Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical procedure that uses precise light energy to remove or remodel damaged layers of skin. The treatment works by delivering a controlled stimulus to the skin, which triggers its natural healing response. That response includes producing new collagen and elastin, the structural proteins responsible for firmness, smoothness, and elasticity. The result is skin that looks noticeably smoother, more even in tone, and more youthful.
At Synergy Face + Body in Richmond, VA, Dr. Travis Shaw offers a carefully selected range of physician-grade resurfacing treatments tailored to each patient’s skin type, concerns, and goals. Whether you are dealing with the cumulative effects of years of sun exposure, the pitted texture left behind by acne, stubborn melasma that has not responded to topical creams, or the gradual changes that come with normal aging, there is a resurfacing approach that can meaningfully help.
What Skin Issues Does Resurfacing Correct?
Our laser and energy-based treatments address a wide range of concerns, from cosmetic imperfections to medically significant skin conditions. Below is an overview of what each condition involves and how resurfacing helps.
Wrinkles & Fine Lines
Both surface-level fine lines and deeper wrinkles form as collagen and elastin production slows with age. Resurfacing treatments rebuild this structural foundation, smoothing the skin from below rather than simply filling lines from the outside.
Sun Damage
Chronic UV exposure breaks down collagen, causes uneven pigmentation, and creates rough or leathery skin texture over time. Laser resurfacing removes or remodels these damaged layers and stimulates fresh, healthier skin growth.
Age Spots & Hyperpigmentation
Age spots are flat areas of excess melanin production triggered by sun exposure. Laser energy targets and breaks down this concentrated pigment so that fresh, more evenly toned skin can replace it.
Melasma
Melasma is a form of chronic pigmentation driven by hormonal changes and sun exposure. It tends to appear symmetrically on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip, and often requires a carefully considered treatment protocol because certain aggressive approaches can temporarily worsen it.
Acne Scars
When acne causes deep inflammation in the skin, it can permanently damage the collagen structure beneath, leaving pitted, rolling, or boxcar-type scars. Resurfacing encourages the skin to lay down new collagen, which gradually fills in and levels these depressions.
Rosacea & Redness
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes persistent facial redness, visible capillaries, and in some cases thickening of the skin. Certain energy-based treatments can significantly reduce visible redness and broken blood vessels.
Uneven Skin Texture
Rough, bumpy, or porous skin texture can result from acne, sun damage, aging, or simply genetics. Resurfacing smooths the skin surface and encourages a finer, more refined texture that foundation and concealer cannot replicate.
Skin Laxity
As collagen fibers loosen over time, skin begins to sag and lose its definition. Radiofrequency energy heats the deeper dermal layers to contract existing collagen and trigger the formation of new fibers, producing a gradual tightening effect.
Aging Face & Neck
A combination of collagen loss, pigmentation changes, and reduced skin elasticity creates the overall appearance of an aging face and neck. Resurfacing treatments can address all of these factors simultaneously for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Facial Resurfacing Treatments
Vivace
This revolutionary FDA-approved facial resurfacing treatment combines radio frequency with micro-needling. The device works by causing micro-injuries through the use of tiny needles. The injuries stimulate natural healing, while the added radio-frequency uses heat to improve collagen production. This dual-action not only provides immediate skin rejuvenation but assures gradual improvement as well.
Lumenis Ultrapulse CO2
This high-tech laser rejuvenation system uses a continuous series of short-period, high-peak-power pulses to address bad skin texture. The laser energy used by the Ultrapulse essentially vaporizes target tissue without causing damage to other areas of the body. Treatment with this laser system can be customized to fit specific skin types and aesthetic goals. The end result is a smoother, more radiant skin texture achieved with minimal side effects. Dr. Shaw administers this treatment personally. During your Lumenis session, you can rest assured knowing that your procedure is being performed by a skilled medical professional and recipient of the MEDARVA 2019 Patient Choice Award.
What to Expect: From Consultation to Results
Every resurfacing journey at Synergy Face + Body begins with a thorough consultation where Dr. Shaw listens carefully to your goals and designs a plan specific to your skin and your schedule.
