March 4, 2025—Think laser resurfacing is too harsh on the skin? Think again. Long considered a trusted tool for skin renewal, laser resurfacing can restore a more youthful-looking complexion while also providing a solution for skin concerns that have few effective treatment options. Yet some misconceptions persist, with claims that repeated laser resurfacing treatments may do more harm than good, suggesting they burn the skin, create unnatural results, or offer little real benefit.
So, what’s the truth? Does resurfacing damage the skin, or is it a powerful tool for skin revitalization when used correctly? We turned to key opinion leaders (KOLs) to set the record straight.
The back story: Does repeated resurfacing harm the skin?
Some claims have been made about repeated resurfacing treatments, including:
- Resurfacing lasers “burn” the skin and cause unnecessary damage
- Deep resurfacing doesn’t improve the appearance of skin laxity
- Overuse leads to unnatural, plastic-like appearance of the skin
While these statements may sound alarming, they overlook the fundamental science behind controlled resurfacing and its role in healthy skin revitalization. They also ignore the fact that not all ablative lasers are created equal. Let’s break it down.
Expert opinion: What science says about laser resurfacing
- Laser resurfacing supports skin renewal
Not all ablative lasers are created equal—the key lies in the wavelength. Some wavelengths penetrate too deep or generate excessive heat, increasing the risk of unnecessary damage. Others, like Sciton’s 2940 nm erbium lasers, offer unmatched precision, allowing controlled resurfacing at depths as fine as 10 microns—the width of a single strand of hair. This level of accuracy is not possible with any other wavelength, making erbium technology the gold standard for effective yet gentle skin renewal.
Sciton’s resurfacing technology offers customizable treatment intensities to address a wide range of skin concerns. Contour TRL™, Sciton’s tunable full-field resurfacing laser, provides deep resurfacing for significant wrinkle reduction. For lighter treatments that refine texture and tone, MicroLaserPeel® and NanoLaserPeel™ deliver precise, superficial peels. ProFractional™, Sciton’s fractionated laser, promotes skin renewal with advanced control over depth and density, allowing for tailored treatments—from shallow revitalization to deeper correction. This approach accelerates healing while dramatically improving skin texture and the appearance of scars.
According to Dr. Arisa Ortiz, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, fully ablative erbium lasers, like Contour TRL, provide the most effective solution for smoothing deep wrinkles, delivering results that other treatments simply cannot match. She notes that fillers and neurotoxins fall short when treating deep-set wrinkles like cheek rhytids, while fractional treatments offer only modest improvement. (Hear more from Dr. Ortiz in this webinar.)
The bottom line? Sciton’s erbium resurfacing lasers don’t “burn” the skin in a harmful way—they use controlled heat to stimulate the skin’s natural renewal process. By precisely targeting the skin at different depths, resurfacing triggers skin renewal, leading to the appearance of healthier, more youthful-looking skin over time. This process improves the appearance of texture, tone, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and even stubborn concerns like cheek rhytids and crow’s feet.
- Repetitive resurfacing is safe when done correctly
One of the biggest misconceptions is that repeated laser resurfacing leads to permanent damage or unnatural results. The truth? Overuse of any treatment can be problematic, but when done correctly, resurfacing is a safe and effective way to maintain healthy skin.
According to Dr. Robyn Siperstein, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, the key lies in balance—just like everything in life. Too much heat can destroy, but the right amount can revitalize skin. Extensive studies have identified the precise heat threshold needed to break down collagen and the optimal level to stimulate regeneration. She emphasizes that any procedure, whether excessive filler or heat, can have negative effects when done incorrectly. But when performed with precision, both can yield beautiful results.
Dr. James Brady, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon, echoes this sentiment in an episode of LaserChat, emphasizing that when used correctly with the proper settings and technique, laser resurfacing enhances both safety and efficacy. Delivering controlled energy at the right depth minimizes risks like burns or excessive downtime while maximizing skin renewal benefits. He says that integrating Sciton’s resurfacing lasers into his practice has significantly enhanced his skills as a surgeon, particularly for concerns like the lower eyelid, where surgical alternatives are limited. By using a laser instead of surgery, Dr. Brady says he can achieve natural results with less risk and downtime.
He further emphasizes the value of lasers in his practice, stating, “One of the best investments I’ve made is Sciton technology. I use it almost every day, and it’s been a game-changer for my patients and my practice.” Hear more from Dr. Brady about Sciton’s Resurfacing technology on Instagram.
- Lasers may play a role in improving the appearance of skin laxity
While it’s true that deeper tightening requires targeting underlying fascia and connective tissue, lasers may still play a role in improving the appearance of skin laxity.
