How Laser Resurfacing Works
Laser skin resurfacing uses focused light energy to remove damaged skin layers and stimulate collagen production in deeper tissue. There are two main categories: ablative lasers (which vaporize the outer skin layer) and non-ablative lasers (which heat underlying tissue without removing the surface). Fractional technology — used in most modern treatments — treats a fraction of the skin at a time, leaving islands of untreated tissue that accelerate healing.
What Laser Resurfacing Treats
Laser resurfacing is one of the most versatile skin treatments available. It effectively addresses sun damage and age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, uneven skin tone and texture, enlarged pores, and overall skin laxity. The specific laser type and settings are customized based on your concerns, skin type, and desired downtime.
Types of Lasers We Use
At Lumière, we offer multiple laser platforms to match the right technology to each patient's needs. Ablative CO2 fractional lasers provide the most dramatic results but require the most downtime (5-7 days). Erbium lasers offer a middle ground with less downtime. Non-ablative lasers like Nd:YAG and diode lasers treat concerns with minimal downtime but may require more sessions for comparable results.
Recovery and Downtime
Recovery depends on the type and intensity of treatment. Non-ablative treatments may cause redness for 1-3 days with no peeling. Ablative fractional treatments typically involve 5-7 days of redness, swelling, and peeling. Full CO2 resurfacing may require 10-14 days of recovery. We provide detailed post-treatment care instructions and check-in calls to ensure you're healing well.
Results Timeline
Initial improvement is visible once redness subsides — usually within 1-2 weeks for ablative treatments. But the real transformation unfolds over 3-6 months as new collagen continues to develop and remodel. Many patients describe seeing continued improvement for up to a year after treatment. One session of ablative laser resurfacing can produce results comparable to multiple sessions of gentler treatments.
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