All Treatments

Skin Tech

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Resurface, in series.

Fractional CO₂ laser for fine lines, pigmentation, and sun damage. Single annual session resets skin quality for the year.

Laser Skin ResurfacingResurface, in series.

What it is

The treatment, explained without jargon.

Fractional CO2 laser is the gold standard for skin resurfacing, and the most aggressive non-surgical treatment we offer. The laser delivers microscopic columns of energy that vaporize tiny zones of damaged skin while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. The intact tissue acts as a healing scaffold, while the treated zones trigger a full collagen renewal cascade.

We treat once a year, in winter (avoiding sun exposure during recovery). A single session resets skin quality for the next 12 to 24 months: smoother texture, reduced pigmentation, softened lines, and a measurable improvement in pore size. Recovery is real, 5 to 7 days social downtime, but the outcome is the closest a non-surgical treatment gets to a facelift.

What it treats

Concerns this is the answer for.

  • Deep fine lines and moderate wrinkles
  • Sun damage and uneven pigmentation
  • Acne scarring (boxcar, ice-pick, rolling)
  • Enlarged pores
  • Pre-cancerous spots and actinic keratoses
  • Surgical or accident scars (case-by-case)

What to expect

Your visit, in three steps.

  1. 60 min

    Numbing

    Compounded topical lidocaine applied to the full face plus nerve block injections at the brow, cheek, and chin. We do NOT cut corners on numbing, this is the most thorough numbing protocol we use.

  2. 45-60 min

    Laser pass

    Dr. Northrop adjusts laser depth and density for each zone of your face (deeper at scars, shallower at the periphery). Sensation is heat with mild stinging at the periphery, fully numb in the center.

  3. 5-7 days social downtime

    Recovery

    Days 1 to 2: oozing and crusting, like a severe sunburn. Days 3 to 5: peeling and pink skin underneath. Days 6 to 7: pink fading, makeup OK. Day 30: smoother and brighter. Final result at day 90.

Aftercare

The next 24 to 72 hours.

  • Petroleum-based occlusive (Aquaphor or Vaseline) every 2 hours for the first 7 days
  • No makeup for the first 5 days; mineral foundation OK at day 6
  • Mineral sunscreen daily for 30 days minimum, ideally 90 days
  • No swimming, sauna, or sweating for 14 days
  • No retinoids, AHAs, vitamin C, or active skincare for 30 days
  • Strict sun avoidance for 30 days; SPF 50 mineral after
  • Antiviral prophylaxis (valacyclovir) for 7 days even without history of cold sores
  • Results build for 90 days as collagen remodels; final assessment at month 3

Is this for me?

Who it works for — and who it doesn't.

Good fit

  • Fitzpatrick I through IV (lighter skin types)
  • Patients with significant sun damage or acne scarring
  • Once-annual maintenance, ideally in November or December
  • Patients who can dedicate 7 days to recovery
  • Patients seeking the strongest non-surgical resurfacing available

Not a fit

  • Fitzpatrick V and VI (higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, we use Morpheus8 instead)
  • Active herpes/cold sore (must be controlled with prophylactic antivirals)
  • Keloid scarring history
  • Recent tanning, sunburn, or sun exposure within 4 weeks
  • Isotretinoin (Accutane) use within the past 12 months
  • Pregnancy or active breastfeeding
  • Patients without 7 days available for social recovery

Laser Skin Resurfacing questions

Common questions, honest answers.

  • Days 1 to 2: oozing and crusting, not presentable. Days 3 to 5: peeling, pink, makeup-not-possible. Days 6 to 7: pink fading, mineral foundation OK. Plan 7 days of social downtime, this is the most aggressive resurfacing we offer.

Patients who book this also book

Microneedling with RF

Pair with Morpheus8 on the neck (where laser is too risky) for a complete face-and-neck renewal protocol. Combined consultation included.

See Microneedling with RF

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