Laser Skin Resurfacing

At True Beauty Aesthetics, we’re proud to offer the Palomar Icon laser skin resurfacing system to our Mount Pleasant-area clientele. This cutting-edge laser rapidly tightens, then brightens skin, treating skin concerns like sun damage, sun spots, and broken blood vessels with minimal downtime. The system can be applied to the face, neck, chest, and hands. 

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing uses precise light energy to remove damaged skin cells and stimulate your body’s natural collagen production. The Palomar Icon system combines both ablative and non-ablative laser technology with intense pulsed light (IPL) to address multiple skin concerns in one versatile platform. This FDA-cleared system includes the innovative Skintel™ melanin reader—the industry’s first live melanin reader—which allows our master injectors to customize treatment settings for your unique skin type, ensuring both optimal results and maximum safety.

The Icon system works by delivering controlled light energy to targeted areas, creating microscopic treatment zones that trigger your skin’s natural healing process. As new, healthy skin cells replace the damaged ones, you’ll notice improved texture, tone, and overall radiance.

What Skin Concerns Does Palomar Icon Laser Address?

Our Palomar Icon laser system effectively treats a wide range of skin concerns:

Pigmentation Issues

• Sun spots and age spots
• Freckles and uneven pigmentation
• Melasma
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Vascular Concerns

• Broken blood vessels and spider veins
• Facial redness and rosacea
• Port wine stains

Skin Texture and Aging

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Enlarged pores
• Rough skin texture
• Loss of skin firmness

Scarring

• Acne scars
• Surgical scars
• Stretch marks

The True Beauty Difference: Expert Artistry Meets Advanced Technology

At True Beauty Aesthetics, we approach every laser skin resurfacing treatment with artistry and expertise. Our master-level providers, Malissa LaRoche, PA-C, and Rebecca Johnson, PA-C, bring over 18 years of combined aesthetic experience.

Malissa’s extensive background treating muscle spasms has given her an unparalleled understanding of facial anatomy, while Rebecca’s nutrition-forward approach ensures your skin healing is optimized from the inside out. Both providers understand that no two faces are identical, and they customize each laser treatment to honor your unique features and skin concerns.

What to Expect During Your Laser Resurfacing Treatment

Consultation

Your journey begins with an unrushed, educational consultation where we assess your skin concerns, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan. Using the Skintel™ melanin reader, we precisely measure your skin’s melanin content to determine the safest and most effective treatment settings.

Treatment Day

Here is what you can expect from a laser skin resurfacing treatment at True Beauty Aesthetics: 

• A topical numbing cream may be applied 30 minutes before treatment for comfort
• Both you and your provider will wear protective eyewear
• The smooth glass handpiece is gently moved across the treatment area
• You’ll feel a warm sensation with each pulse, often described as a rubber band snap
• Built-in cooling technology keeps you comfortable throughout the procedure
• Treatment typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on the area

Immediate Aftercare

Following your laser treatment, cooling may be applied to alleviate any discomfort. We’ll also apply a gentle medical-grade moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your newly treated skin.

Recovery and Results: What to Expect

Immediate Recovery (Days 1-3)

Your skin may feel warm and appear red, similar to a mild sunburn. This typically resolves within one to three days. Some patients experience mild swelling, which is normal and temporary.

Short-term Healing (1-2 weeks)

Depending on the intensity of your laser treatment, you may notice some mild crusting, scabbing, or darkened patches as your skin naturally exfoliates. These effects gradually subside as your healthy new skin emerges.

Results Timeline

Individual experience, of course, will vary, but here is a general timeline of the recovery and results you can expect: 

• 2-3 weeks: Initial improvements in skin smoothness and tone become visible
• 4-6 weeks: Continued enhancement as collagen production increases
• 3+ months: Optimal results achieved with full collagen remodeling

Recommended Treatment Plan

For optimal results, most patients benefit from a series of 3-5 treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart. This allows your skin adequate time to heal and rebuild between sessions. Following your initial series, biannual touch-up treatments help maintain your beautiful results.

The exact number of treatments needed varies based on your specific skin concerns, desired results, and how your skin responds to treatment. During your consultation, we’ll create a customized treatment plan tailored to your goals and timeline.

Who is a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing with our Palomar Icon system is suitable for most skin types and tones, thanks to its advanced technology and customizable settings. Ideal candidates include those who:

• Want to address sun damage, age spots, or uneven pigmentation
• Seek improvement in skin texture and fine lines
• Desire treatment for broken blood vessels or rosacea
• Are looking for a non-surgical skin rejuvenation option
• Have realistic expectations about results and recovery
• Are committed to proper sun protection following treatment

Important Considerations

Laser resurfacing may not be appropriate for:

• Pregnant or nursing women
• Patients who have taken Accutane within the past 6 months
• Those with active skin infections in the treatment area
• Individuals with certain autoimmune conditions

During your consultation, our providers will review your medical history and assess your skin to determine if laser resurfacing is the right choice for you.

Aftercare: Protecting Your Investment

Proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing and long-lasting results. We will provide you with in-depth aftercare instructions following treatment, but you can expect your care regimen to look something like the following: 

Immediate Care (First 24-48 hours)

• Keep your skin clean and moisturized with gentle, provider-approved products
• Apply cool compresses if needed for comfort
• Avoid makeup until cleared by your provider
• Stay hydrated and get adequate rest

Ongoing Care

• Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily (non-negotiable!)
• Avoid direct sun exposure when possible
• Follow your customized skincare regimen
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments

What to Avoid

• Harsh scrubbing or exfoliation
• Hot tubs, saunas, or excessive heat
• Picking or peeling treated areas
• New skincare products without provider approval

Why Choose True Beauty Aesthetics for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Master-Level Expertise

Our providers aren’t just certified—they’re artists with over 18 years of combined experience and specialized training in advanced laser technologies.

Cutting-Edge Technology

The Palomar Icon system represents the gold standard in laser resurfacing, offering multiple treatment modalities in one versatile platform.

Personalized Approach

Every treatment is customized using advanced skin analysis and the Skintel™ melanin reader for optimal safety and results.

Comprehensive Care

We don’t just treat your skin—we educate you about proper skincare and provide ongoing support for lasting results.

Local Expertise

As a woman-owned practice deeply rooted in the Mount Pleasant community, we understand the unique skincare needs of Charleston-area residents.

FAQs about Laser Skin Treatments

References

• Cynosure. (2024). Icon Aesthetic System Clinical Data and Product Information. 
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2024). Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery Guidelines.
• Mayo Clinic. (2024). Laser Resurfacing: What You Can Expect. 
• American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. (2024). Laser Skin Resurfacing: Top 8 Things You Need to Know.