Ablative laser resurfacing, including CO₂ laser resurfacing and Erbium laser resurfacing, is one of the most effective skin treatments for wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and uneven skin texture. Ablative laser resurfacing remains the gold standard for skin rejuvenation due to the benefits of laser ablation and resurfacing even of deep wrinkles and scars, combined with its strong collagen remodelling properties and skin-tightening benefits.
At KDAA we offer customized ablative laser treatments, including CO₂ laser resurfacing (CO2RE, Fraxis Duo, ALMA Hybrid), erbium laser therapy (Acclaro UltraClear), hybrid laser resurfacing for powerful results and less downtime (ALMA hybrid), along with fully ablative and fractional laser resurfacing options, all tailored to your unique skin concerns.
What is ablative laser resurfacing?
Ablative laser resurfacing works by precisely removing the outer skin layers while heating the underlying tissues, which promotes skin regeneration and collagen remodelling.
Ablative laser resurfacing treatment effectively addresses:
Aged and/or sun-damaged and pigmented skin
Laser treatment for wrinkles
- Fine to Deep Lines and wrinkles
- Smoker’s lines, lipstick or barcode lines
Poor or uneven skin texture
Skin Laxity
Age spots and uneven skin pigment
Enlarged pores
Rhinophyma
Xanthelasma
Stretch marks
Laser scar removal
- Acne scarring: acne scar removal (box car and other scars)
- Surgical and traumatic scars
- Burns scars
- Chickenpox scars
Actinic keratoses
- Laser resurfacing for early surface skin cancers
- Actinic cheilitis (precancerous and cancerous lip changes)
Types of Laser Resurfacing Treatments We Offer
1. Hybrid Laser Resurfacing for Comprehensive Skin Renewal (ALMA Hybrid)
Hybrid laser resurfacing combines and blends ablative (CO2) and non-ablative laser technologies, offering powerful skin resurfacing with faster recovery times. By delivering both deep collagen stimulation and surface renewal, this treatment provides dramatic improvements with less downtime than traditional ablative lasers.
- A KDAA favourite for treating scars and scarring
- Treats fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, & pigmentation
- Shorter downtime compared to full ablative treatments
2. CO₂ Laser Resurfacing for Deep Wrinkles & Scars (CO2RE, Fraxis Duo and ALMA Hybrid)
CO₂ laser resurfacing is one of the most powerful treatments for aging skin, deep wrinkles, and acne scars.
- A KDAA favourite for treating the around the eye area
- Best for deep wrinkles & severe sun damage
- Removes damaged skin layers for new, healthy skin growth
- Stimulates collagen production for long-lasting skin firming
- Effective for acne scars, age spots, and uneven skin tone
3. Erbium Laser Resurfacing for Mild to Moderate Wrinkles and now Severe and Deep Wrinkles (Acclaro UltraClear).
Erbium laser resurfacing has been traditionally a gentler alternative to CO₂ laser, designed for fine lines, mild pigmentation, and skin texture improvements.
The new innovative Acclaro UltraClear however uses cold erbium fibre technology and advanced software programming to also allow mild through more powerful resurfacing options that can safely treated darker skin types, severe skin changes and scarring.
- Faster recovery than CO2 laser
- Less risk of pigmentation changes or risks compared to CO₂ laser (Safe for lighter and darker skin tones)
- Laser facials (3D MiraCl)
- KDAA’s go to option for treating around the mouth.
4. Fractional Laser Resurfacing for Skin Rejuvenation (ALMA Hybrid, Acclar UltraClear, Candela Nordlys, Fraxis Duo)
Fractional ablative lasers treat only a fraction of the skin at a time, promoting faster healing with minimal downtime. This is an option that we use with all our ablative lasers and non-ablative laser to provide a tailored skin rejuvenation treatment.
