Laser Resurfacing

One of the most common questions patients ask is how the laser resurfacing offered at Maison Zolara compares to the ablative CO2 and erbium laser treatments they may have read about — or to branded systems like Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, or PicoSure. Understanding the distinction helps set realistic expectations.

The treatment performed at Maison Zolara is non-ablative laser skin renewal — meaning the outer layer of skin (epidermis) is preserved throughout treatment. This is a fundamentally different approach from traditional ablative CO2 resurfacing, which vaporizes the epidermis and requires 1–2 weeks of intensive wound care, significant social downtime, and carries higher risks of infection, scarring, and prolonged redness.

The table below summarizes the key differences:

Non-Ablative Resurfacing

Targets the dermis while preserving the epidermis. Ideal for patients who want meaningful improvement in texture, tone, and early fine lines with minimal downtime. Results build gradually over a series of sessions as new collagen matures. Best suited for maintenance, prevention, and mild-to-moderate concerns.

Ablative CO2 Resurfacing

Removes the outer skin layer entirely, allowing for deeper remodeling. Appropriate for more advanced photoaging, deeper wrinkles, or significant textural irregularities. Requires 1–2 weeks of wound care and carries higher risk of complications. Typically performed in surgical or hospital-based settings.

Fraxel, CO2 Laser, Clear + Brilliant, and PicoSure are separate branded systems not available at Maison Zolara. The comparison above is provided for educational context only.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing has an established safety profile when performed by trained clinicians using appropriate parameters. Because the epidermis is preserved, the risk of infection, scarring, and prolonged healing is significantly lower than with ablative approaches.

Common, expected side effects include temporary redness, mild swelling, and warmth in the treated area — typically resolving within 24–72 hours. Some patients experience mild peeling or flaking as the skin renews over the following days.

Skin Tone Considerations: Patients with darker Fitzpatrick skin types (IV–VI) should discuss their skin tone history with their clinician before treatment. A 2023 study published in PMC by the American Academy of Dermatology noted that non-ablative fractional resurfacing in darker skin tones can carry a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is typically self-limiting but should be managed with appropriate pre-treatment protocols and conservative energy settings. ↗

Who Should Avoid Treatment

Active skin infections, open wounds, or active inflammatory acne in the treatment area are contraindications. Patients who are pregnant, have a history of keloid scarring, or are taking photosensitizing medications should disclose this during consultation. Patients with a recent history of isotretinoin use (within 6 months) should also notify their clinician.

Realistic Expectations

Non-ablative resurfacing produces gradual, cumulative results — not the dramatic single-session transformation associated with ablative procedures. Most patients see meaningful improvement after a series of 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, with continued collagen remodeling for up to 6 months after the final session.

Laser resurfacing with the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus is appropriate for a wide range of patients. The best way to confirm candidacy is through a complimentary consultation — but the following provides a general guide.

Good Candidates

• Adults with fine lines, uneven texture, or mild sun damage
• Patients seeking skin renewal with minimal downtime
• Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI (with appropriate parameter adjustments)
• Patients who have not used isotretinoin in the past 6 months
• Those committed to a series of sessions for cumulative results
• Patients in the greater Lansing area including Mason, Williamston, and Charlotte

Not a Good Fit

• Active skin infections or open wounds in the treatment area
• Active inflammatory acne in the treatment zone
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• History of keloid scarring
• Current use of photosensitizing medications (discuss with clinician)
• Patients expecting single-session dramatic results comparable to ablative CO2

Non-ablative laser resurfacing works by delivering controlled laser energy beneath the skin's surface without removing or vaporizing the outer layer (the epidermis). This is the key distinction from traditional ablative CO2 resurfacing: the epidermis remains intact, which dramatically reduces healing time and the risk of complications.

The laser energy heats the dermis — the deeper structural layer of the skin — triggering a controlled wound-healing response. Fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, are stimulated to generate new structural proteins. Over the weeks and months following treatment, the skin gradually becomes firmer, smoother, and more even in tone as this new collagen matures.

According to a 2024 peer-reviewed study published in PubMed (Wang JV et al.), non-ablative fractional diode laser resurfacing demonstrated measurable improvements in photodamage markers including rhytides, skin texture, dyschromia, pore size, and overall appearance across multiple Fitzpatrick skin types. ↗

Clinical note: Research published in PMC by the American Academy of Dermatology found that non-ablative fractional laser resurfacing promotes neocollagenesis with significantly fewer complications and less discomfort than ablative techniques, making it a preferred option for patients seeking skin renewal with minimal social downtime. ↗

Knowing what to expect at each stage of your treatment journey helps you prepare and get the most from your results.

Before Your Treatment

Your journey begins with a complimentary consultation with one of our licensed RN clinicians. We'll review your skin concerns, medical history, and any medications or supplements you're taking. In the days before your appointment, avoid sun exposure, self-tanning products, and retinoids. Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup and skincare products.

