Laser Skin Resurfacing & Rejuvenation
Serving Danville, Oakland, Walnut Creek, Dublin, Livermore, and across the East Bay metro area
Laser skin resurfacing revolutionized aesthetic medicine in the 1990s with the traditional CO2 laser. While effective for deep wrinkles, CO2 required a long, painful recovery and carried high risks of scarring, infection, and unnatural pigment loss. The Erbium YAG laser emerged next to offer faster, safer healing, but it lacked the power to deliver dramatic corrective results.
The true breakthrough arrived with YSGG laser technology, which hits the perfect balance: powerful skin renewal, rapid healing, zero unwanted pigment changes, and minimal risk. At Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, we maximize this wavelength through Pearl Fusion—combining surface-level renewal and deep-dermal ablation in a single transformative session.
To complement deep resurfacing, we also specialize in photorejuvenation. Utilizing Laser Genesis and Photogenesis (IPL), these gentle light-based therapies diffuse redness, erase brown spots, shrink pores, and stimulate new collagen with little to no downtime. Whether you need single-treatment structural repair or progressive skin maintenance, our complete suite of laser modalities delivers a vibrant, healthy complexion across every layer of the skin.
Transform your skin with expert laser resurfacing at Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa. Reveal a youthful, glowing complexion and experience radiant skin now!
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*Individual results may vary
This patient received fat transfer to add height to her cheek projection and a laser treatment to remove skin damage and reduce lines. The overall effect is that she looks younger and less tired. The patient’s procedures include: brow lift, upper eyelid lift, laser Pearl Fusion, and fat transfer to the face. Your Skin Resurfacing/Rejuvenation will be performed in Dr. Ronan’s surgery center located in Danville.
The Pearl Fusion is a combination of the Pearl and the Pearl Fractional procedures in the same setting. This means we can specifically attack brown spots, sun damage, fine lines, texture, and deeper lines. The Pearl Fusion is a single treatment procedure that provides excellent clinical results with a reduced risk profile. The treatment is adjusted to the depth that is required for any particular patient. Recovery time is a week or less.
The Pearl Fusion can be combined with other facial procedures such as a short scar facelift, brow lift, or eyelid lift. At Blackhawk Plastic Surgery, we have extensive experience in Pearl Fusion.
Photorejuvenation
Photorejuvenation involves either Laser Genesis, intense pulsed light, or both for skin rejuvenation. A full course of treatment for photorejuvenation usually includes five sessions.
Laser Genesis is a non-invasive, no-downtime laser used to boost collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, large pores, skin texture, skin redness, and scars with reddish pigment. Areas most commonly treated include the face and neck. In addition, scars can be treated (redness). No anesthesia is required for laser genesis, and there is no downtime.
Photogenesis is an intense pulsed light procedure used to treat skin redness (including rosacea), brown spots, and sun damage. Any area of the body with brown spots, uneven skin, redness, etc. can be treated. The face, chest, arms and shoulders are the most popular areas as they receive the greatest amount of sun exposure. No anesthesia is required for photogenesis – IPL treatments, but some patients will prefer a topical anesthetic. Following the treatment, the skin may appear red and feel slightly sunburned. The brown spots typically flake off over the course of a few days.
We begin by applying a strong topical numbing cream to the treatment area to ensure a relaxing experience. After about 30-60 min, your provider will carefully cleanse your skin and then guide the laser handpiece over your skin.
You may feel a warming sensation and hear a slight snapping sound as the laser works. After the treatment is complete, we apply soothing serums and ointments to protect your skin and jumpstart the healing process.
This highly adaptable treatment is excellent for correcting a wide variety of common concerns. It smooths out fine lines and deeper wrinkles, particularly those stubborn creases around the mouth and eyes. It is also highly effective at fading brown spots, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation. If you struggle with a rough or dull texture, or if you have visible acne scarring from your youth, the resurfacing process helps blend those irregularities for a much clearer finish.
We most frequently perform this treatment on the face to create a cohesive, youthful glow. However, years of sun exposure often affect more than just your facial features. We can also safely treat the delicate skin on your neck, your upper chest, and the backs of your hands. Addressing these surrounding areas ensures your entire complexion looks consistently refreshed and avoids any stark contrast between treated and untreated skin.
