Local Expert: Why Late Winter Is the Ideal Time for Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing continues to gain momentum this time of year — and for good reason. We sat down with Mary Phillips of Beautiful Eyes Aesthetics at The Eye Center in Greenfield to talk about why late winter is still prime time for treatment, how Fotona laser technology is changing the game, and how advanced regenerative support like PDGF by Ariessence — along with strategic pressotherapy — can elevate results even further.
Q: Why is this time of year ideal for laser skin resurfacing?
Mary Phillips: Late winter is actually one of the best times to begin resurfacing treatments. Sun exposure is still minimal, which protects freshly treated skin and reduces the risk of post-treatment pigmentation issues. People are also more consistent with skincare routines during colder months, and it gives the skin time to fully heal and rebuild collagen before spring and summer activities ramp up.
Q: How does Fotona differ from traditional resurfacing lasers?
Mary Phillips: Fotona is incredibly versatile and precise. We can fully customize the depth and intensity of treatment, ranging from gentle refreshers to more corrective resurfacing — all tailored to the individual’s skin type and goals. It allows us to stimulate collagen safely and effectively while protecting the skin barrier.
Q: Is Fotona safe for all skin types?
Mary Phillips: Yes. One of the reasons I use Fotona is its ability to safely treat a wide range of skin tones, including deeper complexions. By adjusting wavelength and energy settings appropriately, we can deliver effective results while minimizing risk.
Q: What concerns can Fotona address?
Mary Phillips: It’s excellent for improving skin texture, fine lines, enlarged pores, acne scars, sun damage, pigmentation concerns, and dullness. Over time, the collagen stimulation leads to firmer, smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Q: Do you offer anything to enhance healing after treatment?
Mary Phillips: Absolutely. We offer PDGF by Ariessence, a regenerative treatment developed by Dr. Lynch that supports healing, enhances collagen production, and optimizes overall recovery following laser procedures.
We also thoughtfully incorporate pressotherapy when appropriate — not directly over treated facial or neck areas, and not specifically as part of Neck Contour treatment itself — but as a supportive therapy to assist lymphatic drainage and systemic recovery.
Pressotherapy stimulates lymphatic flow, helps move excess interstitial fluid, decreases edema, and supports clearance of inflammatory byproducts. After procedures like laser resurfacing, microneedling, body sculpting, or fat reduction treatments, the lymphatic system works to remove cellular waste, excess proteins, and inflammatory mediators.
When used properly, pressotherapy can:
- Reduce puffiness and fluid retention
- Improve comfort
- Shorten downtime
- Enhance circulation and tissue oxygen delivery
Improved circulation creates a better healing environment and indirectly supports collagen remodeling. While pressotherapy does not directly stimulate collagen like laser energy does, it can enhance overall skin smoothness by reducing fluid buildup and supporting tissue recovery.
It’s especially beneficial in body contouring programs, post-lipolytic injections, post-liposuction maintenance (when cleared by a surgeon), and facial lymphatic drainage protocols. Proper timing and pressure settings are essential — we avoid direct compression over freshly treated or injected areas.
As with all treatments, screening is important. Pressotherapy is not appropriate for patients with active infection, clotting disorders, severe heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, acute inflammatory skin conditions, or untreated malignancy.
Q: Why is late winter especially good for first-time patients?
Mary Phillips: This time of year tends to be socially quieter, making recovery more manageable. It also allows patients to begin a customized treatment plan now and see progressive improvement heading into spring and summer.
Expert:
Mary Phillips
Beautiful Eyes Aesthetics at The Eye Center
2 Riddell Street
Greenfield, MA