During Treatment

A topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area approximately 30–45 minutes before the session begins. The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus delivers laser energy in precise pulses, with the integrated Dynamic Cooling Device providing a cooling burst before each pulse to protect the epidermis and improve comfort. Most patients describe the sensation as a series of brief snapping or warming feelings. A full facial treatment typically takes 20–40 minutes depending on the area covered.

After Treatment

Immediately following treatment, the skin will appear pink to red — similar to a mild sunburn. This typically resolves within 24–72 hours. Mild swelling may be present, particularly around the eyes, and usually subsides within 1–2 days. Some patients experience light flaking or peeling in the days following treatment as the skin renews. You can return to most normal activities the following day, though we recommend avoiding direct sun exposure and wearing SPF 30+ daily.

Proper aftercare is essential to achieving the best possible results and protecting your skin during the renewal process. The following guidelines apply to the days immediately following your laser resurfacing session.

Do

• Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer as directed
• Use SPF 30 or higher daily — sun protection is non-negotiable
• Keep the skin cool and avoid excessive heat (saunas, hot showers) for 48 hours
• Stay hydrated and allow the skin to peel naturally if flaking occurs
• Contact our team if you experience unexpected symptoms

Avoid

• Direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks post-treatment
• Retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and active exfoliants for 5–7 days
• Picking, scrubbing, or rubbing the treated skin
• Heavy makeup for the first 24–48 hours
• Strenuous exercise that causes significant sweating for 48 hours

Laser resurfacing at Maison Zolara is priced transparently, with no hidden fees. Final pricing is confirmed at your complimentary consultation based on the treatment area and your individual plan.

• Standard pricing: From TBD per session
• Maison Circle members: From TBD per session
• Package pricing is available for patients committing to a series of sessions

Maison Circle members receive member pricing on laser resurfacing and can track their treatment journey in the Zolara Care app (available on the App Store).

Final pricing is confirmed at consultation. Individual treatment plans vary based on area size, skin concerns, and number of sessions recommended.

Whether you're dealing with uneven texture from sun exposure, fine lines that skincare alone can't address, or the early signs of skin laxity, laser resurfacing offers a clinically supported pathway to renewal. Patients from across the greater Lansing area — including Okemos, East Lansing, Holt, and DeWitt — visit our west Lansing medspa for this treatment.

Maison Zolara performs laser resurfacing using the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus — a dual-wavelength platform that represents the current standard in medical-grade laser aesthetics. This is the same platform used for our laser hair reduction service, and its versatility across multiple wavelengths allows our licensed RN clinicians to tailor treatment parameters precisely to each patient's skin type and concern.

Dual Wavelength Platform

The GentleMax Pro Plus combines a 755 nm Alexandrite laser and a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser in a single system, enabling targeted treatment across a broad range of skin tones and conditions — from Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI.

Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD)

The integrated Dynamic Cooling Device delivers a cryogen spray to the skin surface milliseconds before each laser pulse, protecting the epidermis and significantly improving patient comfort during treatment.

Precision Energy Delivery

Adjustable pulse durations — including the shortest 2 ms pulse duration in the Gentle Pro series — allow clinicians to optimize energy delivery for each patient's specific skin concern and tolerance.

Clinically Proven Performance

Built on over 20 years of clinical data, the GentleMax Pro Plus is Candela's FDA-cleared dual-wavelength platform for laser aesthetics, with a safety and efficacy record across diverse patient populations.

Maison Zolara is located in west Lansing at 4820 W Saginaw Hwy, conveniently accessible from across the mid-Michigan region. We serve patients from Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, DeWitt, Grand Ledge, Mason, Williamston, Charlotte, St. Johns, and the surrounding communities — all within our 30-mile service radius.

Our clinic is open 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturdays. Complimentary consultations are available by appointment — book yours today.

1. Wang JV, Friedman PM, Agron S, Konda A, et al. Nonablative Fractional Diode Laser Resurfacing (1440 nm and 1927 nm) for Photoaged Skin. PubMed. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39190540/

2. Tierney EP, Hanke CW, Watkins L. Sequential facial skin rejuvenation with intense pulsed light and non-ablative fractionated laser resurfacing in Fitzpatrick skin type II–IV patients: A prospective multicenter analysis. PMC / American Academy of Dermatology. 2019. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6585794/

3. Adverse events associated with 1540-nm nonablative fractional resurfacing in darker skin: A retrospective study. PMC / American Academy of Dermatology. 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10835438/

4. Candela Medical. GentleMax Pro Plus Platform Overview. https://candelamedical.com/gmpp/

Page Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical references are sourced from peer-reviewed research and named institutions as cited below. Individual results vary. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any treatment.

The Medical Director provides clinical oversight of treatments performed at this practice. The Medical Director does not author, review, or endorse website content.

Candela® and GentleMax Pro Plus® are registered trademarks of Candela Corporation. Maison Zolara is an authorized Candela partner.