- Improves skin tone, texture, and elasticity
- Reduces acne scars and fine wrinkles
- Ideal for patients needing a milder approach with less downtime
- Customizable treatment settings for different skin types and skin problems
What to Expect During Ablative Laser Treatment
1. Consultation & Skin Assessment
A consultation with our expert dermatologists and dermatology nurses will help determine the best laser resurfacing option for your skin concerns. This may involve using multiple different lasers in the same treatment.
2. Laser Treatment Process
- Numbing cream or local anaesthesia is applied and administered for comfort
- The laser is precisely applied to target skin areas
- The procedure lasts between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on treatment depth
3. Post-Treatment Care & Recovery
Applying specialized post-ablative laser agents, including hyaluronic acid, growth factors, peptides, and antioxidants, can accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance collagen remodelling, leading to improved outcomes and a faster recovery process.
- Full skin rejuvenation results visible within 3-6 months
Downtime
Redness, swelling and weeping are normal responses immediately following your treatment. It is normal to experience a feeling of raw, sensitive skin for a few days followed by crusting or dry, tight and peeling skin.
Your downtime will depend on the treatment settings and the condition of your skin however for a conservative treatment we suggest allowing 5 – 7 days recovery time, 7 – 10 days for a moderate treatment and for deeper treatments allow 7 – 14 days.
At KDAA we provide comprehensive post-care guidance for optimal healing.
Expected Results
Results with ablative lasers start from once the skin heals. The skin is often more noticeably smoother and firmer with a reduction in discolouration and wrinkles. However, benefits continue to improve and increase over 3 – 6 months with collagen and skin remodelling.
Desired outcomes can often be achieved in as little as one treatment, however, this depends largely on the severity of your skin concerns and treatment settings and desired downtime. Conditions such as severe photo-damage and scarring often require multiple treatments to achieve optimal outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ablative vs. non-ablative laser treatments for skin rejuvenation
Ablative, non-ablative, and hybrid laser treatments each offer unique benefits for skin rejuvenation, targeting different depths of skin damage and collagen remodelling. Ablative lasers, such as CO₂ (ALMA Hybrid) and erbium lasers (Acclaro UltraClear, remove the outermost skin layers, effectively treating deep wrinkles, acne scars, and significant sun damage, but with longer downtime and a more intensive healing process. Non-ablative lasers, like Nd:YAG and fractional 1550/1927nm lasers (Candela Nordlys and Lutronics Ultra 1927), work by heating the deeper layers of skin without removing surface tissue, stimulating collagen production while requiring minimal recovery time, making them ideal for mild wrinkles, pigmentation, and overall skin tightening. Hybrid laser technology, such as the ALMA Hybrid, combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths in a single session, offering the resurfacing benefits of ablative lasers with the collagen-stimulating effects and reduced downtime of non-ablative treatments. This customizable approach allows dermatologists to tailor treatments based on individual skin concerns, optimizing results while balancing efficacy and recovery time.
How long do results last?
With proper skincare, results can last years, though maintenance treatments may be recommended for ongoing skin health.
How do I choose between Erbium and CO₂ laser resurfacing?
CO₂ laser resurfacing is best for deep wrinkles, acne scars, and severe sun damage, offering dramatic skin resurfacing with longer recovery time. Erbium laser resurfacing is a gentler alternative, ideal for fine lines, mild pigmentation, and overall skin texture improvement, with faster healing and less risk of pigmentation issues. The Acclaro UltraClear cold fiber erbium laser features cutting-edge technology, enabling a range of treatments from the gentle 3D MiraCl facial to deep resurfacing for stubborn lines. Additionally, it offers laser microcoring, a minimally invasive alternative to surgical facelifts or cosmetic surgery, ideal for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity seeking natural rejuvenation.
While all these treatments can have benefits, for personalized recommendations based on your individual assessment, a holistic approach and consideration of potential risks including rare complications. A consultation with a dermatologist or aesthetic practitioner at KDAA is required to assess your suitability and discuss expected outcomes.
