Is an Ablative Laser Treatment Painful?

Comfort is a top priority. We use sedation or local nerve blocks, depending on your skin type and treatment plan, to ensure you remain relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients describe the sensation as mild warmth or tingling rather than pain.

How many appointments will I need?

Many patients achieve dramatic results with just one treatment, though those with more advanced concerns or who prefer a more gradual approach may benefit from a series of sessions. Your provider will recommend the best plan during your consultation.

How long until I see results?

You may notice improvements within 1–2 weeks as new skin emerges. Full results will develop over the next several months as collagen production continues.

How Do the Results of Ablative Laser Treatments Compare to a Facelift?

While a facelift addresses sagging skin by tightening the underlying tissues, ablative laser resurfacing rejuvenates the skin’s surface, improving tone, texture, and clarity. For many patients, the results are so dramatic that they’re often compared to a surgical facelift — without the incisions or extended recovery.

Can I Combine an Ablative Laser Treatment with Other Procedures?

Absolutely. Many patients combine ablative laser resurfacing with treatments such as injectable fillers , microneedling , or thermage for enhanced and complementary results. We’ll help you design a personalized treatment plan to maximize your outcome.

What Are the Risks Associated with an Ablative Laser Treatment?

When performed by experienced professionals, ablative laser treatments are very safe. Temporary redness, swelling, or mild discomfort are common and a normal part of the healing process. Rare complications, such as infection, scarring or pigment changes, are minimized by following your provider’s post-treatment instructions closely.

Ablative Laser Treatment

In La Jolla

Happy woman with skincare results | La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic In San Diego

Ablative Laser Treatment

Introduction

At La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic, we offer ablative laser treatments to patients in La Jolla and the surrounding San Diego area who desire smoother, younger-looking skin without the need for surgery. This advanced skin resurfacing procedure helps reduce wrinkles, sun damage, scars, and other signs of aging. Our experienced providers use the latest ablative laser technology, including CO₂ and SP Dynamis, to deliver natural-looking results with precision and care.

If you’ve been searching for a way to restore your skin’s youthful glow, ablative laser resurfacing may be the ideal solution.

What is an Ablative Laser Treatment?

Ablative laser treatment is a highly effective skin rejuvenation procedure that utilizes focused beams of light to remove the outermost layers of damaged skin while simultaneously stimulating the production of new collagen beneath the surface. This treatment carefully eradicates aged or scarred tissue by triggering your body’s natural healing response, resulting in firmer, smoother, and more radiant skin.

Unlike non-ablative lasers, which work without removing skin layers, ablative lasers provide more dramatic results in just one session. They are often considered the gold standard for treating deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, scars, and advanced signs of aging.

What Are the Benefits of an Ablative Laser Treatment?

Our San Diego-area patients choose ablative laser resurfacing for its ability to deliver significant, long-lasting improvements. Benefits include:

Smoother, more even skin texture
Reduction of deep wrinkles and fine lines
Minimized the appearance of acne scars and blemishes
Improved skin tone and pigmentation
A fresher, rejuvenated appearance with natural-looking results

Many patients also enjoy the confidence boost that comes from achieving healthier, more youthful skin.

CO₂

The CO₂ (carbon dioxide) laser is one of the most powerful and time-tested tools in aesthetic medicine. It works by delivering concentrated energy to the skin, removing microscopic layers of damaged tissue while encouraging new collagen growth. CO₂ resurfacing is ideal for improving:

Deep lines and wrinkles
Acne and surgical scars
Uneven skin tone and texture
Pigmentation issues and sun damage

Because of its precision and depth, CO₂ laser resurfacing is particularly effective for patients seeking significant skin rejuvenation with long-lasting results.

SP Dynamis

At La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic, we also offer treatments using the SP Dynamis laser, a cutting-edge system that combines two complementary wavelengths to deliver exceptional resurfacing results. This technology allows us to tailor the treatment intensity and depth to your specific skin type and goals — from gentle rejuvenation to deep resurfacing.

