Is Skin Resurfacing Painful?

Pain levels during skin resurfacing treatments can vary depending on the method used and your individual pain tolerance. For microneedling, a topical numbing cream is applied to ensure the procedure is comfortable. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild tingling or vibration, which is typically easy to tolerate. However, more advanced procedures, such as laser skin resurfacing, may cause greater discomfort. These treatments may cause a warm or prickling sensation, but cooling systems and numbing creams are often used to minimize discomfort.

How Many Treatments Are Recommended?

The number of microneedling sessions needed will depend on your skin goals and current condition. Typically, patients choose to undergo a series of three treatments, scheduled about four weeks apart, to achieve optimal results.

How Long Until I See Results?

The timeline for seeing results from skin resurfacing treatments varies depending on the procedure performed, the individual’s skin type, and the specific concerns being addressed. For treatments like microneedling, many patients notice improvements in their skin’s texture and tone within a few days as the skin begins to heal and new collagen production starts. However, the full effects of microneedling typically take about 4-6 weeks to become fully visible as collagen continues to develop beneath the skin’s surface.

Can I Combine Skin Resurfacing With Other Procedures?

Many individuals opt to combine microneedling or laser resurfacing with Botox or dermal fillers to address multiple concerns during a single visit. For example, while skin resurfacing improves skin texture, fillers can restore volume and smooth deeper lines, and Botox can relax facial muscles to prevent wrinkles. However, consulting with your provider is essential to ensure the treatments are compatible and can be safely performed together without increasing risks or complications.

What Are the Risks Associated With Skin Resurfacing?

The most common side effects are temporary, including redness, swelling, or mild irritation. More intensive treatments, such as fractional laser resurfacing, may carry a slightly higher risk of infection, hyperpigmentation (dark spots), or hypopigmentation (light spots), particularly in individuals with darker skin tones. In rare cases, scarring may occur if the skin isn’t cared for properly during the healing process. To minimize risks, following post-treatment instructions closely is crucial. It is also essential to ensure that a skilled professional performs the procedure. You should also disclose any skin conditions or sensitivities to the team to avoid complications.

Skin Resurfacing

Name: Lugo Plastic Surgery
Brand: Lugo Plastic Surgery
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Rating: 5.0 (159 reviews)

Skin Resurfacing in Athens, GA

Introduction

Skin Resurfacing in Georgia

Smooth, radiant skin isn’t out of reach—it’s just a matter of the right treatment. Microneedling has become a go-to treatment for those seeking to refine skin texture, soften scars, and boost collagen, all without the downtime associated with lasers or the commitment required by injectables. By stimulating the skin’s natural healing process, this treatment creates a refreshed, youthful appearance that looks effortlessly flawless. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your skin’s glow and texture, microneedling might be the perfect solution, and it’s offered right here in Athens, GA.

What is Skin
Resurfacing?

All treatments that resurface the skin work in essentially the same way. The outer layers of damaged skin are removed, allowing the new skin to heal in a smoother, more uniform manner. Different methods for resurfacing the skin include dermabrasion, lasers, or chemical treatments such as phenol or TCA. Each of these can be tailored from superficial to deep. Deeper treatment generally leads to better results but is associated with a longer recovery period and a higher risk. A properly trained physician should have a firm understanding of all.

Depending on your goals, these methods can be applied to your entire face and neck or a specific area, such as the upper lip or lower eyelids. Resurfacing can also be paired with other treatment options, such as a facelift, to enhance the results. Since a facelift does not target fine wrinkles in the upper lip or lower eyelids, adding a resurfacing method will often provide a better overall result.

A woman with dark brown hair is seen from the mid-chest up against a textured light gray concrete wall. Her head is turned slightly to the right as she gazes into the distance. Dramatic lighting casts strong highlights on her face and hair, emphasizing her smooth, light-toned skin and subtle, natural makeup with rosy-pink lips. She appears bare-shouldered. - Skin Resurfacing in Watkinsville, GA

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment designed to address various skin concerns, including the visible signs of aging and acne scars. This procedure works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which activate the body’s healing response and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, two vital components for youthful, smooth skin.

