At ProDerm Skin & Surgery, we offer advanced laser resurfacing treatments to restore smoother, clearer, and more youthful-looking skin. Using cutting-edge devices such as Fraxel®, CO2 lasers, and IPL (intense pulsed light), we can improve skin texture, reduce discoloration, and soften fine lines. Whether you’re looking to reverse sun damage, minimize acne scars, or refresh overall skin tone, our team tailors each treatment to your unique needs.
Treatment Overview
Discomfort: Mild to Moderate — managed with topical numbing or local anesthesia, depending on the device.
Recovery Time: Varies — a few hours for non-ablative treatments (Fraxel, IPL) to 1–2 weeks for ablative CO2 treatments.
Insurance Coverage: Cosmetic in nature and not covered by insurance.
Benefits
Laser resurfacing can:
- Minimize fine lines and wrinkles
- Fade sun spots, age spots, and pigmentation irregularities
- Improve skin tone and texture
- Reduce mild to moderate acne scars
- Rejuvenate sun-damaged skin
- Stimulate collagen production for long-term improvement
Types of Laser Resurfacing
- Ablative Lasers (CO2, Erbium) – Remove the outer skin layer while heating the dermis to stimulate collagen. Best for deeper wrinkles, scars, and advanced sun damage. Recovery is longer but results are more dramatic.
- Non-Ablative Lasers (Fraxel, Er:YAG, IPL) – Deliver energy beneath the surface without removing the top layer. Recovery is shorter, though results are more gradual and may require multiple sessions.
- Fractional Lasers – Treat only tiny “fractions” of the skin at a time, allowing faster healing and reduced risk of complications. Available in both ablative and non-ablative forms.
What to Expect
Aftercare & Recovery
- Ablative laser recovery: redness, swelling, and crusting are expected for 7–10 days; full healing may take several weeks.
- Non-ablative laser recovery: mild redness or swelling that subsides in a few hours to a few days.
Patients should use gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and strict sun protection as directed.
Results & Next Steps
- Ablative treatments often deliver significant results after a single session, with improvements in skin texture and firmness lasting for years.
- Non-ablative treatments produce gradual improvements and typically require 2–4 sessions spaced several weeks apart.
- Maintenance with proper skincare and sun protection is essential to extend results and prevent new damage.
Conditions Commonly Treated
Laser resurfacing is recommended for:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Uneven skin tone or texture
- Age spots and sun spots
- Sun-damaged skin
- Enlarged pores
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients describe it as a warm or prickling sensation. Numbing measures help keep the procedure comfortable.
Non-ablative and fractional lasers usually require multiple sessions. Ablative CO2 lasers may deliver results in a single treatment.
Side effects can include temporary redness, swelling, acne flare-ups, changes in skin pigmentation, or, rarely, scarring. Your provider will review your risk factors in detail.
Initial improvements are often visible within weeks, with continued collagen remodeling leading to further improvement over several months.