Nonablative Laser Skin Resurfacing
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Carnegie Hill and Flatiron, NY

Nonablative laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that uses lasers to help address symptoms of aging and other skin imperfections or concerns. Nonablative laser skin resurfacing can stimulate collagen production, resulting in smoother, revitalized skin and reduced scarring from trauma or acne.
Reverse the symptoms of aging and rejuvenate your skin with our nonablative laser skin resurfacing treatments!
At both Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Carnegie Hill and Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Flatiron, our dermatologists are experts in treating skin conditions of the neck, face, and body with the latest laser technology. Please give us a call at (646) 661-6131 (Carnegie Hill) or (212) 982-8229 (Flatiron), or request an appointment online for a personal consultation at one of our New York offices.
Contents
- 1 About Nonablative Laser Skin Resurfacing
- 2 Benefits of Nonablative Laser Skin Resurfacing
- 3 Ideal Candidates
- 4 Personal Consultation
- 5 Preparation
- 6 Nonablative Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
- 7 Recovery and Results
- 8 Cost of Nonablative Laser Resurfacing in Carnegie Hill and Flatiron, NY
- 9 FAQ
- 9.1 What is nonablative laser skin resurfacing?
- 9.2 What does nonablative laser skin resurfacing treatment help with?
- 9.3 How long does the nonablative laser skin resurfacing procedure take?
- 9.4 Can nonablative laser skin resurfacing be combined with other procedures?
- 9.5 Is nonablative laser skin resurfacing painful?
- 9.6 Will insurance cover my nonablative laser skin resurfacing procedure?
- 10 References
About Nonablative Laser Skin Resurfacing
Non-ablative lasers reach deeper layers of skin without removing the top layer. (1) Lasers available at our practices include:
- A Fractional Resurfacing Laser uses laser technology that can stimulate new collagen and elastin production. What makes this so unique is that it only takes one treatment to reach optimal results. Our Fractional Resurfacing Laser is particularly effective for fine lines, wrinkles, skin pigmentation, uneven skin tone, stretch marks, and acne scars. Cooling technology is equipped in all our Fractional Resurfacing Lasers to ensure patients are comfortable during their procedure.
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy uses optimal pulse technology (OPT) to achieve the best results. IPL skin resurfacing uses light energy and is suited to treat skin pigmentation, wrinkles, scars, and more.
- Nd:YAG Laser is best used for treating spider veins, varicose veins, and vascular lesions. This type of laser can also be used for tattoo removal. It is effective for this purpose because of how well tattoos take on the wavelength of light used. The Nd:YAG Laser uses multiple wavelengths to treat dark tattoos, colorful tattoos, and everything in between.
- Clear and Brilliant is a fractional nonablative laser that creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones in the skin to stimulate the production of collagen. This encourages healthier tissue, resulting in brighter, more youthful-looking skin. This laser can effectively reduce the appearance of sun damage and the appearance of uneven skin texture, wrinkles, discoloration, and enlarged pores. (2)
- The Excimer Laser is a type of pulsed laser that emits ultraviolet B (UVB) light to help address common skin conditions, such as psoriasis and vitiligo, as well as more photo-resistant concerns, such as morphea. This treatment can be used to treat difficult-to-reach areas, allows for site-specific treatment, and requires a lower cumulative dose of UVB relative to other treatments to achieve significant results. (3)
- The VBeam Laser is a pulsed dye laser that can be used to address vascular concerns on the skin’s surface, such as port wine stains, spider veins, rosacea, and more. This treatment delivers intense pulses of light to the skin’s surface, which are then absorbed by hemoglobin, the red pigment seen in blood. This causes the blood vessels to break down before being absorbed by the body, resulting in a reduction in redness and discoloration overall.
Nonablative laser skin resurfacing not only improves skin tone and texture; our New York City patients can also enjoy the benefits of skin tightening and collagen production from the sophisticated heat energy nonablative laser skin resurfacing provides. Your skin can have a more contoured, tighter appearance, making you look more youthful and rejuvenated. The technology used in laser therapy results in little to no downtime with transformational results.
Benefits of Nonablative Laser Skin Resurfacing
There are many benefits to receiving a nonablative laser resurfacing treatment.
Nonablative laser skin resurfacing:
- Improves scarring caused by:
- Surgery
- Trauma
- Acne
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face
- Shrinks pores
- Stimulates collagen production, which leads to:
- Tightened skin
- Rejuvenated appearance
- Ongoing skin improvement over time
- Reduces the appearance of blood vessels
- Treats discoloration and hyperpigmentation
- Offers a non-invasive treatment option
- Delivers impressive results, contributing to growing popularity (4)
Ideal Candidates
People of all skin colors and skin types are candidates for nonablative laser skin resurfacing. If you are unhappy about the appearance of your skin, our team can help. Because laser therapy can be used for both cosmetic and medical conditions, it is versatile and appeals to patients with different concerns.
We do not recommend this treatment for pregnant patients, patients with active infections, or patients with certain medical conditions. Your candidacy will be determined during a personal consultation before your treatment.
