Sun Damage and Wrinkle Treatment in Santa Cruz
Years of sun, treated with care.
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing for fine lines, wrinkles, rough texture, and sun damage, led by Christopher Hermanson, M.D. and new to the Front St. office. Now booking appointments for January 2027 and beyond.
What it treats
Fine lines, texture, tone, and spots.
- Fine lines and wrinkles. Especially around the eyes and mouth and across the cheeks. Deep folds and lines from facial expression usually change less.
- Rough texture. Sun-worn skin that feels coarse or looks dull.
- Uneven tone. Blotchy color from years of sun exposure.
- Brown spots. Some sun-related spots lighten as the surface renews. Not all pigment responds, and darker skin needs extra caution.
Any spot that is changing, bleeding, or unusual should be checked before any cosmetic treatment. Dr. Hermanson examines the skin at the consultation, and a suspicious spot is evaluated first rather than treated with a laser.
How it helps
How CO2 resurfacing helps.
A CO2 laser removes a very thin layer of sun-damaged surface skin and heats the tissue beneath it. In fractional treatment, only microscopic columns are treated, with untouched skin between them to speed healing. New collagen builds over the following months.
Fine lines and sun damage may respond to one or two treatments. Deeper wrinkles may need deeper settings or more sessions. Collagen remodeling continues for three to six months, so the full effect shows gradually.
Recovery
Downtime and recovery.
Expect redness and swelling for the first few days, then several days of flaking or peeling. After a moderate treatment, many people return to work and social plans in about 5 to 7 days. Pinkness can last for several weeks.
Sun protection
Sun protection, before and after.
Sun exposure adds up on the coast, even on foggy days. Avoiding tanning for several weeks before treatment lowers the risk of color changes.
After treatment, healing skin is especially sensitive. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, a hat, and shade matter for months. Ongoing sun protection also helps keep the results.
Candidates
Who is a good candidate, and who is not.
Good candidates are adults with fine lines, sun damage, or uneven texture who are in good general health, can avoid the sun while healing, and have realistic expectations.
Treatment is postponed, adjusted, or not advised for people with:
- Active infection. A skin infection, cold sore outbreak, or open wound in the treatment area. People prone to cold sores are usually given preventive antiviral medicine.
- Recent isotretinoin. Use within roughly the past 6 to 12 months. Timing is discussed individually.
- Pregnancy. Treatment waits until after pregnancy.
- Darker skin tones. Treatment is possible for some people, but the risk of color change is higher, so settings must be conservative and the skin is often prepared beforehand.
- Keloids. A history of keloids or thick, raised scarring.
- Other factors. A recent tan or sunburn, medicines that increase sun sensitivity, or conditions that slow wound healing.
Risks reviewed at the consultation include prolonged redness, infection, changes in skin color, and, rarely, scarring.
Questions
Frequently asked questions.
Will CO2 resurfacing get rid of my wrinkles?
It can soften fine lines and improve texture. Deep folds and lines from facial expression usually change less. Results vary from person to person.
Can it fade brown spots?
Some sun-related brown spots lighten as the surface renews, but not all pigment responds. Any spot that is changing or unusual is examined first rather than treated.
How many treatments will I need?
Fine lines and sun damage may respond to one or two treatments. Deeper wrinkles may need deeper settings or more sessions. A plan is made at the consultation.
Can the skin around the eyes be treated?
Fine lines around the eyes are a common treatment area. Eye protection is worn throughout, and settings are adjusted for thinner skin.
What about sun protection afterward?
Healing skin is especially sensitive to sun. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, a hat, and shade matter for months, and you receive written aftercare instructions.
When can I book?
The office on Front St. is now booking appointments for January 2027 and beyond. Email office@hmedical.com or call (831) 298-0664. Every treatment starts with a consultation with Dr. Hermanson.
Appointments
New to Santa Cruz: now booking appointments for January 2027 and beyond.
Email or call the office to book. Every treatment starts with a consultation with Dr. Hermanson. Your name and phone number are enough; please do not send medical details by email.
- office@hmedical.com
- Office (831) 298-0664
This page is general information, not medical advice. Results vary from person to person.
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