Updated: September 30, 2026
Laser skin resurfacing can improve wrinkles, sun damage, uneven texture, pigmentation, and certain types of scarring by creating controlled renewal within the skin. However, the best resurfacing approach depends on your skin type, concerns, desired degree of improvement, and recovery preferences.
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, our board certified dermatologists use a range of advanced resurfacing technologies and treatment depths to help determine which option may be most appropriate for your skin and goals.
Key Takeaways
- Laser resurfacing can improve concerns such as wrinkles, sun damage, uneven texture, pigmentation, and acne scars, but the appropriate technology depends on your skin and goals.
- Cosmetic Laser Dermatology offers multiple resurfacing options ranging from lighter treatments with less recovery to deeper approaches for more advanced skin concerns.
- Our board certified dermatologists can select or combine laser technologies based on treatment depth, skin type, desired improvement, and recovery preferences.
What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing uses a variety of powerful beams of light to refresh and rejuvenate the skin. Unlike other exfoliating treatments, laser resurfacing doesn’t use chemicals or sanding to remove the top layer of the skin. Instead, focused light removes abnormal epidermis, normalizes pigmentation, and stimulates collagen and elastin production within the dermis, which results in a smoother, brighter surface. The process requires no incisions or stitches. Depending on the level of treatment required to address your specific concerns, you can return to work or attend social engagements within a few weeks after treatment.
Laser resurfacing is an advanced treatment for many skin concerns like wrinkles, scarring, and pigmentation irregularities. Some devices require a series of treatment sessions to achieve optimal results. Others achieve dramatic improvement in a single procedure.
Lasers can be used to treat:
- Rosacea
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Pigmentation irregularities
- Dull skin tone
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Age spots and sun damage
- Acne scars
- Mild skin laxity
Laser treatments can be performed on different areas, including:
- Face
- Neck
- Hands
- Chest
Laser skin resurfacing can be achieved with ablative, nonablative, or fractional lasers.
Ablative lasers remove a thin layer of the epidermis while heating the dermis skin to promote collagen and elastic fiber production. As the layers of skin heal, it results in tighter, smoother skin. Nonablative lasers are a less aggressive approach that stimulates collagen and elastic fiber production with a shorter recovery time but less dramatic results.
Fractional skin resurfacing lasers, which can be ablative or nonablative, work by targeting the skin through thousands of tiny microthermal zones that reach deep into the skin. The skin then repairs itself through collagen and elastic fiber production and cell renewal. Popular fractional resurfacing lasers include:
What Are the Latest Laser Resurfacing Options?
Laser resurfacing has advanced considerably, giving our board-certified dermatologists more flexibility to match treatment depth and recovery with each patient’s skin concerns. Cosmetic Laser Dermatology offers a broad range of laser, light, and energy devices that can enhance fibroblastic function and support hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastic fiber production while addressing concerns such as wrinkles, uneven texture, pigmentation, sun damage, and scarring.
Some of the advanced resurfacing technologies available include:
UltraClear: This 2910 nm cold fiber laser platform provides adjustable resurfacing for fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation, acne scars, and uneven skin texture. Treatment intensity can range from lighter rejuvenation to deeper resurfacing depending on the degree of correction needed.
3DMIRACL: The lightest treatment mode within the UltraClear platform, 3DMIRACL focuses on surface renewal, helping refine texture, early fine lines, discoloration, pores, and overall radiance with less recovery than deeper resurfacing options.
Laser Coring: The most intensive treatment mode within the UltraClear platform, Laser Coring reaches deeper skin layers to address more pronounced wrinkles, texture changes, scarring, and laxity. It may also be combined with 3DMIRACL when both deeper remodeling and surface refinement are desired.
Fraxel FTX: Building on earlier Fraxel technology, Fraxel FTX uses dual wavelength fractional resurfacing to address both superficial pigmentation concerns and deeper issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and scarring while leaving surrounding skin untreated to support healing.
Sciton Profile: This versatile resurfacing platform allows our dermatologists to adjust treatment depth, intensity, and laser modality for concerns including uneven texture, fine lines, sun damage, tone irregularities, and early signs of aging. It can also be incorporated into combination treatment plans when several skin concerns need to be addressed.
The best laser is not necessarily the newest or most aggressive option. Our board-certified dermatologists evaluate your skin type, concerns, desired degree of improvement, and downtime preferences to determine which technology or combination may provide the most appropriate approach and natural looking results.
Pros of Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing offers numerous advantages for the right patient, including:
- Tightens skin
- Provides long-lasting results
- Stimulates collagen and elastic fiber production
- Smooths wrinkles
- Shrinks pores
- Gives patients a non-surgical treatment option
Cons of Laser Resurfacing
Despite the many benefits, there are some drawbacks to laser treatments. Keep in mind that working with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist will significantly mitigate your potential risks.
- Side effects like temporary swelling, irritation, and hyperpigmentation
- Limited downtime required
- Long-lasting results that vary based on the type of laser used
- Potential for scarring and skin discoloration when not performed correctly
Are You a Good Candidate?
Laser skin resurfacing is a safe and effective treatment option for many men and women with signs of aging or skin imperfections. A good candidate has:
- Moderate to severe signs of aging
- Skin imperfections like redness, scars, or uneven texture
- Healthy lifestyle to help maintain positive results
Laser resurfacing is not safe for everyone. Your dermatologist may not recommend laser resurfacing treatments if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a darker skin tone or are very tanned
- Had recent radiation therapy on the face
- Have an autoimmune disease or weak immune system
Your board-certified dermatologist can work with you to determine your needs and appropriate laser treatments or alternatives to achieve your cosmetic beauty goals.
Schedule a Consultation For Laser Resurfacing in San Diego
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego has unparalleled experience and more than 50 laser, light, and energy devices. We have helped develop and/or participated in research studies on many of the devices we use daily. Our experienced board-certified dermatologists specialize in non-invasive and minimally-invasive treatments to help patients look and feel amazing without extensive surgical procedures. Laser skin resurfacing is a delicate procedure that requires precision and expertise for natural and seamless skin.
One of the best laser resurfacing treatment options is Take10, a proprietary procedure developed and offered exclusively by Cosmetic Laser Dermatology. Take10 is a non-surgical alternative to a facelift that combines laser treatments, injectable fillers, and Botox to drastically reduce signs of aging and skin imperfections. Lasers are powerful devices that can help men and women achieve youthful, healthy skin.
Our dedicated physicians work closely with patients to understand their needs and goals to create personalized treatment plans that result in visible, stunning results.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about laser skin resurfacing.
Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, is the founder and medical director of Cosmetic Laser Dermatology and a board-certified dermatologist recognized internationally for his expertise in cosmetic dermatology, laser treatments, vein care, and injectables. A former president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Goldman has authored 14 medical textbooks and more than 400 peer-reviewed publications. His research, innovation, and commitment to natural-looking results have helped advance many of the laser, light, energy, and injectable treatments used in aesthetic medicine today.