If you are looking to reverse the visible effects of aging and sun exposure, this might be the ideal solution for you. Good candidates are generally in good health and have realistic expectations about the recovery process. Because certain lasers interact differently with various amounts of pigment, we will carefully evaluate your skin type during your consultation. If you have darker skin or certain active skin conditions, we will discuss the safest, most effective treatment options to help you reach your goals.
Laser skin resurfacing provides comprehensive renewal of your skin's overall quality. Rather than just targeting one specific issue, the laser improves tone, texture, and firmness all at once. Because the treatment stimulates your body's own natural healing response, the changes you see look completely natural. You will find that your daily skincare products absorb better and your makeup applies much more smoothly, giving you a quiet confidence in your everyday appearance.
The healing timeline depends entirely on the specific depth of your treatment. Lighter lasers may only require a few days of minor redness and swelling, while deeper treatments often involve a week or two of peeling and skin renewal. We will provide you with detailed, easy-to-follow instructions. You will need to avoid direct sun exposure, any active skin ingredients, exfoliation, and skip your regular makeup routine until your skin has fully healed.
Once the initial peeling and redness subside, you will notice a brighter, softer complexion. Your results will actually continue to improve over the following months as your body builds new, healthy collagen beneath the surface. While the treatment removes current sun damage and smooths existing lines, your skin will continue to age naturally moving forward. Committing to a laser resurfacing maintenance plan and a daily regimen of high-quality sunscreen is the best way to protect your investment and maintain your beautiful new look.
We believe that high-end aesthetic care should be exceptional at every step of the process. Dr. Stephen J. Ronan and our dedicated staff bring decades of established experience to the East Bay community. We never recommend a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we take the time to listen to your needs, evaluate your skin honestly, and provide a customized plan that prioritizes your safety and satisfaction. When you visit our Danville practice, you become part of a community that values outstanding, lasting results.
We offer a thoughtful, customized approach to laser skin resurfacing designed to lift away years of damage. Our dedicated team provides exceptional support throughout your journey, ensuring you feel confident and cared for every step of the way.
We take every step to ensure you are comfortable during your visit. We use highly effective topical numbing creams and specialized cooling techniques to manage any discomfort. Most patients describe the sensation as a warm prickling feeling that is very manageable.
The number of sessions depends on the condition of your skin and the type of laser used. A deeper ablative laser often provides dramatic results in just a single session. If we use a lighter, non-ablative laser to minimize your downtime, you may need a short series of treatments spaced a few weeks apart to achieve your ideal outcome.
You will need to keep your skin completely bare of cosmetics while it is actively healing and peeling. For lighter treatments, this might only be a few days. For deeper treatments, you should expect to wait about a week or more. We will give you a specific timeline based on your customized procedure.
Both treatments remove damaged outer layers of skin to reveal a fresher complexion underneath. However, a chemical peel uses specialized acid solutions to exfoliate the skin, while laser resurfacing uses highly concentrated light energy. The laser allows for incredibly controlled depth and also stimulates deeper collagen production through heat.
The treatment improves damaged skin cells and sun spots targeted during your session. However, it does not stop the natural aging process. Your skin will continue to age over time, but maintaining a strong skincare routine and avoiding unprotected sun exposure will help your results last for many years.
Yes, this is one of the most effective treatments available for minimizing the appearance of acne scarring. The laser removes the uneven surface of the skin and stimulates new collagen, which helps to plump up depressed scars and create a much smoother overall texture.
We will give you clear instructions prior to your visit. Generally, we ask that you avoid excessive sun exposure and stop using strong topical retinoids or chemical exfoliants for a week or two before your treatment. This helps ensure your skin is calm and ready for the resurfacing process.
When it comes to plastic surgery, proper care happens before, during, and after surgery day. That’s why we’ve created blueprints outlining what patients and providers need to consider to ensure success. Our pre-care and post-care guides are here to help our patients and all patients take the necessary steps to maximize their chances of safe surgery and beautiful results.
Located in Danville’s Blackhawk Plaza, Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa is Northern California’s largest, most advanced plastic surgery and medspa center.
Patients choose our state-of-the-art facility for leading-edge surgical and non-surgical treatments—all in a luxurious, private setting. We are conveniently located in the San Francisco Bay Area to serve patients from the following locations:
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