If you’ve been looking in the mirror lately and noticing fine lines, sun damage, or acne scars that just won’t fade, you’re not alone. Living near Surfside Beach means we love our outdoor lifestyle, but all that Florida sunshine takes a toll on our skin. The good news? Laser skin resurfacing can help turn back the clock and give you smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
At Manhattan Laser Spa, we specialize in advanced laser skin resurfacing treatments that address everything from wrinkles and age spots to uneven texture and stubborn scarring. Our medical professionals use FDA-cleared laser technology to help Surfside residents achieve the clear, radiant skin they’ve been wanting. Whether you’re dealing with photoaging from years of beach time or simply want to refresh your appearance, we’re here to help.
Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that uses concentrated beams of light to improve your skin’s appearance. Think of it as hitting the reset button on damaged or aging skin. The laser removes the outer layers of skin while simultaneously heating the deeper dermis layer, which stimulates collagen production and encourages new, healthy skin cells to form.
This treatment works particularly well for people in Surfside and surrounding areas like Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, and North Miami Beach who want to address visible signs of aging and sun damage without surgery. It’s a medical-grade solution that delivers real results you can see and feel.
How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?The process is more straightforward than you might think. During your treatment, we use specialized laser systems that deliver precise energy to targeted areas of your skin. This controlled thermal injury (sounds intense, but stay with me) removes damaged skin cells and triggers your body’s natural healing response.
Here’s what happens beneath the surface: the laser energy stimulates collagen production, which is the protein that keeps your skin firm and smooth. As new collagen forms and fresh skin cells develop, you’ll notice improvements in texture, tone, and overall appearance. The epidermis layer heals with smoother, more even skin, while the dermis layer becomes firmer and more elastic.
We offer different types of laser resurfacing depending on your specific concerns and skin type:
Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing is our most powerful option for significant wrinkles, deep scars, and extensive sun damage. This ablative laser technology removes microscopic columns of skin, leaving surrounding tissue intact for faster healing. It’s ideal for dramatic results, though it does require more downtime.
Erbium YAG Laser Resurfacing provides excellent results with less recovery time. This option works well for moderate wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Many of our clients from Aventura and Sunny Isles Beach choose this treatment because they can return to their daily activities more quickly.
Non-Ablative Laser Systems stimulate collagen without removing the outer skin layer. These treatments involve minimal downtime and work well for mild to moderate concerns. You might need multiple sessions, but you won’t have to hide indoors during recovery.
Living in South Florida exposes your skin to intense UV rays year-round, which accelerates aging and causes various skin issues. Laser skin resurfacing effectively treats many common concerns we see in our Surfside clients:
Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Those little lines around your eyes, mouth, and forehead respond beautifully to laser treatment. By stimulating collagen production, we can smooth out wrinkles and give your skin a more youthful appearance.
Sun Damage and Age Spots: Years of beach time often result in dark spots, uneven pigmentation, and photoaging. Laser resurfacing targets melanin reduction and helps restore an even skin tone.
Acne Scars: If you’re dealing with the lasting effects of acne, laser treatment can significantly improve the appearance of both shallow and deeper scars by promoting skin cell regeneration and smoothing uneven texture.
Surgical Scars: Old scars from injuries or surgeries can fade considerably with the right laser approach. We customize treatments based on the scar’s depth, age, and location.
Uneven Skin Texture: Rough, bumpy skin texture improves dramatically as new, healthy skin cells replace damaged ones. This is one of the most satisfying changes our clients notice.
Hyperpigmentation and Melasma: Dark patches caused by hormones, sun exposure, or inflammation can be stubborn, but laser treatment helps break up excess pigmentation for clearer skin.
Enlarged Pores: While we can’t eliminate pores completely (they’re essential for your skin), laser treatment can minimize their appearance by tightening surrounding tissue.
The treatment works on various areas including your face, neck, chest (that’s the décolletage area that often shows sun damage), hands, and arms. Basically, any area where you’re seeing signs of aging or damage can potentially benefit.
You have options when it comes to laser treatments in the Miami Beach area, so why come to us? Here’s the thing: laser skin resurfacing is a medical procedure that requires expertise, precision, and the right equipment. Not all medical spas are created equal.
Our team includes board-certified professionals and licensed medical professionals who specialize in aesthetic treatments. We’re not a day spa dabbling in cosmetic procedures. We’re a medical aesthetics facility with certified laser technicians who have advanced training specifically in laser treatments. Our medical director provides oversight for every procedure, so you’re always in capable hands.
We use only FDA-cleared laser equipment maintained to the highest standards. Our facility is HIPAA-compliant with sterile treatment rooms and strict patient safety protocols. We follow OSHA compliance guidelines and maintain professional liability insurance because your safety matters as much as your results.