SP Dynamis is especially effective for:

Improving skin texture and elasticity
Minimizing fine lines and wrinkles
Reducing pigmentation and age spots
Enhancing overall skin tone and radiance
Acne or surgical scars

Its versatility means we can customize your treatment to achieve optimal results while minimizing downtime and side effects.

Who Are the Best Candidates for an Ablative Laser Treatment?

Ablative laser resurfacing is ideal for men and women who:

Want to reduce visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines
Have sun damage, pigmentation irregularities, or uneven skin tone
Want to improve scars or rough skin texture
Are in good general health and have realistic expectations
Have any skin type – this treatment is safe and effective for everyone

During your consultation, our providers will assess your skin, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

What’s the First Step?

The first step is scheduling a private consultation at La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic. During your visit, we will:

Review your skin concerns and goals
Examine your skin type and texture
Discuss your medical history and prior treatments
Recommend the most suitable laser technology (CO₂ or SP Dynamis)
Create a personalized treatment plan for your needs

This consultation helps ensure you feel informed and confident before moving forward.

What to Expect on the Day of an Ablative Laser Treatment

Treatments are performed in our AAAHC-accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center, ensuring the highest standards of safety and care.

Depending on your skin type, we may use sedation or targeted nerve blocks to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Your provider will then deliver the laser energy precisely to the treatment areas, removing damaged skin and stimulating the growth of new collagen.

Sessions typically last 1–2 hours, depending on the size and number of areas treated. Most patients describe the sensation as mild warmth or tingling.

Ablative Laser Treatment Recovery

On average, recovery from an ablative laser treatment typically takes about 10-14 days during which time you can expect to experience redness, swelling, and peeling as your skin heals. Most patients notice visible improvements within the first few weeks, with results continuing to develop over the next several months as collagen production increases.

Your provider will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including how to protect, soothe, and care for your skin during the recovery period.

How Much Does an Ablative Laser Treatment Cost in San Diego, CA?

The cost varies based on the size of the treatment area, the laser used, and the complexity of your procedure. During your consultation, we’ll provide a transparent and personalized estimate and discuss financing options to make your treatment more accessible.

Why Choose La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic?

When it comes to your skin, expertise matters. At La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic, you’ll be cared for by a team of highly skilled laser specialists who combine advanced technology with personalized care. Our commitment to safety, comfort, and exceptional results is evident in every aspect of your experience — from our accredited surgical facility to our customized treatment plans and attentive follow-up care.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re ready to reveal smoother, younger-looking skin in the San Diego area, it may be time to schedule your consultation with the experts at La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic. Our team is here to guide you through every step of your skin rejuvenation journey and help you achieve the radiant, refreshed appearance you’ve been dreaming of.

Ablative Laser Treatment FAQ’S

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“I could not have had a better first impression of La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic. I spoke with three practitioners at my appointment, who were all extremely friendly and professional. I never felt pressured to purchase any product/service. In fact, the doctor suggested I hold off on a service I was interested in to see if it was even necessary. I am genuinely looking forward to my next appointment”

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“I want to share on here how great La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic treated me on the day of my appointment, the staff members were kind and professional and Dr. Mani was great! My experience could not have been any better, Dr. Mani made sure of that! Ty Dr. Mani, I am extremely satisfied with my results and highly recommend La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic!”

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“Was my first appointment with this clinic. The staff were very nice. Dr Siddiqui was amazing. She really took the time to walk me through the procedure process. She answered all my questions and concerns. She has great bedside manners. I will continue to work with Dr Siddiqui for my dermatology needs and highly recommend her to others. Cheers!”

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“This was my first time here and my first time getting Botox and let me tell you Dr. Mani and her team is amazing. Coming into it I was extremely nervous bc I’ve never gotten any non surgical procedures done before so I didn’t know what to expect. But when Dr Mani and her team came in I got extremely calm and ready and let me tell you she is amazing and super quick! Didn’t feel a pinch!”

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