Sun exposure, aging, and buildup on the surface of the skin can lead to a dull tone, fine lines, and uneven texture. When the outermost layers become damaged, the face can appear older and less vibrant. Refreshing this layer can help reveal skin that looks smoother, healthier, and more even in tone.
At RoseHall Medical Aesthetics in Bowie, MD, we offer several treatments that resurface the skin for a more youthful appearance. Options include RF microneedling, laser skin resurfacing, and other energy-based treatments that can improve both texture and tone. Each method stimulates the skin’s natural renewal process to create a fresher surface.
What Is Skin Resurfacing?
Skin resurfacing involves removing or remodeling the upper layers of the skin to improve its texture, clarity, and overall appearance. Treatments target surface-level concerns like roughness, discoloration, fine lines, and early sun damage. We approach this through methods that activate your body’s healing response. These techniques do not involve cutting, stitches, or significant downtime, which makes them a practical option for patients who want noticeable improvement without surgery.
What Can Skin Resurfacing Treat?
Acne Scars and Other Types of Scarring
Skin resurfacing can smooth raised or indented areas left behind by acne or other trauma. Treatments like RF microneedling remodel collagen, break down scar tissue, and fill in depressions with new tissue. Laser treatments can also help break down scar tissue while encouraging new, healthier skin to form in its place.
Lines and Wrinkles
Fine lines and mild to moderate wrinkles form when skin loses collagen and elasticity. By stimulating collagen production and resurfacing the top layer, we can soften these lines and improve overall skin texture. Some treatments target wrinkles more deeply, which may help with creases around the mouth, eyes, and forehead.
Uneven Skin Tone and Texture
Dead skin cells, buildup, and past inflammation can leave the skin looking blotchy or rough. Laser resurfacing and microneedling help remove or repair this outer layer, allowing new skin to create a more even surface. You may notice a smoother feel and more consistent tone after a series of treatments.
Hyperpigmentation and Sun Damage
Excess pigment from sun exposure or hormonal shifts can collect in patches or spots on the face. Laser energy breaks down this pigment so the body can gradually clear it out. At the same time, resurfacing clears damaged skin and encourages new cell growth with a more even distribution of melanin.
Large Pores
Stretched or congested pores often appear more noticeable when the skin around them lacks support. Microneedling and laser treatments stimulate collagen around the pore walls, which can help reduce their appearance. Removing surface debris also helps prevent clogging and makes pores look smaller.
Skin Laxity
As collagen declines, the skin loses firmness and begins to sag. Some resurfacing treatments reach into deeper layers to stimulate fibroblasts and support tissue remodeling. Over time, this helps the skin feel tighter and appear more lifted.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks form when the skin stretches quickly and the underlying structure breaks down. Treatments that trigger collagen production, such as RF microneedling, help restore support in these areas. Resurfacing the outer layer also helps reduce the color and texture contrast between stretch marks and the surrounding skin.
Skin Resurfacing Technologies
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy to treat both the surface of the skin and the layers beneath it. The device uses a matrix of small needles to penetrate the skin and deliver the RF energy to controlled depths. Morpheus8 helps improve texture, tone, and mild laxity through resurfacing and collagen stimulation.
The technology allows us to adjust both the depth of needle penetration and the intensity of the RF energy. We can reach below the surface to remodel collagen while still addressing surface concerns like fine lines, acne scars, and uneven tone. The heat generated by the RF energy activates the skin’s natural repair response and prompts the production of new collagen and elastin.
As the needles trigger this response, damaged outer layers gradually shed and give way to smoother, more refined skin. Because the energy targets below the surface without removing large areas of tissue, the treatment comes with less downtime compared to more aggressive resurfacing treatments.
Hollywood Spectra™
Hollywood Spectra™ is a non-ablative laser skin treatment that uses short, high-energy pulses to target pigmentation, texture issues, and early signs of aging. It uses both 1064nm and 532nm wavelengths, which allows us to address a wide range of skin concerns. The laser energy bypasses the top layer and reaches into the dermis to break down unwanted pigment and stimulate collagen renewal.
Hollywood Spectra treats melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun damage, redness, and uneven tone with minimal downtime. It also works well for active acne and early scarring by reducing inflammation and promoting clearer skin. When used in its “carbon peel” mode, a light layer of carbon lotion is applied to the skin before the laser treatment, enhancing exfoliation and improving brightness.
Lutronic Ultra™
Lutronic Ultra™ is a non-ablative fractional laser that resurfaces the skin by creating precise thermal channels without removing the top layer. It uses a special wavelength of light to warm targeted areas of the skin, which helps shed damaged cells and trigger the growth of new, healthier tissue. We can treat the entire face in just a few minutes with this device.
We use Lutronic Ultra to treat sun damage, dark spots, freckles, uneven tone, and early signs of aging. It can also help with rough texture and mild precancerous lesions. The treatment is suitable for many areas, including the face, neck, and chest, and works well for a range of skin types throughout the year.
How Can You Prepare for Skin Resurfacing?
- Limit sun exposure in the days leading up to treatment: Tanned or sunburned skin is more sensitive to heat and light. Avoid outdoor sun exposure and stop using tanning beds or self-tanners at least one week before your session.
- Stop using exfoliating or active skincare products: Ingredients like retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide can make the skin more reactive. Pause these products about five days before your skin rejuvenation treatment unless we advise otherwise.
- Let us know about any medications or skin treatments: Some oral or topical medications may affect how your skin responds. Share a full list of current products and any recent treatments during your consultation so we can plan accordingly.
