Non-Ablative Fractional Laser Treatments

Non-ablative laser resurfacing is well suited for people with early signs of aging or surface-level skin concerns. Ideal candidates may have fine lines, mild wrinkles, acne scars, textural irregularities, sun damage, age spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, rosacea, facial redness, enlarged pores, uneven tone, visible blood vessels, or early skin laxity. It is also a strong option for those who want to maintain a smooth, luminous complexion with minimal downtime.

Non-ablative fractional lasers, such as Fraxel and Moxi, use a grid-like pattern to deliver thermal energy in microscopic columns beneath the skin. These tiny treatment zones are surrounded by healthy tissue, which speeds up healing while promoting collagen regeneration. This approach allows for noticeable improvements in the skin’s appearance with significantly less recovery than fully ablative treatments.

Ablative lasers remove the outer layers of the skin, creating a controlled wound that triggers a more intense healing response. This results in more dramatic resurfacing but also involves more downtime. Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, work beneath the surface without damaging the epidermis. They offer a gentler alternative, with cumulative results that build over time and minimal interruption to daily life.

Yes. Non-ablative laser resurfacing is a clinically proven approach to treating fine lines, pigmentation, enlarged pores, acne scarring, and other common skin concerns. By stimulating the skin’s natural healing mechanisms, it delivers gradual, natural-looking improvements in texture and tone. Optimal results often develop over a series of treatments and continue to evolve in the weeks following each session.

Results from non-ablative laser resurfacing can last several months to over a year, depending on the treatment performed, your skin type, and how well you care for your skin afterward. Maintenance sessions, along with sun protection and medical-grade skincare, can help extend and enhance your results.

An ablative laser is a type of laser that removes the outer layers of the skin to treat visible damage. It creates a controlled wound to stimulate healing and collagen production, improving texture, tone and elasticity. Ablative lasers are used to treat deeper concerns like wrinkles, scars and advanced sun damage.

Initial improvements in brightness and tone may be visible within a few days of treatment. More noticeable changes in texture, fine lines, and scarring typically appear gradually over the following four to six weeks, as collagen remodeling takes place. For deeper or more persistent concerns, a series of treatments is often recommended to achieve optimal results.

CO2 lasers are ablative. They remove layers of skin to treat deeper wrinkles, scarring, and severe sun damage. While highly effective, CO2 lasers require longer recovery and are typically reserved for more advanced signs of aging or textural damage.

Pico laser is considered non-ablative. It uses ultra-short pulses of energy to break down pigmentation and stimulate collagen without damaging the skin’s surface. It is often used for tattoo removal, pigmentation, and overall skin revitalization, and is well-suited for a range of skin tones.

The HALO laser is a hybrid technology that combines both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths in a single treatment. This dual approach allows it to deliver more dramatic results than a traditional non-ablative laser while still minimizing downtime compared to fully ablative systems.