Consultation
Dr. Shaw evaluates your skin type, reviews your concerns in detail, and explains the treatment options that are appropriate for your goals. He discusses realistic outcomes, recovery requirements, and what the process will involve day by day so you can make an informed decision without pressure.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
You will receive specific preparation instructions depending on your chosen treatment. For CO2 laser, this typically includes guidance on skincare products to pause in advance and pre-treatment icing. For Vivace, topical numbing cream is applied in-office approximately 45 minutes before the session begins.
The Treatment
Most sessions take approximately 30 minutes. CO2 laser treatments include a multi-step comfort protocol: topical anesthetic cream, pre-treatment icing, and a cold-air chiller blowing over the skin throughout the procedure. Vivace sessions use topical numbing to keep you comfortable as the device moves across the treatment area.
Recovery and Aftercare
CO2 laser requires a healing period of approximately one to two weeks, during which the skin will be red, may feel tight, and will peel as it regenerates. Vivace recovery is significantly shorter, with most patients experiencing only mild redness for one to three days. You will receive detailed written aftercare instructions, and our team remains available to answer questions throughout your healing process.
Long-Term Results
Improvements continue to develop over the weeks and months following treatment as new collagen forms and matures. Annual maintenance sessions are recommended to sustain and build on your results over time, since the underlying aging process does continue. Many patients find that their skin looks significantly better year after year compared to doing nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Resurfacing in Richmond, VA
What is laser skin resurfacing, and how does it work?
Laser skin resurfacing uses controlled light energy or radiofrequency to remove or remodel damaged skin. Ablative CO2 lasers like the Lumenis Ultrapulse vaporize the outer layers of damaged skin in carefully calibrated pulses. This removes the tissue containing visible damage while simultaneously delivering heat deeper into the dermis, where it stimulates a sustained collagen-remodeling response. Non-ablative approaches like Vivace RF microneedling skip the surface removal step and instead deliver energy beneath the skin through tiny needle channels, triggering collagen production without significantly disrupting the skin’s surface. Both approaches produce smoother, more youthful skin, but they differ in their intensity, the downtime involved, and the types of concerns they address most effectively.
What is the difference between CO2 laser resurfacing and RF microneedling?
CO2 laser resurfacing is an ablative treatment, meaning it physically removes the outer layers of skin during the procedure. Because it is removing tissue, it requires one to two weeks of recovery while the skin heals and regenerates. In return, it delivers significant correction of wrinkles, deep sun damage, acne scars, and pigmentation irregularities, often in a single session. RF microneedling is a non-ablative treatment. The skin surface remains essentially intact, which means recovery is much shorter, typically one to three days of redness. The tradeoff is that results are more gradual and generally less dramatic than CO2 laser. RF microneedling is particularly well suited for skin tightening, pore refinement, and patients who want meaningful improvement without extended downtime. For patients with significant sun damage, deep acne scars, or pronounced wrinkles, CO2 laser is usually the more effective choice. For patients who want ongoing maintenance and tightening with minimal disruption to daily life, Vivace is an excellent option.
Is laser resurfacing safe for all skin types and tones?
Modern laser and energy-based devices can be safely used across a range of skin types, but not every treatment is appropriate for every skin tone. This matters most with ablative CO2 laser. Patients with darker complexions, categorized as Fitzpatrick skin types IV through VI, carry a higher risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after aggressive ablative treatments. This is a condition where the skin produces excess melanin in response to inflammation, temporarily making the treated area darker than the surrounding skin. Dr. Shaw evaluates every patient’s Fitzpatrick skin type, medical history, and specific concerns before recommending any treatment. If your skin type makes a particular approach inadvisable, he will tell you clearly and discuss alternatives rather than proceeding with something that could cause harm.
How long do the results of laser skin resurfacing last?
