial structures. However, surgery does not change the quality of the skin itself. Tightening sun-damaged tissue improves the contour, but it can't erase etched lines, irregular pigmentation, or acne scars.
This is exactly why laser skin resurfacing has become such a hit.
At Pitt Aesthetic Surgery, we treat skin quality with the same seriousness as surgical reconstruction. In our practice, we use the Sciton Joule X platform because it’s widely regarded as the gold standard in laser technology. It allows us to treat the skin on multiple levels and at practically any age to rejuvenate damaged skin.
The Sciton Joule X isn't a single tool; it's a Swiss Army knife. We customize the "stack" of treatments based on what your skin needs. In this case, the impact of combined treatments is often greater than the sum of their parts.
This high-intensity light treatment is a refinement of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology. It targets the "reds and browns"—rosacea, broken capillaries, sun spots, and age spots. The light energy heats the upper layers of the skin, causing that pigment to darken and flake off like coffee grounds. It helps to clear the canvas of color irregularities without breaking the skin barrier.
Halo is the multitasker. It fires two wavelengths at the same time. An ablative laser wavelength hits the epidermis (the outer layer) to polish skin texture and pore size. Simultaneously, a nonablative laser wavelength dives deep into the dermis to stimulate collagen production. You get deep structural work without the heavy downtime. It’s great for prejuvenation, fine lines, uneven skin color, and mild skin laxity. Combining BBL and Halo together results in an even greater effect than either alone.
This is the heavy artillery. The Contour TRL is a full-field erbium: YAG laser capable of both fractional and deep ablative laser resurfacing. This laser targets water extremely selectively and, in doing so, is able to very precisely vaporize tissue. Full field resurfacing removes the entire surface of the skin to a precise depth with micron-level precision. It’s the most powerful tool we have for deep facial wrinkles, those stubborn vertical lines around the mouth, and significant acne scars. It essentially deletes the old skin surface to make room for new, more youthful-looking skin to replace it.
The Sciton platform lets us dial in the depth of your treatment exactly. We aren't guessing. This precision offers distinct advantages over older CO2 laser or chemical peel methods:
We evaluate Laser Skin Resurfacing candidates based on skin tone, medical history, and how much time they can take off work. You're likely an ideal candidate if:
You may have to opt for a different skin treatment if you have very dark skin (Fitzpatrick V-VI), since you are at a higher risk for hyperpigmentation. We may recommend Halo over deep ablation during your consultation. You should also hold off on getting this treatment if you have active acne or a viral infection (like a cold sore). You must be off Accutane (isotretinoin) for at least 6 months before your treatment.
Your result depends heavily on how you prep the canvas. During your Laser Skin Resurfacing consultation, we’ll assess your skin tone and damage level to choose the right treatment for you. At Pitt Aesthetic Surgery, we believe in treating skin holistically, so we develop your laser plan in the context of your larger aesthetic strategy—one that is customized to your goals and lifestyle.
The Rules of Engagement:
For BBL and light Halo treatments, we’ll apply a topical anesthetic cream for about an hour. You’ll feel a warming sensation and an occasional "snap" against the skin. The Sciton system has integrated cooling to keep the epidermis comfortable while the laser heats the lower layers.
For deep Contour TRL resurfacing, we’re removing deeper layers of tissue, so we often utilize nerve blocks with local anesthesia. Once the laser beam passes over the skin, the treated area will feel warm, sort of like a sunburn. We apply cool compresses immediately to start the soothing process. Our laser treatments are all same-day, outpatient procedures.
Laser Skin Resurfacing recovery time depends entirely on how deep we go.
Do not pick at any flaking skin. Let the old skin slough off naturally to reveal the fresh pink tissue underneath.
Following Laser Skin Resurfacing Pittsburgh patients can see an immediate difference in tone once the initial peeling finishes (usually around the one-week mark). The "Halo Glow" is real; light reflects better off smooth skin.
But the real magic happens underground. The thermal injury stimulates new collagen growth that continues for three to six months. Over time, you’ll notice the skin texture becoming denser and smoother. Deep lines soften, and the overall quality of the skin looks more resilient. While we can’t stop the clock, we can certainly rewind it a few years.
Laser skin resurfacing cost varies because the treatment plan is never the same twice. A "Halo" costs more than a standalone BBL, and a full-field TRL is highly customized to your needs.
Laser Skin Resurfacing pricing reflects complexity, treatment duration, and personnel involved. A single BBL session is an entry-level investment, while a full-field Contour TRL resurfacing is a real procedure comparable to a deep chemical peel in terms of results and cost. We’ll give you a transparent quote during your consult that outlines your specific laser stack.
There are plenty of medspas in Pittsburgh offering "laser treatments." But often, those are performed by technicians using lower-power settings or "cookie-cutter" protocols.
At Pitt Aesthetic Surgery, your skin plan is driven by a board-certified plastic surgeon. We understand the biology of the dermis and skin cells. We have all the tools, both surgical and nonsurgical, at our fingertips. Because of this, we can direct you toward the treatment that is right for you, whether that be surgical, nonsurgical, or a combination. We manually tune the micron depth of the laser to match the thickness of your skin in different areas of the face—going lighter on the eyelids, deeper on the upper lip. This surgical approach ensures we maximize skin tightening and texture improvement while keeping you safe.
You don't have to live with the damage left behind by the sun or the scars of the past. It’s time to reset the foundation. Whether you need a light refresh or a complete surface overhaul, we have the technology and the surgical expertise to get you there safely.
Contact us today to schedule your Laser Skin Resurfacing. Let’s bring the fresh, healthy skin you remember back to the surface.
Yes, but let’s manage expectations. The heat generated by the laser stimulates collagen production, which tightens the skin lattice. This helps with mild to moderate skin tightening and improves skin laxity. But if you have significant sagging or jowling, a laser isn't going to replace a facelift.
Old-school CO2 lasers generate more heat spread, which can increase collateral damage. In aggressive full-field resurfacing, this can lead to prolonged redness and that weird "waxy" look. The Sciton Erbium YAG laser is more efficiently absorbed by water, meaning it vaporizes tissue cleanly with less residual heat damage. That usually means a faster recovery.
Absolutely. The Halo laser is particularly excellent for the neck and décolletage, where the skin is thinner. We adjust the settings to treat sun damage and fine lines in these areas safely.
It depends on how aggressive we get. A deep Contour TRL is usually a "one and done" procedure. Halo and BBL are often best done in a series of 2–3 treatments to get that optimal facial rejuvenation without taking a week off work. Aging is a continual process that doesn’t stop after you’ve “turned back the clock.” An ongoing skincare regimen and occasional maintenance treatments are recommended.
We manage comfort aggressively. Topical numbing works well for BBL and Halo. For deep resurfacing, we use local nerve blocks. Most Pittsburgh Laser Skin Resurfacing patients report feeling heat and a prickling sensation, but it’s generally well-tolerated.
