Skin Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing can deliver significant facial rejuvenation: smoothing wrinkles, tightening skin, and removing pigment and the visible signs of sun damage and aging. With modern fractional technology, you get these results with a much faster recovery than traditional lasers.
A gentler way to resurface
For years, CO₂ and Erbium ablative lasers were the gold standard for dramatic facial rejuvenation. Traditional CO₂ resurfacing, however, can mean a difficult recovery: often three weeks of healing, redness that can last up to three months, a risk of lightened skin (hypopigmentation), and a potential for infection that can lead to scarring.
Erbium fractional laser resurfacing was developed to change that. It dramatically shortens recovery time and lowers the risk of complications, while still stimulating the skin to renew itself.
How fractional resurfacing works
Instead of treating the entire skin surface at once, the laser beam is divided, or fractionated, into many tiny micro-beams. They create microscopic treatment zones separated by small areas of skin the laser doesn't touch.
Those untouched areas act as reservoirs for healing, so the skin recovers much faster and with less risk. Meanwhile, the treated micro-zones trigger new collagen production, leading to firmer, smoother, younger-looking skin.
Traditional vs. fractional resurfacing
| Traditional CO₂ (fully ablative) | Erbium fractional (Palomar Icon) | |
|---|---|---|
| Area treated | The entire skin surface | Tiny micro-zones, with healthy skin left in between |
| Recovery | Often about 3 weeks | Much faster, typically a few days |
| Lingering redness | Can last up to 3 months | Usually short-lived |
| Risk of lightened skin | Higher | Lower |
| Collagen stimulation | Yes | Yes |
The Palomar Icon™ Aesthetic System
We use the Palomar Icon™, a state-of-the-art laser and light platform, which brings important benefits to our patients:
- Tailored to your skin. Its Skintel™ Melanin Reader measures your skin's pigment so settings can be customized to your skin type.
- More comfortable. Increased power with advanced cooling improves patient comfort.
- Designed with safety in mind. Modern technology helps deliver effective results with an excellent safety profile.
Treatments with the Palomar Icon™ include
What it treats
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loose or crepey skin
- Sun damage, age spots and uneven pigment
- Acne scars and surgical scars
- Stretch marks
- Rough texture and enlarged pores
Common areas include the face, neck, chest and hands.
What to expect
- A free consultation to assess your skin and goals
- A topical numbing cream may be used for comfort
- Afterward the skin feels warm and looks pink, similar to a sunburn
- Mild redness and swelling typically settle within a few days
- Results continue to improve over the following months as new collagen forms
- Depending on your goals, one or a series of treatments may be recommended
Before your treatment
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 2–4 weeks beforehand
- Tell us if you get cold sores; preventive medication may be recommended
- Let us know about medications, especially isotretinoin (Accutane) or anything that increases light sensitivity
- Pause retinoids and exfoliating products for a few days before
Aftercare
- Cleanse gently and keep skin moisturized as directed
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) every day and avoid direct sun
- Don't pick or scratch as the skin renews
- Hold off on makeup and active skincare until we say it's OK
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from photo rejuvenation?
Photo rejuvenation (IPL) mainly targets color, such as brown spots and redness, with almost no downtime. Fractional resurfacing goes further on texture: wrinkles, scars and skin tightening, by stimulating new collagen. The two are often combined.
How much downtime is there?
Much less than traditional CO₂ resurfacing. Most patients have redness and mild swelling for a few days. Exact downtime depends on the treatment depth chosen for your goals.
Does it hurt?
Treatment can feel warm and prickly. Numbing cream and the Palomar Icon's built-in cooling keep it comfortable for most patients.
When will I see results?
Skin often looks smoother and brighter once it has healed. Tightening and wrinkle improvement keep building for several months as new collagen forms.
Is it safe for my skin type?
The Skintel™ Melanin Reader helps us tailor settings to your skin's pigment. We'll review your skin type and history at your free consultation to recommend the safest approach, which may be Fractora for some skin types.
This page is for general information and isn't medical advice. Suitability, downtime, number of sessions and results vary by person and are determined at your consultation. Palomar Icon™ and Skintel™ are trademarks of their respective owners.
Smoother, firmer, younger-looking skin
Book your free consultation with our experienced medical team.