Laser resurfacing is a technique that uses targeted light energy to exfoliate the skin, stimulate collagen production, and encourage skin renewal. Depending on the laser’s intensity and wavelength, the treatment can be more or less aggressive — which directly impacts results, recovery time, and who it’s best for.

What are the categories of laser resurfacing?

There are two main categories of laser resurfacing: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers work by removing the outer layers of the skin to stimulate regeneration, while non-ablative lasers heat the deeper layers without disrupting the skin’s surface. In addition, laser treatments can be delivered as either fractional or full-field. Fractional lasers create microscopic columns of skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact to speed up healing, whereas full-field lasers treat the entire surface area for a more uniform but often more intensive result.

Let’s look at how some of the most well-known technologies compare — and how newer options like the UltraClear™ Laser are changing the game.

CO₂ lasers

What they are?

CO₂ lasers, or carbon dioxide lasers, emit infrared light at a wavelength of 10,600 nm. They are considered ablative lasers, meaning they remove the outer layers of damaged skin to stimulate regeneration of new, smoother tissue.

What do they treat?

CO₂ lasers are highly effective for treating deep wrinkles, extensive sun damage, acne scars, surgical scars, uneven texture, and precancerous growths.

What are the advantages of CO₂ laser resurfacing?

• Profound collagen remodeling
• Significant improvements in deep lines and scars
• Long-lasting results after a single session

What are the disadvantages of CO2 laser resurfacing?

• Extended recovery time (7–14 days of downtime)
• Risk of pigment changes (especially in darker skin tones)
• Higher risk of infection or scarring if not performed correctly 

Examples of leading CO₂ devices:

• Lumenis UltraPulse^®
• DEKA SmartXide DOT^®
• Fraxel Re:pair^® (CO₂ version)

Erbium:YAG lasers

What they are:

Erbium lasers operate at a wavelength of 2940 nm, which is highly absorbed by water in skin tissue. Like CO₂ lasers, they are ablative but tend to be more precise and cause less thermal injury to surrounding tissue.

What do they treat?

Erbium lasers are ideal for treating superficial to moderately deep wrinkles, sunspots, pigmentation irregularities, and mild skin laxity.

What are the advantages of Erbium lasers?

• Less thermal damage compared to CO₂ lasers
• Faster healing time (typically 5–7 days)
• Lower risk of pigment alterations

What are the disadvantages of Erbium lasers?

• May require multiple sessions for deeper wrinkles or scars
• Less effective for very severe skin damage compared to CO₂

Examples of leading Erbium:YAG devices

• Sciton Contour TRL
• Fotona^® SP Dynamis Pro

UltraClear™ Laser – The Newest Innovation in Laser Resurfacing

Now, here’s where things get exciting.

What are they?

UltraClear is the latest breakthrough in ablative fractional laser technology — and it’s quickly becoming a favorite for both patients and physicians. What makes UltraClear™ different is its Cold Fiber 2910 nm wavelength, which delivers powerful resurfacing at lower temperatures. That means less thermal damage, faster healing, and remarkable results.

What do they treat?

Depending on the settings, the UltraClear™ laser can be adjusted to treat anything from fine lines to deep wrinkles, acne scars, surgical scars, uneven skin texture, sun damage, age spots, and skin laxity.

What are the advantages of UltraClear™ laser?

• Less downtime (5-7 days for most patients)
• Safe across all skin tones, including melanin-rich skin
• Lower settings can be done without numbing due to its gentle approach
• Laser coring available for improved outcome in skin tightening, deep lines and difficult scars
• Visible glow within days, with ongoing collagen remodeling
• Often only 1–2 sessions needed for great results

What are the disadvantages of UltraClear™ laser?

• May require more than one session to achieve the desired results for severe skin damage

What they are?

Non-ablative lasers deliver controlled heat into the dermis (the thick middle layer of skin) without removing the outer layers of skin (the epidermis). Fractional technology treats microscopic columns of skin, leaving surrounding tissue intact to aid faster recovery. It is helpful to think of non-ablative fractional laser treatments as gentler and gradual compared to ablative laser treatments. 

What do they treat?

These lasers are used to treat fine lines, mild to moderate acne scarring, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation, offering gradual improvement with less downtime.

What are the advantages of non-ablative fractional lasers?

• Minimal recovery time (typically mild redness for a few days)
• Safer for a broader range of skin types
• Lower risk of infection or scarring 

What are the disadvantages of non-ablative fractional lasers?

• Requires a series of treatments (usually 3–5 sessions)
• Results are more subtle compared to ablative lasers

Examples of leading non-ablative fractional devices:

• Fraxel® Dual 1550/1927
• Clear + Brilliant (a milder version by Solta Medical)
• Cynosure Icon 1540

The Fraxel^® Dual laser

What it is:

The Fraxel Dual combines two wavelengths in one device:

• 1550 nm (deeper dermal treatment)
• 1927 nm (more superficial epidermal treatment)

What does the Fraxel Dual laser treat?

Fraxel Dual is particularly suited for treating sunspots, age spots, melasma, fine lines, mild to moderate acne scars, precancerous lesions and overall skin tone and texture.

What are the advantages of Fraxel Dual laser treatment?

• Versatility to treat both superficial and deeper concerns
• Predictable and safe results across a variety of indications
• Minimal downtime (usually 3–7 days of redness and peeling) 

What are the disadvantages of Fraxel dual laser treatment?

• Multiple sessions are typically needed for best results
• Mild discomfort during and after the procedure

Notable points:

• One of the most researched and widely used non-ablative fractional lasers in dermatology
• Effective for both lighter and some darker skin types when settings are adjusted appropriately 

Each laser skin resurfacing option offers unique benefits depending on the patient’s goals, skin type, and tolerance for downtime.

• CO₂ lasers remain the gold standard for dramatic skin rejuvenation with significant recovery.
• Erbium:YAG lasers offer a balance of results with faster healing.
• UltraClear™ laser bridges the gap between the CO2 lasers and Erbium:YAG lasers, offering dramatic results with more comfort and less downtime
• Non-ablative lasers, including the Fraxel Dual, provide a gentler but effective option with less interruption to daily life.