Key Benefits of Microneedling:

Effective for various areas, including the face, neck, and décolletage
Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, offering a more youthful appearance
Enhances overall skin texture and tone
Helps reduce the appearance of acne scars and other imperfections
Performed in-office with minimal downtime
Suitable for all skin types

How Microneedling Works

Microneedling initiates thousands of microchannels that stimulate your body’s natural wound-healing process while reducing cellular damage. This revitalizes your skin from the inside out. The result is the effective remodeling of scar tissue, alongside the preservation of the skin’s overall structure.

Phase 1: Inflammation

When the skin is needled, it stimulates the body’s natural immune response, which cleanses the treatment area, eliminates debris, improves blood circulation, and starts the process of tissue regeneration.

Phase 2: Proliferation

During this phase, new granulation cells form and create the extracellular matrix, providing structural support. New blood vessels begin to develop, further nourishing the skin and accelerating the healing process.

Phase 3: Remodeling

In this final stage, the newly formed dermal tissues gradually replace the old, and blood vessels continue to mature, reinforcing the skin’s new, healthier structure.

Benefits of Microneedling

Little Downtime: It is ideal for patients with busy, active schedules.
Natural Recovery: SkinPen’s mechanical process is highly versatile and can be utilized year-round.
Safe for all Skin Types: Clinically proven to be viable for all skin types, Fitzpatrick 1 – 6.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Skin Resurfacing?

The best candidates are those with fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, or uneven skin texture who want a smoother, more youthful complexion. Ideal patients should have good overall health, realistic expectations, and not have active skin infections or severe inflammatory conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. Those with lighter skin tones typically experience a lower risk of pigmentation changes; however, some techniques can make resurfacing viable for all skin types. A consultation with our team in Athens is essential to determine the most suitable type of resurfacing based on your skin concerns and goals.

What’s the
first step?

The first step in the skin resurfacing process is a consultation with one of our aestheticians, who will assess your skin issues, medical history, and treatment objectives. During this visit, they will assess your skin type, review your previous treatments, and determine the most effective resurfacing technique, whether microneedling or another treatment. Patients should disclose any medications, skin sensitivities, or past cosmetic procedures to ensure a safe and customized approach. Once a treatment plan is established, you’ll receive pre-procedure instructions, which may include avoiding retinoids, exfoliants, and excessive sun in the days leading up to the treatment.

What Can I Expect During Treatment?

At our Athens, GA, office, we begin each microneedling session by applying a topical numbing cream to ensure your comfort and minimize any discomfort. During the procedure, most patients describe feeling only a light vibration as the microneedling device is gently moved across the skin in a methodical pattern, ensuring consistent treatment results. Depending on your specific needs, a specialized serum or growth factor solution may be applied to promote further skin healing and rejuvenation. The entire session usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Afterward, some redness may appear, similar to a mild sunburn, but this typically fades within a few days.

Skin Resurfacing
Recovery

After a skin resurfacing treatment, recovery time can vary depending on the technique used. For treatments like microneedling, you may experience some discoloration and swelling, similar to a sunburn, which typically subsides within one to two days. For more intensive treatments, such as laser resurfacing, you may experience redness, peeling, and slight scabbing, which can last for several days to a week. To help your skin heal, you’ll be instructed to steer clear of direct sun exposure, refrain from using harsh skincare products, and keep the treated area clean and moisturized. Post-procedure serums or ointments will sometimes be provided to help soothe and accelerate recovery.

How Much Does Skin Resurfacing Cost in Athens, GA?

The cost of Skin Resurfacing in Oconee County and Athens varies based on the type of treatment you choose, the area being treated, and the depth of your skin concerns. For example, microneedling treatments typically cost less than more advanced resurfacing options, such as fractional laser treatments. Generally, skin resurfacing procedures in Athens, GA, range from $200 to $1,500 per session. Your specific cost will be determined during a private consultation, during which we will assess your skin and discuss the best treatment options. Multiple appointments may be recommended for optimal results, and financing or payment plans may be available to help manage the cost.

Why Choose Dr. Lugo?

