Show patients their result before they treat.
Ablative fractional lasers that resurface damaged skin to smooth lines, scars, and sun damage.
Sarah Jenkins
Plan • Energy Device
Recommended Protocol
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Fraxel • 1–3 times per year
Maintenance & Follow-Up
Ongoing plan
Laser skin resurfacing uses ablative fractional CO2 or Erbium lasers to remove damaged skin and trigger deep collagen renewal, smoothing wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and texture. It's among the most powerful resurfacing treatments, with results lasting years. Recovery involves several days to two weeks of redness and peeling as new skin forms.
Laser skin resurfacing uses ablative fractional CO2 or Erbium lasers to remove microscopic columns of damaged skin while stimulating deep collagen renewal in the surrounding tissue. Devices like Fraxel, CO2RE, and Halo dramatically smooth deep wrinkles, acne and surgical scars, sun damage, and rough texture, and tighten as new skin forms. It's one of the most powerful single resurfacing treatments, with results that can last years and a recovery to match its strength.
For a practice, ablative resurfacing is a premium, high-ticket procedure that anchors an advanced-skin menu and showcases provider expertise. Because downtime is real, the conversion barrier is helping a patient commit to a procedure they can't yet picture the payoff for. Simulating the projected smoothness and tone on their own photo makes the trade-off concrete and supports both the booking and the pre/post-care products that protect the investment.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Category
Energy Device
Typical cadence
1–3 times per year
Downtime
3–7+ days of redness, peeling, and crusting as skin heals.
Typical range
$800–$3,000 per session
From in-clinic procedures to at-home regimens, Afters maps the full range of options — so patients can see what each one would do for them, on their own photo, before they commit.
Energy-based and resurfacing platforms providers use to deliver this treatment in clinic.
The named products and devices patients search for — each with what it is, who makes it, and how it fits a visual plan.
Each concern maps to its full range of options — and lets patients preview their result before they commit.
Small, shallow wrinkles that show up first around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
Explore concernPits, raised marks, and discoloration left behind after breakouts heal.
Explore concernSmoothing rough, uneven, or bumpy facial skin for a refined, radiant complexion.
Explore concernFlat brown spots and age spots from years of cumulative sun exposure.
Explore concernThe folds that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, deepening with age and volume loss.
Explore concernHorizontal lines across the forehead from raising the eyebrows, aging, and sun exposure.
Explore concernCommon questions patients ask about laser skin resurfacing — and what practices should be ready to answer.
Ablative lasers (CO2/Erbium) remove surface skin for dramatic resurfacing with more downtime. Non-ablative lasers heat the skin without removing it, giving gentler results with little recovery — a separate, lighter option.
Expect 3–7 days or more of redness, swelling, peeling, and crusting depending on depth, followed by pink skin that fades over a few weeks. Diligent aftercare and sun protection are essential.
Because the treatment removes damage and rebuilds collagen, results can last years — though ongoing sun exposure and aging mean maintenance and good skincare still matter.
Ablative resurfacing carries more pigment risk on darker skin, so providers adjust settings or favor gentler devices and protocols. A consultation determines the safest approach for your skin.
Patients rarely come in for just one thing. Browse other treatments Afters can visualize and plan.
Gentle fractional lasers that renew tone and texture with little to no downtime.
View treatmentMicroneedling combined with radiofrequency energy to remodel collagen deep in the skin.
View treatmentProfessional acid exfoliation that resurfaces the skin to even tone and smooth texture.
View treatmentAfters simulates the outcome on a patient's own photo and builds a visual 12-month plan — so consults convert and average ticket climbs.