Question 1

What is the difference between ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing?

Accepted Answer

Ablative lasers remove the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heat the dermis beneath, producing significant collagen stimulation and skin renewal. They deliver more dramatic results but require 3-7 days of downtime for peeling and redness. Non-ablative lasers heat the dermis without removing the epidermis — less downtime (typically none to minimal) but more gradual results over a course of sessions. Both approaches stimulate new collagen; the choice depends on the degree of concern, skin type, and how much downtime you can accommodate.

Question 2

What is fractional laser resurfacing?

Accepted Answer

Fractional technology divides the laser beam into thousands of microscopic treatment zones, leaving untreated skin between each zone intact. This dramatically accelerates healing — the untreated tissue acts as a reservoir of healthy cells that migrate to heal the treated columns. Fractional resurfacing delivers the collagen-stimulating benefits of laser with significantly less downtime than traditional full-field ablative treatment. It is now the standard approach for most resurfacing concerns.

Question 3

What skin concerns does laser resurfacing treat?

Accepted Answer

Laser resurfacing is effective for acne scars (ice pick, boxcar, rolling), post-acne marks, sun damage and age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture irregularities, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and overall skin quality. The choice of ablative versus non-ablative, and the specific wavelength, depends on the concern being treated and your skin type.

Question 4

Which laser resurfacing treatments does 99 Medispa offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer Fotona Er:YAG laser for both ablative and non-ablative resurfacing — it is one of the most versatile resurfacing platforms available. Picosure picosecond laser provides non-ablative collagen stimulation with zero downtime, particularly effective for pigmentation and superficial texture. EndyMed FSR delivers fractional radiofrequency resurfacing — similar mechanism to fractional laser but using RF energy, which is colour-blind and safe for all skin tones. Our practitioners recommend the right approach based on your specific concern, skin type, and downtime tolerance.

Question 5

How many sessions are needed?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the treatment and the concern. Non-ablative fractional treatments (Picosure, Fotona non-ablative, EndyMed FSR) typically require 3-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart for meaningful improvement. Ablative Fotona resurfacing produces more dramatic per-session results — some concerns require only 1-3 sessions. Your practitioner will outline a full plan at your consultation.

Question 6

Is there any downtime?

Accepted Answer

Non-ablative treatments have minimal to no downtime — Picosure has zero, EndyMed FSR causes 2-3 days of redness, and Fotona non-ablative may cause mild redness for a few hours. Ablative Fotona Er:YAG resurfacing typically involves 3-7 days of peeling and redness, depending on the depth of treatment. Your practitioner will give you specific aftercare instructions before your session.

Question 7

Is laser resurfacing safe for dark skin tones?

Accepted Answer

Ablative lasers carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) and must be used conservatively. Non-ablative Fotona and Picosure are safer at appropriate settings. EndyMed FSR uses radiofrequency energy — which is colour-blind and does not target melanin — making it the safest resurfacing option for darker skin tones. Our practitioners assess your Fitzpatrick type and recommend accordingly.

Question 8

When will I see results?

Accepted Answer

Results from laser resurfacing build progressively as new collagen is produced over 4-12 weeks following each session. Ablative treatments produce more visible initial improvement. Non-ablative treatments require patience — the improvement accumulates across sessions. Skin texture, tone, and scar depth all continue improving for 2-3 months after the final session.

Ablative & Non-Ablative
Fractional Laser

Ablative vs Non-Ablative vs Fractional

Ablative

Non-Ablative

Fractional

Our Resurfacing Technologies

What Laser Resurfacing Treats

Acne Scars

Post-Acne Marks (PIH)

Sun Damage & Age Spots

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Skin Texture & Pores

Overall Skin Renewal

What Our Clients Say

Frequently Asked Questions

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Resurfacing Approach

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