Dr. Liana M. Lugo, founder and medical director of Lugo Plastic Surgery, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Athens, GA, who has helped countless patients achieve their aesthetic goals. Dr. Lugo brings a woman’s perspective and qualities to help her patients achieve excellent outcomes.

Skin Resurfacing FAQ’S

Pain levels during skin resurfacing treatments can vary depending on the method used and your individual pain tolerance. For microneedling, a topical numbing cream is applied to ensure the procedure is comfortable. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild tingling or vibration, which is typically easy to tolerate. However, more advanced procedures, such as laser skin resurfacing, may cause greater discomfort. These treatments may cause a warm or prickling sensation, but cooling systems and numbing creams are often used to minimize discomfort.
The timeline for seeing results from skin resurfacing treatments varies depending on the procedure performed, the individual’s skin type, and the specific concerns being addressed. For treatments like microneedling, many patients notice improvements in their skin’s texture and tone within a few days as the skin begins to heal and new collagen production starts. However, the full effects of microneedling typically take about 4-6 weeks to become fully visible as collagen continues to develop beneath the skin’s surface.
Many individuals opt to combine microneedling or laser resurfacing with Botox or dermal fillers to address multiple concerns during a single visit. For example, while skin resurfacing improves skin texture, fillers can restore volume and smooth deeper lines, and Botox can relax facial muscles to prevent wrinkles. However, consulting with your provider is essential to ensure the treatments are compatible and can be safely performed together without increasing risks or complications.
The most common side effects are temporary, including redness, swelling, or mild irritation. More intensive treatments, such as fractional laser resurfacing, may carry a slightly higher risk of infection, hyperpigmentation (dark spots), or hypopigmentation (light spots), particularly in individuals with darker skin tones. In rare cases, scarring may occur if the skin isn’t cared for properly during the healing process. To minimize risks, following post-treatment instructions closely is crucial. It is also essential to ensure that a skilled professional performs the procedure. You should also disclose any skin conditions or sensitivities to the team to avoid complications.

5.0

Patient Reviews

I cannot say enough wonderful things

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Lugo and her amazing staff. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with genuine warmth and kindness that immediately puts you at ease. Dr. Lugo is not only incredibly knowledgeable and skilled in her field, but she also takes the time to truly listen, explain, and make sure you feel comfortable with every step of the process.

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Dr. Lugo is incredible

I am extremely satisfied with Dr. Lugo’s services. Dr. Lugo is incredible. You can truly see the care and perfection she puts into her work. I am absolutely thrilled with the results of my procedure. After leaving Dr. Lugo’s consultation, I was completely convinced to go through with the surgery. She made me feel confident, and I had no doubts about choosing her.

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My results were life-changing

Words cannot begin to describe my absolute pleasure with Lugo Plastic Surgery. First and foremost, Dr. Lugo is so thorough and genuinely cares about her patients and her work. Each and every single staff member has always been so kind and willing to help with anything needed. The office is nice and clean, appointments run on time, and not a long wait. My results were life-changing for me, and I couldn’t have chosen a more caring, compassionate, and professional surgeon if I tried.

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Dr. Lugo has been great!

Dr. Lugo has been great! From my very first consultation to my surgery, she was very thorough in explaining the process and answered any questions I had before I could ask them! The surgery went so well and I’m very pleased! She is sweet, kind, and great at her job! Can’t recommend her enough

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Dr. Liana M. Lugo is truly phenomenal

Dr. Liana M. Lugo is truly phenomenal. From my very first consultation, I felt an instant connection with her. She is not just a surgeon—she’s a healer, a creator, and a perfectionist in her craft. After my myomectomy, I was left with severe scarring from previous doctors who had mishandled my procedure. Dr. Lugo completely transformed my results, correcting the scarring from previous procedures and leaving me with a beautifully refined and natural-looking result.

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Testimonials

Schedule a Consultation

To schedule a skin resurfacing consultation, contact our Athens team at your convenience. Call us today at (706) 707-5854 or book online to schedule your appointment and begin your journey to smoother, more youthful skin.

@drlianamlugo

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