What Is Laser Resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is a treatment that removes tiny areas of damaged skin to encourage new, healthier-looking skin to develop. It can improve both the surface of the skin and stimulate new collagen below it, helping skin look smoother, firmer and more even over time.

Our iPixel laser treats thousands of tiny areas at a time while leaving areas of healthy skin between them. This allows the surrounding skin to help with healing while still providing noticeable resurfacing.

Laser resurfacing can help improve:

• Sun damage and brown spots
• Rough or uneven texture
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Enlarged pores
• Acne scars
• Skin firmness
• Overall skin tone and quality

How Laser Resurfacing Works

Think of laser resurfacing as a controlled way of helping your skin replace damaged skin with healthier-looking skin.

The iPixel laser creates thousands of tiny treatment spots in the skin. Your body responds by beginning its natural healing process. Old, damaged skin gradually flakes away while new collagen develops beneath the surface.

As your skin heals, it can become smoother, firmer and more even in tone and texture.

Because only a fraction of the skin is treated at one time, the surrounding healthy skin helps the treated areas heal more quickly. This is why iPixel is called a fractional laser resurfacing treatment.

What to Expect from Your Laser Resurfacing Treatment at CLC

Consultation
Your treatment begins with a consultation. We'll look at your skin, talk about what bothers you and determine whether laser resurfacing is the right treatment for your concerns. We'll also discuss the level of treatment and downtime that makes sense for you.

Preparation
Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed before treatment. A topical numbing cream may be applied to help keep you comfortable.

During Treatment
The iPixel laser is passed over the treatment area in a precise pattern. You may feel warmth, heat or a prickling sensation as the laser treats the skin. The settings can be adjusted based on your skin and the level of correction needed.

After Treatment
Your skin will likely look and feel sunburned immediately after treatment. Redness, warmth and some swelling are normal.

Over the next several days, your skin may feel dry and rough and begin to flake or peel as the treated skin sheds. This is part of the resurfacing process.

Downtime varies depending on the intensity of your treatment and how your skin heals, but you should plan for several days of visible recovery. Protecting your skin from the sun and following your post-treatment skincare instructions are especially important during this time.

Laser Resurfacing: What Patients Ask Most

What does laser resurfacing treat?
Laser resurfacing can help improve sun damage, brown spots, rough or uneven texture, fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores and certain types of acne scars. It can also help skin look smoother and firmer as new collagen develops.

What type of laser resurfacing does CLC use?
At Cosmetic Laser Center, we use iPixel, a fractional erbium laser resurfacing technology. Instead of treating the entire surface of the skin at once, iPixel treats thousands of tiny areas while leaving healthy skin between them to support healing.

How much downtime should I expect?
You should plan for several days of visible healing. Your skin may be red, swollen, dry or rough and may flake or peel. How much downtime you experience will depend on the intensity of your treatment and how quickly your skin heals.

Does laser resurfacing hurt?
A topical numbing cream may be used before treatment to make you more comfortable. During treatment, you may feel warmth, heat or a prickling sensation. Your skin may feel similar to a sunburn afterward.

How many laser resurfacing treatments will I need?
It depends on your skin and what you're trying to improve. Some people may see noticeable improvement after one treatment, while others may benefit from a series. We'll recommend a treatment plan after evaluating your skin.

When will I see results?
You'll begin to see changes after your skin has finished its initial healing and peeling. Your skin may look smoother and fresher first, with additional improvement developing over time as new collagen forms.

Can laser resurfacing help with acne scars?
Yes. Laser resurfacing can improve the appearance of certain types of acne scars by removing damaged skin and stimulating new collagen. Because acne scars vary in type and depth, we'll evaluate yours to determine whether iPixel laser resurfacing is the right treatment.

Can laser resurfacing help with sun damage and brown spots?
Yes. Laser resurfacing can help remove damaged surface skin, making sun damage, brown spots and uneven tone less noticeable. Some types of pigmentation respond better to other treatments, so we'll determine the best approach for your skin during your consultation.