According to Dr. Brady, laser resurfacing is transformational because it improves the appearance of lax skin without compromising the underlying muscle. He specifically refers to the delicate skin of the lower eyelids, which is supported by the orbicularis muscle, a structure that naturally loosens over time. “As a surgeon, I would want to be very, very careful not to damage this muscle because it’s the sole support of the lower lid,” he explains. (Hear more from Dr. Brady in LaserChat.)
Dr. Siperstein highlights the reliability of Sciton’s resurfacing technology, noting that many devices offer minimal improvement in skin texture and laxity—often less than a millimeter, which isn’t clinically significant. After testing numerous technologies, Dr. Siperstein finds that Contour TRL is the only device that consistently and effectively improves the appearance of skin laxity.
During treatments with Contour TRL, Dr. Siperstein explains that you can see the skin visibly contract with each pulse. Because Sciton’s Resurfacing treatments are all tunable, providers can adjust both the depth and heat based on the patient’s needs. For those looking to improve the appearance of lax skin, increasing the heat can enhance results, though Dr. Siperstein notes this may come with slightly more downtime and some erythema.
Dr. Brady adds that for patients seeking to improve the appearance of skin laxity in the lower lid, he’s found success using ProFractional at depths of 400 to 600 microns—significantly deeper than traditional full-field resurfacing. “I’ve been doing this on my lower lid … and have been really pleased with the results,” he shares, noting that recovery seems noticeably faster as well.
While resurfacing treatments naturally improve the appearance of skin laxity by boosting skin renewal, combining them with energy-based treatments can further enhance results. A great example is Sciton’s light-based treatment, BBL® HEROic™, which features a unique continuous pulsing mode of light known as SkinTyte™. According to Dr. Patrick Bitter, Jr., a board-certified dermatologist, unlike traditional IPL, SkinTyte improves the appearance of skin laxity on the face, neck, and body to a degree previously unseen, and is safe for all skin types, including V and VI. Read more from Dr. Bitter’s research here.
Debunking the “plastic-skin” myth
One of the biggest concerns about laser resurfacing is that it can leave the skin looking unnaturally smooth, waxy, or “plastic.” While this can happen, it’s not an inherent flaw of laser resurfacing itself; it’s the result of over-aggressive treatment techniques, improper healing, or outdated laser protocols.
The most common culprit behind this effect is fully ablative CO₂ laser resurfacing, which can remove entire layers of skin in one session. While this level of ablation is sometimes necessary—such as when multiple passes are used to erase deep lines—it comes with significant risks. Unlike other resurfacing lasers, CO₂ delivers intense heat and coagulation, penetrating deeper than erbium without the ability to precisely control penetration depth. This excessive heat can over-contract collagen, compromise natural skin texture, and result in a pale, overly smooth, waxy, or artificial appearance. The risks are even greater for darker skin tones, where CO₂ is more likely to cause hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation.
Dr. Arisa Ortiz, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, explains in this webinar that Sciton’s erbium lasers are safer for darker skin because they don’t carry the same excessive heat as CO₂. Dr. Ortiz says that you can add coagulation with erbium if you want more heat and skin renewal benefits. But you can turn down the heat if you have a darker skin patient. “[Sciton’s Resurfacing treatments] are really titratable, which is nice because CO₂ is not titratable. You can’t turn off the coagulation, which is why it’s not safe for darker skin.”
In addition to Sciton’s Er:YAG laser treatments, fractional non-ablative lasers like MOXI and hybrid lasers like HALO offer a safer, more customizable approach to resurfacing. These lasers deliver energy in controlled microthermal zones rather than removing an entire layer of skin at once. This level of precision is key to achieving natural, refreshed skin without the risk of over-treatment. By adjusting heat levels, coagulation, and depth, Sciton lasers allow for tailored resurfacing that enhances skin while maintaining its integrity and minimizing the risk of complications.
The takeaway? It’s not resurfacing itself that creates an unnatural look—it’s the lack of control in older, more aggressive CO₂ treatments. With the right technology and an experienced provider, resurfacing enhances the skin’s appearance.
The verdict: Resurfacing lasers are effective tools for improving skin
✅ Laser resurfacing doesn’t “burn” the skin—it stimulates skin renewal for long-term benefits.
✅ Proper treatment spacing and customization prevent overuse and ensure natural results.
✅ While resurfacing alone isn’t a skin-tightening treatment, it plays a crucial role in improving the appearance of skin laxity and texture.
The bottom line? Laser resurfacing is an essential tool for skin revitalization—when performed correctly by a trained provider.
If you’re curious about how Sciton’s laser resurfacing technology can benefit your patients, reach out to our team today.