A single ablative CO2 laser treatment can produce results that last several years with proper care. The key factors are consistent daily sun protection with a broad-spectrum SPF and a medical-grade skincare routine that supports collagen production. That said, skin aging continues after any treatment, so annual maintenance sessions help sustain and build on your results over time. Vivace RF microneedling results develop more gradually, appearing over three to six months as new collagen matures. A series of three sessions is recommended initially, followed by annual maintenance. Patients who are diligent about sun protection and skincare tend to see significantly longer-lasting results from either treatment.
Does Dr. Shaw perform the laser treatments himself?
Yes. Dr. Shaw personally administers all Lumenis Ultrapulse CO2 laser treatments at our practice. This is not the norm in the medical spa industry, where ablative laser procedures are often delegated to technicians who are trained to operate the device but are not licensed physicians. For a treatment that involves removing skin tissue, managing a multi-step comfort protocol, and making real-time clinical decisions about energy settings and treatment patterns, physician involvement is a meaningful distinction. Dr. Shaw’s surgical background means he approaches every treatment with the precision and accountability of a clinician, not simply an operator.
How painful is laser resurfacing?
Patient comfort is something Dr. Shaw takes seriously, and our practice has developed a multi-step protocol for the CO2 laser that goes well beyond a single numbing cream. For CO2 laser treatments, this protocol includes applying a topical anesthetic cream, pre-treatment icing of the skin, and running a cold-air chiller device continuously over the treatment area throughout the procedure. Most patients find the sensation manageable with this approach, describing it as warmth and pressure rather than sharp pain. For Vivace RF microneedling, topical numbing cream is applied approximately 45 minutes before the session begins, which most patients find sufficient. We are always willing to discuss comfort concerns before treatment and can adjust the approach based on your sensitivity.
How much does laser skin resurfacing cost in Richmond, VA?
The cost of laser skin resurfacing at our Richmond and Midlothian locations varies based on several factors: the specific technology being used, the size and number of areas being treated, and how many sessions are included in your plan. CO2 laser and Vivace RF microneedling are priced differently, and a series of Vivace sessions will be quoted differently than a single-session CO2 treatment. We encourage you to schedule a consultation for a personalized quote based on your specific situation. Our practice also offers a membership program with pricing benefits, and we periodically run promotions on select treatments. When you call, ask about any current offers.
Can laser resurfacing be combined with other treatments?
Yes, and for many patients a combination approach produces the most comprehensive improvement. Laser resurfacing addresses texture, tone, and collagen loss, but it does not replace lost volume or relax muscle-driven wrinkles. Dermal fillers restore fullness to areas where volume has diminished, such as the cheeks, under-eyes, and lips. Botox and other wrinkle relaxers address the dynamic wrinkles formed by repetitive facial expressions, such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, and the lines between the brows. When resurfacing is timed and coordinated thoughtfully with these injectables, the results are typically more balanced and natural-looking than any single treatment alone. Dr. Shaw can help you design a sequenced treatment plan if you are interested in addressing multiple concerns.
How many sessions will I need?
For CO2 laser resurfacing, a single session typically produces significant and lasting results. Some patients with very deep acne scarring or extensive photoaging may benefit from a second session after allowing sufficient time for the skin to fully heal and remodel, which can take three to six months.
For Vivace RF microneedling, the standard recommendation is a series of three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. This spacing allows each round of collagen stimulation to build on the previous one rather than simply repeating it. After the initial series, annual maintenance sessions are recommended to sustain the collagen response over time.
Do you treat areas beyond the face?
Yes. While the face is the most commonly treated area, the neck and décolletage frequently show significant sun damage and skin laxity and respond well to both CO2 laser and RF microneedling. The hands are another common area, particularly for patients concerned about age spots or thinning skin. The approach and settings used for non-facial areas may differ from those used on the face, since the skin on the neck and body is generally more delicate and heals differently. If you are interested in treating areas beyond the face, please mention this during your consultation so Dr. Shaw can evaluate the area and discuss what is appropriate.
Facial Resurfacing in Richmond, Virginia
At Travis Shaw, MD, we value your goals. When you visit our clinic, we will do all we can to facilitate a pleasant and rewarding facial resurfacing treatment session. Make an appointment to discuss facial resurfacing today by texting/calling (804) 775-4559 or submitting your information via the form below.