Deep Resurfacing with Contour TRL™ in Charleston, SC

Name: Deep Resurfacing with Contour TRL™
Brand: Ulm Plastic Surgery
Rating: 4.9 (68 reviews)

Deep lines around the lips and eyes do not need surgery to soften. Explore a resurfacing treatment tailored to your skin, your goals, and an honest plan to get there.

A Plan for Skin That Reflects Your Goals

At Ulm Plastic Surgery, no two treatment plans look the same, including the ones designed for fine lines, sun damage, and uneven texture. The practice is led by Dr. Jason Ulm, a double board-certified and Harvard fellowship-trained plastic surgeon in Charleston, SC, who built his practice around precise planning and honest guidance rather than standard protocols. If deep lines, scarring, or uneven tone have you considering your options, schedule a consultation to talk through what is realistic for your skin.

What Is Deep Resurfacing with Contour TRL?

Contour TRL is a laser skin resurfacing treatment by Sciton that removes a thin, controlled layer of damaged skin to reveal smoother, healthier tissue underneath. The erbium laser can be tuned to a precise depth based on the condition being treated and the amount of downtime a patient can accommodate. As the treated area heals, the process also stimulates new collagen production, which can improve skin thickness and resilience over time. It's often the better option for concerns that lighter resurfacing treatments can't fully resolve, such as deep wrinkles around the mouth and eyes.

Benefits of Deep Resurfacing with Contour TRL

Precisely controlled treatment depth, customized to your skin and goals
May visibly improve fine lines, deep wrinkles, and uneven texture
Can reduce the appearance of scarring and sun-related pigmentation
Encourages new collagen production for firmer-feeling skin over time
Treats deep lines around the mouth and eyes, areas often resistant to lighter treatments
Results that can continue to improve for months after treatment

Am I a Good Candidate for Deep Resurfacing with Contour TRL?

Good candidates are generally healthy adults bothered by deep wrinkles, scarring, pigmentation, or rough texture, especially around the mouth and eyes. Because treatment depth is adjustable, it can suit patients seeking dramatic change as well as those who prefer a lighter touch and less downtime. A consultation is the best way to find out whether it fits your skin, since your provider will review your history and goals before recommending a plan.

What to Expect During Contour TRL Treatment

Preparation and Numbing

On the day of treatment, your skin is thoroughly cleansed and a topical anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort. Your eyes are protected, and depending on the depth of treatment planned, a nerve block or local anesthetic may also be used.

The Resurfacing Treatment

Your provider positions the laser over the treatment area and adjusts the settings to the depth determined during your consultation. The laser removes a controlled layer of damaged skin while delivering heat to stimulate collagen in the deeper layers. Most sessions take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area involved.

Immediate Aftercare

After treatment, your skin may feel warm and resemble a sunburn, with some swelling in the treated area. A protective ointment or dressing is typically applied, and you will receive detailed instructions for caring for your skin as it begins to heal.

Your Consultation

Your consultation begins with an unhurried conversation about your skin concerns, your medical history, and what you hope to achieve. Your provider examines your skin texture, tone, and areas of concern, then explains how Contour TRL works, what depth may be appropriate, and what recovery will likely look like for you. You leave with a clear plan and a clear understanding of what comes next.

Contour TRL Recovery

Recovery time depends on the depth of your treatment. Many patients experience redness, swelling, and skin that feels tight or sensitive for the first several days, with downtime generally lasting around 10 days for most treatment plans. The top layer of treated skin sheds as new skin forms underneath, and your provider may recommend specific skincare products or ointments to support healing.

Because treated skin is more sensitive to ultraviolet light, sun protection is essential during recovery and in the months that follow. Your provider will give you a personalized timeline and aftercare plan based on the depth and location of your treatment.

Contour TRL Results

Once the top layer of skin has healed, usually within two days to a week, many patients notice smoother texture, a more even tone, and softened fine lines. Because Contour TRL also stimulates collagen remodeling, further improvement in tightness and skin quality can continue to develop over the following four to six months. Results vary based on treatment depth and individual skin response, which is why your provider sets realistic expectations during your consultation.

Why Choose Ulm Plastic Surgery for Deep Resurfacing with Contour TRL?

Ulm Plastic Surgery is led by Dr. Ulm, a double board-certified, Harvard fellowship-trained plastic surgeon and Associate Professor of Surgery at MUSC, alongside Dr. Thomas Funcik, a facial plastic surgeon who has dedicated his career exclusively to the face. That surgical training carries over into resurfacing, where your provider evaluates skin quality and facial anatomy with the same judgment used in the operating room.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of Contour TRL depends on the treatment area, the depth selected, and the number of sessions recommended for your goals. Because every plan is customized, pricing can only be determined after a consultation. Ulm Plastic Surgery also offers financing options to help make treatment more accessible, and your provider can walk you through what to expect before you commit to a plan.

Related Treatments to Complement Your Results

Skin Resurfacing: An overview of the practice's broader resurfacing options for different skin concerns and downtime preferences.
Dermal Fillers: Restore lost volume and soften static lines that resurfacing doesn't address.
BOTOX: Relaxes the muscle movement behind dynamic wrinkles, often paired with resurfacing for fuller results.
Facelift: Corrects deeper skin laxity and sagging, concerns resurfacing isn't designed to treat.
Neck Lift: Targets loose skin and banding in the neck for patients seeking more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Contour TRL Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions

What areas can be treated with Contour TRL?

Most patients treat the face, particularly the mouth and eye area, though the neck, chest, and hands can sometimes be addressed as well. Your provider can confirm which areas are appropriate for your skin and goals.

Can Contour TRL be combined with other procedures?

Yes. It is sometimes combined with other laser treatments, injectables, or surgical procedures as part of a broader rejuvenation plan. Your provider can discuss whether a combined approach makes sense for your goals.

Will I need more than one treatment?

Many patients see meaningful improvement from a single Contour TRL session because of its depth, though your provider may recommend a different approach depending on your specific concerns.

How long will my results last?

Contour TRL improves skin quality, but it doesn't stop the aging process. Most patients enjoy their results for years, especially with consistent sun protection and skincare, though periodic maintenance treatments can help extend them further.

When can I wear makeup again?

Many patients can begin wearing makeup once the top layer of skin has healed, usually within two days to a week depending on how deep the treatment was.

Is Contour TRL right for darker skin tones?

Candidacy depends on individual skin type and how it responds to laser energy. Your provider evaluates your skin during a consultation to determine whether Contour TRL or an alternative resurfacing option may be more appropriate for you.

What are the risks of Contour TRL?

As with any resurfacing treatment, temporary redness, swelling, peeling, and sensitivity are expected. Less common risks include infection, prolonged redness, or changes in pigmentation. Your provider reviews your health history and skin type to help minimize these risks.

Start an Honest Conversation About Your Skin

If deep wrinkles, scarring, or uneven texture have been on your mind, Ulm Plastic Surgery can help you explore whether Contour TRL fits your skin and your goals. Schedule a consultation today to discuss a plan built around honesty, precision, and results that reflect exactly what you want.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.