Houston Dermatology Specialists
13114 FM 1960 Rd W, Suite 119
Houston, TX 77065
Phone: (713) 487-8233
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Laser Skin Treatments
Double board-certified Cypress dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Christopher Downing, M.D., FAAD, can help you enjoy smoother, younger-looking skin with laser skin treatments at Houston Dermatology Specialists in Cypress, Texas. Modern lasers such as the CO2RE® and LUCENT IPL lasers make healthy-looking skin attainable no matter your concern. On this page, you’ll find answers to all your questions about how laser skin treatments work, what the recovery process is like, and more.
How does laser skin resurfacing work?
Dr. Downing primarily performs resurfacing with the FDA-approved CO2RE laser. The ablative fractional CO2 laser works by vaporizing tiny channels in the skin’s surface and heating the dermal layers below, triggering the body’s natural healing response. This healing response includes increased collagen and elastin production, which gives your skin a smoother, firmer, and more evenly pigmented look.
What does laser skin resurfacing treat?
CO2 laser skin resurfacing treats a variety of concerns, including:
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Uneven pigmentation
- Uneven texture
- Laxity
- Sun damage
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Stretch marks
For vascular lesions such as telangiectasias, Dr. Downing often recommends the LUCENT IPL laser. He also offers chemical peels for sun damage, acne scars, and other concerns.
What does the LUCENT IPL laser do?
The LUCENT IPL laser breaks up pigmentation in the skin to treat blue, brown, red, and purple pigmented lesions, such as:
- Age spots
- Freckles
- Facial and leg veins
- Port wine stains
- Cherry angiomas
- Redness
- Rosacea
These treatments are relatively quick with little to no downtime. Redness and swelling subside within 2 days, and most people notice their concerns fading after 2 to 6 weeks. Some people may need multiple sessions to treat significant discoloration.
Laser Hair Removal with LUCENT IPL
LUCENT IPL also uses intense pulsed light (IPL) laser energy to remove unwanted hair from the face and body safely and effectively. By targeting the melanin in the hair follicle, LUCENT destroys the hair follicle, stopping from hair regrowing.
Laser hair removal can be performed on the face, neck, chin, arms, legs, chest, and anywhere else on the body where you have unwanted hair.
Your Partner in Skin Health
Dr. Christopher Downing is a double board-certified dermatologist and fellowship trained Mohs surgeon serving the Cypress and Houston communities. He trained for years to provide his patients the best in dermatological care. His mission for establishing Houston Dermatology Specialists was to create a practice in which delivering professional, conscientious, and personalized care for patients is the #1 priority.
Meet Dr. DowningHow much do laser skin treatments cost?
The cost of laser skin treatments at Houston Dermatology Specialists varies depending on the size of your targeted area, the depth of your treatment, the number of sessions you need, and other factors. During the consultation process, we will provide you with a personalized pricing estimate based on your unique treatment plan.
What should I expect during my laser skin treatment?
During the treatment, your physician will pass the device over your skin to precisely treat each of your targeted areas. People often ask if laser skin treatments hurt. For most people, each pulse of the laser feels like a rubber band snap: uncomfortable, but not necessarily painful. Dr. Downing will likely apply a topical anesthetic before your treatment to keep you at ease throughout.
How long is laser skin treatment recovery?
Recovery time varies depending on the intensity of the treatment. Gentler treatments may involve just 2 to 3 days of redness and swelling, while deeper treatments may entail 7 to 10 days of redness, swelling, and peeling.
When will I see results & how long will they last?
Many people notice a difference after a single session, though some may need 2 or 3. You should notice a difference within a month and see continued improvements for 4 to 6 months. These results may last months for lighter treatments and years for deeper treatments.
Request Your Laser Skin Treatments Consultation
Your best skin begins with a one-on-one consultation. If you would like to meet with Dr. Downing about your laser treatment options, please request a consultation online or call (713) 487-8233. We look forward to meeting you!
