Laser (IPL) Skin Treatments

Target wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and more with precision laser technology for smoother, younger-looking skin.

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic dermatology treatment that uses focused light energy to improve the skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance. It works by removing damaged skin cells layer by layer and stimulating your body’s natural collagen production to reveal healthier, smoother skin.

These treatments are effective on the face, neck, chest, and hands, and can target concerns ranging from wrinkles to pigmentation.

Overview

This nonsurgical procedure is used to treat blemishes on the skin's surface.

Ablative laser resurfacing can smooth fine wrinkles and scars, and promote the growth of healthy new skin.

Ablative laser resurfacing can have dramatic effects after just one treatment.

Preparation

Before the treatment, facial skin is cleansed and sterilized.

Anesthesia or sedation may be administered, depending on the type and extent of treatment.

Procedure

The dermatologist directs a handheld laser over the surface of the skin at the treatment area. The laser vaporizes the skin's surface, exposing the fresh new skin underneath.

Laser resurfacing can be effective for targeting fine wrinkles, blemishes, uneven pigmentation, loose skin, and burst blood vessels.

Recovery

When the procedure is complete, the dermatologist may apply a topical medication and dress the skin.

After the procedure, the skin will be red, swollen, and sensitive. The skin will scab over and heal over the next few weeks, leaving fresh new skin in its place. The entire process takes between 6 and 12 weeks.

Conditions Treated with Laser Resurfacing

Laser skin treatments are designed to improve the appearance of:

Fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes and mouth
Acne scars and surgical scars
Uneven tone and texture
Sun damage, age spots, and hyperpigmentation
Enlarged pores
Actinic keratoses (precancerous sun-related lesions)

Laser resurfacing is often recommended when other treatments, like chemical peels or facials, don’t provide enough correction.

When it comes to the treatments that we perform at Clarus Dermatology, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) consistently delivers results for our patients. When we look at the before and after images, the visible improvements after just a single treatment are quite apparent.

Types of Laser Resurfacing Treatments We Offer

At Clarus Dermatology, we use advanced technologies to customize treatment based on your skin type and aesthetic goals. Our laser treatments include:

Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing: This ablative laser precisely removes damaged layers of skin, triggering collagen renewal. It’s ideal for deeper wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage. Results are dramatic, with a downtime of several days to a week.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: Though technically not a laser, IPL uses broad-spectrum light to treat redness, brown spots, and sun damage. It’s a popular choice for improving overall skin clarity with little to no downtime.
VBeam® Pulsed Dye Laser: This vascular laser targets visible blood vessels, facial redness, and rosacea. It can be used on its own or alongside other treatments for a more even complexion.

Our team will help determine the best solution for your concerns during your consultation.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before your treatment, we’ll assess your skin and discuss your goals to create a personalized plan. During the procedure, we apply numbing cream or local anesthesia for your comfort.

Sessions usually take 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the area and treatment type. You may feel warmth or tingling during treatment, but numbing agents help keep the procedure comfortable.

Afterward, temporary redness, swelling, or tightness is normal. Downtime varies—IPL and VBeam have little to no recovery time, while CO2 laser treatments require 5 to 10 days of healing.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Some patients see noticeable improvement after just one session, especially with fractional CO2 resurfacing. Others may benefit from a series of 2 to 4 treatments, spaced a few weeks apart.

We often recommend annual maintenance treatments to maintain results and support healthy collagen production over time.

Results & Recovery Timeline

Your recovery timeline depends on both the type of laser used and how your skin responds. Redness or flaking for a few days to a week is common, and peeling may occur as the dead skin cells shed.

Within a few weeks, skin usually looks smoother, brighter, and more even-toned, but the final results usually develop over 2 to 3 months. During this period, we strongly recommend avoiding sun exposure and using a high-quality broad-spectrum SPF to protect your skin during recovery.

We perform a number of cosmetic treatments at Clarus Dermatology and among them, chemical peels are time-tested, high-value, and popular for dealing with acne, sun-damage, and precancerous skin growths.

Laser Resurfacing vs. Other Treatments

Laser resurfacing is often preferred for deeper or more stubborn skin concerns. Other options include:

Chemical peels, which exfoliate the surface but don’t reach the deeper layers like CO2 lasers can
Microneedling, which stimulates collagen but isn’t as effective for deep wrinkles or pigmentation
Radiofrequency (RF), which tightens the skin but doesn’t significantly improve texture or tone

If you’re dealing with sun damage, acne scars, or deeper lines, laser resurfacing offers more intensive correction than lighter cosmetic treatments.

Is Laser Resurfacing Right for You?

Laser treatments are safe and effective for many patients, but not everyone is a perfect candidate. You may be a good fit if you:

Have healthy skin and realistic expectations
Are not actively using medications like isotretinoin (Accutane)
Don’t smoke or are willing to pause during recovery
Don’t have open wounds or active acne in the treatment area
Have a skin tone and type appropriate for the selected laser

Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) can often be treated, but different settings and technologies may be used to reduce the risk of pigmentation changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How painful is laser skin resurfacing?

Most patients tolerate the treatment well. We use numbing cream beforehand, and the sensations are often described as warm or slightly stinging. Discomfort may be more noticeable after deeper treatments with CO2 lasers.

What’s the best age to start laser treatments?

There’s no set age. Many people begin in their 30s or 40s to treat early signs of aging or sun damage. Others may seek treatment earlier for acne scarring or uneven pigmentation.

How long before I can wear makeup again?

With IPL or VBeam, you can typically apply makeup within a day or two. After CO2 laser resurfacing, you’ll likely need to wait 7 to 10 days until your skin fully heals.

Will laser help with melasma?

Lasers may help, but melasma is complex. Certain light treatments can sometimes worsen pigmentation. We’ll carefully assess your skin and may recommend other approaches depending on severity and skin type.

Ready to Reveal Smoother, Younger Skin?

Laser resurfacing can transform the look and feel of your skin by reducing damage, refining texture, and encouraging long-term collagen growth. At Clarus Dermatology, we’re here to guide you through safe, results-driven treatments that meet your goals.

If you’re looking for laser skin resurfacing in Minnesota, our team offers expert care with results-driven technology and trusted dermatologic oversight. Contact us today to get started!

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