Personal Consultation
We kindly request that each patient schedule a personal consultation with us prior to their nonablative laser skin resurfacing procedure. This enables us to get to know each patient, allowing us to gain a better understanding of how to address their concerns effectively. At each personal consultation, we will discuss the best strategies to help each patient achieve smoother, rejuvenated skin. We will also arrange any necessary personalized preparation and recovery instructions to ensure that each patient is properly informed before the procedure. The cost of each procedure will also be discussed, and a member of our team can help walk patients through our available payment options and financing partners.
Preparation
Before undergoing a nonablative laser skin resurfacing treatment, patients should follow the preparation instructions provided by their laser specialist. In general, patients should make an effort to avoid harsh skin products in the weeks leading up to their procedure, such as exfoliants or retinoids. Patients should also avoid using tanning beds at least 1-2 weeks before their appointment, or as directed by our team. We recommend that patients hydrate and get plenty of sleep before their scheduled procedure as well.
Nonablative Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
Nonablative laser skin resurfacing technology is unique as it can treat the dermis (the deep layers of the skin) without harming the epidermis (the top layer of skin). Modern laser technology keeps the epidermis safe with cooling technology during the procedure. Laser energy sent toward the dermis produces fibroblasts, the cells that create collagen and elastin. Increased collagen and elastin promote firmer skin for youthful-looking results. (1) Nonablative laser skin resurfacing boosts skin cell turnover, allowing for the regeneration of new, healthier skin cells.
Nonablative laser skin resurfacing can take anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the extent of the treatment and the size of the targeted area.
Recovery and Results

There may be some redness and sensitivity after your laser therapy procedure. Itching and irritation are also common symptoms. These symptoms should subside within a few days. During this time, it is best to avoid sun exposure for a few weeks and apply SPF when going outdoors. Applying moisturizer creams is recommended to help aid with the healing process and soothe the skin.
Results can continue to develop 2-3 months after the initial treatment. This procedure offers gradual results, meaning the skin continues to improve as it heals itself, and collagen production increases.
Many patients benefit from a series of treatments rather than a one-time treatment. Your laser specialist will let you know how many treatments would be best for you and your individual aesthetic goals.
Cost of Nonablative Laser Resurfacing in Carnegie Hill and Flatiron, NY
The cost of your nonablative laser resurfacing treatment can depend on several factors, such as the condition of your skin and the treatment plan needed to help you achieve your treatment goals. Each procedure can be tailored to help target specific symptoms the patient is experiencing, offering a fully customized experience. The cost of each procedure can be discussed at each patient’s personal consultation.
To schedule your consultation at either Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Carnegie Hill or Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Flatiron today, please give us a call at (646) 661-6131 (Carnegie Hill) or (212) 982-8229 (Flatiron), or request an appointment online for a personal consultation at one of our New York offices.
FAQ
What is nonablative laser skin resurfacing?
Nonablative laser skin resurfacing is a type of treatment that uses focused laser energy to remove damaged skin layers and promote collagen production. The result is smoother, more even-toned skin with improved texture and a healthy, glowing appearance. It’s commonly used to rejuvenate the skin and reverse visible signs of aging or damage.
What does nonablative laser skin resurfacing treatment help with?
Nonablative laser skin resurfacing targets a wide range of concerns, including wrinkles, fine lines, and melasma. It can also significantly improve skin affected by hyperpigmentation, sun damage, uneven tone, and acne scarring. Patients often notice brighter, firmer skin and a more youthful appearance after completing treatment.
How long does the nonablative laser skin resurfacing procedure take?
The procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size and number of areas being treated. Your provider will go over timing and expectations during your consultation.
Can nonablative laser skin resurfacing be combined with other procedures?
Yes! Nonablative laser resurfacing is often combined with other cosmetic treatments such as microneedling, injectables like Botox or fillers, or chemical peels. Combining treatments can enhance results and offer more comprehensive skin rejuvenation.
Is nonablative laser skin resurfacing painful?
Most patients experience only mild discomfort, similar to a warm or tingling sensation during treatment. Topical anesthetics are used to minimize any discomfort. After treatment, the skin may feel tight or sensitive, similar to a mild sunburn. Proper aftercare helps soothe the skin and support healing.
Will insurance cover my nonablative laser skin resurfacing procedure?
Because nonablative laser skin resurfacing is considered a cosmetic, elective treatment, it is generally not covered by insurance. However, we offer flexible, customizable payment plans to help make treatment accessible and affordable for our patients.
References
- Sherrill JD, Finlay D, Binder RL, et al. Transcriptomic analysis of human skin wound healing and rejuvenation following ablative fractional laser treatment. Bernardes de Jesus B, ed. PLOS ONE. 2021;16(11):e0260095. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0260095
- Polder KD, Friedman PM, Feetham J, Gower J, Lin T, Jacobson A. Nonablative Fractional Diode Laser Resurfacing (1440 nm and 1927 nm) for Photoaged Skin. Dermatologic Surgery. 2024;51(1):52-57. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/dss.0000000000004379
- Hartmann Schatloff D, Retamal Altbir C, Valenzuela F. The role of excimer light in dermatology: a review. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 2024;99(6):887-894. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abd.2023.12.007
- Abdel Hay R, Shalaby K, Zaher H, et al. Interventions for acne scars. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016;4:CD011946. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011946.pub2
- Havelin A, Seukeran DC. Laser treatment of acne scarring in skin of colour. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. Published online October 28, 2022. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/ced/llac024