- Stay hydrated and moisturize regularly: Well-hydrated skin tends to heal more quickly and respond better to treatment. Drink water throughout the day and keep the skin moisturized in the days before your visit.
- Avoid waxing or shaving the treatment area right before your session: Removing hair can create small abrasions or increase skin sensitivity. Shave or wax a few days in advance if needed, but not on the day of your appointment.
- Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup or lotion: Wash your face before your appointment or allow time for us to do so. Skincare products can interfere with how energy-based treatments interact with the skin.
What Is the Downtime for Skin Resurfacing?
Morpheus8
With Morpheus8, patients may experience redness, slight swelling, and a tight or dry feeling for two to three days. Small scabs or grid-like marks may form and flake off as the skin heals. You can usually return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours, but it is best to avoid heavy sweating, makeup, or sun exposure for a few days after treatment.
Hollywood Spectra
This laser resurfacing treatment has very little downtime and is a good option if you want to avoid recovery time. Most patients experience some redness or mild swelling immediately after the session, which fades within a few hours. In some cases, light flaking may occur as the skin sheds old cells, especially if pigmentation was treated. You can usually apply makeup the next day and resume your usual routine right away.
Lutronic Ultra
Downtime with Lutronic Ultra varies based on treatment intensity. After a lighter session, the skin may feel warm or slightly pink for a day. With more aggressive settings, you may notice dryness, a sandpaper-like texture, and mild peeling over the next three to five days. Most patients return to daily activities right away, but it is best to avoid exfoliating products and direct sun until the skin feels completely smooth again.
Post-Treatment Skincare
After skin resurfacing, focus on keeping the skin clean, calm, and protected. Use a gentle cleanser followed by a hydrating moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores to support healing and prevent dryness. Daily sunscreen is important, even indoors, as the skin becomes more sensitive to light after treatment. Avoid exfoliating products, retinoids, or anything irritating until the skin has fully recovered. Let any dryness or flaking resolve on its own without picking or scrubbing to avoid disrupting the healing process.
What Results Can You Expect From Skin Resurfacing?
Progressive Improvement
Results often build gradually as the skin continues to heal and remodel. You may see early changes like smoother texture or a subtle glow within the first week, depending on the treatment used. Deeper improvements in tone, firmness, and fine lines usually become more noticeable over several weeks as collagen production increases.
More Radiant, Even-Toned Skin
As the outer layer sheds and new skin cells come forward, many patients notice a brighter, more even complexion. Surface irregularities like roughness, discoloration, or shallow scars often become less visible. This renewed surface gives the skin a healthier appearance without the dullness caused by buildup or sun damage.
Longevity of Results
The duration of results varies depending on the treatment, your skin condition, and how well you care for your skin afterward. Sun protection and a consistent skincare routine can help extend the benefits. Maintenance treatments may be recommended every few months or annually to preserve long-term changes.
Combination Treatments
We often pair skin resurfacing with other treatments for enhanced results. Combining resurfacing with injectables, skin tightening, or brightening treatments allows us to address multiple concerns in one plan. This approach can help support collagen using multiple methods while also improving overall skin quality.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Skin Resurfacing?
- Healthy Adults: Patients in good health tend to heal more predictably and respond better to skin rejuvenation treatments. If you do not have active infections, uncontrolled medical conditions, or issues with wound healing, your skin is more likely to recover smoothly after resurfacing.
- Visible Skin Concerns: Skin resurfacing works best when there are specific concerns to target, such as uneven texture, discoloration, fine lines, or scarring. If you want to improve the surface of your skin rather than treat deeper structural concerns, this treatment can be a good fit.
- Realistic Expectations: It is important to understand what resurfacing can and cannot do. While it can refresh and refine the appearance of your skin, it does not offer instant transformation. Improvement builds over time, especially with non-ablative treatments.
- Not Taking Photosensitizing Medications: Certain medications, such as some antibiotics or acne treatments, make the skin more sensitive to light and heat. These can increase the risk of irritation or uneven results. Let us know about all current medications during your consultation so we can guide you safely.
Is Skin Resurfacing Suitable for All Skin Types?
Most skin resurfacing treatments work well across a range of skin types, but the device and settings matter. Patients with deeper skin tones may benefit more from options that minimize pigment disruption. Laser treatments that use certain wavelengths may require extra caution to avoid post-treatment discoloration. We always evaluate skin type before treatment to choose the safest and most effective approach.
Why Choose Us for Skin Resurfacing?
At RoseHall Medical Aesthetics, skin resurfacing treatments are guided by medical expertise and a deep understanding of facial anatomy. Dr. Maurice Miles brings advanced certifications in both Lutronic and InMode laser technologies, along with years of hands-on experience in facial aesthetics. Dr. Cosette Jamieson adds a strong clinical background as a double board-certified physician with a detail-oriented, patient-focused approach. We focus on delivering thoughtful, effective care using proven technology and sound clinical judgment. We serve patients from Bowie, MD, as well as Laurel, Crofton, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greenbelt, Lanham, Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, DC.
Reveal Healthier, Smoother Skin With Skin Resurfacing in Bowie, MD
Skin resurfacing can address concerns like uneven tone, sun damage, and early signs of aging by encouraging the skin to renew itself. At RoseHall Medical Aesthetics in Bowie, MD, we use technologies such as Morpheus8, Lutronic Ultra, and Hollywood Spectra to support this process. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please contact us or call (301) 383-0481.