Beyond credentials, we focus on personalized care. During your free consultation, we conduct a thorough skin assessment to understand your concerns, skin type, and goals. We don’t push cookie-cutter treatments. Instead, we create a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and fits your lifestyle.
Many of our clients come from nearby communities like Golden Beach, Indian Creek Village, and all along Collins Avenue and Harding Avenue. They choose us because we combine clinical expertise with a welcoming, spa-like environment. You get medical-grade results without the cold, clinical feel of a doctor’s office.
What to Expect During Your Laser Resurfacing TreatmentWondering how this actually works from start to finish? Let me walk you through it.
Consultation and Skin Assessment: Everything begins with understanding your skin. We’ll discuss what bothers you most, examine your skin type, review your medical history, and talk about your goals. This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a genuine conversation about whether laser resurfacing is right for you and which type will work best.
Pre-Treatment Preparation: Before your appointment, we’ll give you specific instructions. This typically includes avoiding sun exposure (I know, tough ask in Surfside), stopping certain skincare products, and arriving with clean, makeup-free skin. Following these guidelines helps you get the best results and minimizes complications.
Treatment Day: When you arrive, we’ll clean the treatment area and apply a topical anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Most people describe the sensation as a warm, prickling feeling rather than pain. The actual laser treatment session can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the size of the area we’re treating and the type of laser we’re using.
Post-Treatment Cooling: Immediately after treatment, we apply cooling systems and soothing products to minimize discomfort and support healing.
Recovery Period: This varies based on which laser treatment you receive. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing typically requires about one to two weeks of downtime, while non-ablative treatments might only cause slight redness for a few days. We’ll give you detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Multiple Treatment Sessions: Some concerns require only one session, while others benefit from a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart. We’ll discuss this during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
Here’s where many people stumble. You can have the best laser treatment in the world, but if you don’t take care of your skin afterward, you won’t get the results you’re hoping for.
Immediate Post-Care (First Few Days): Your skin will be sensitive, red, and possibly swollen. This is completely normal. We’ll send you home with healing ointments and specific instructions. You’ll need to keep the area clean with gentle cleansers, apply prescribed moisturizers frequently, and absolutely avoid picking or peeling any flaking skin.
Sun Protection (Forever, Really): This is non-negotiable. Your newly resurfaced skin is extremely vulnerable to sun damage. You’ll need to wear medical-grade sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every single day, even if you’re just running errands along Harding Avenue or walking to Surfside Beach. Hats and protective clothing are your friends during recovery.
Ongoing Skincare Protocol: We’ll recommend specific products to support your results. This typically includes gentle cleansers, anti-inflammatory creams, and skin protective barriers. Think of it as maintaining a new car—regular care keeps it looking great longer.
Lifestyle Adjustments: During healing, you’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise, hot showers, saunas, and swimming pools. Plan your treatment around your schedule, especially if you have events at Bal Harbour Shops or the Surfside Community Center coming up.
Most people can return to work and normal activities within a few days to two weeks, depending on the intensity of their treatment. We provide detailed downtime management guidance so you can plan accordingly.
Real Results: What You Can ExpectLet’s be honest about results. Laser skin resurfacing can produce dramatic improvements, but it’s not magic. You won’t wake up looking 20 years younger overnight.
What you will see: smoother skin texture within weeks as new skin cells form, gradual fading of scars and pigmentation over several months, continued improvement in fine lines and wrinkles as collagen production increases, and more even skin tone with reduced age spots and sun damage.
Most people notice initial improvements within two to three weeks as the epidermis layer heals. But the real transformation happens over the following three to six months as collagen remodeling continues. This is when you’ll see the full benefits of wrinkle reduction, skin tightening, and overall rejuvenation.
Results can last several years with proper care. However, your skin will continue aging, and sun exposure will cause new damage. Many clients schedule maintenance treatments every few years to maintain their results.
We document your progress with before-and-after photos (with your permission, of course) so you can see the changes clearly. Sometimes when you look at yourself every day, you don’t notice the gradual improvements others do.
When performed by trained professionals using FDA-cleared equipment in a proper medical setting, laser skin resurfacing is very safe. That said, all medical procedures carry some risk, which is why choosing an experienced provider matters.
Potential side effects include temporary redness, swelling, itching, and peeling—all normal parts of the healing process. More serious complications like infection, scarring, or pigmentation changes are rare when you follow pre and post-treatment instructions carefully.
We take safety seriously. Our facility follows strict sterilization protocols, our equipment undergoes regular maintenance, and we have emergency preparedness procedures in place. We provide informed consent procedures so you understand exactly what to expect, and we’re always available if you have concerns during recovery.
Certain conditions might make you a poor candidate for laser resurfacing, including active skin infections, certain autoimmune disorders, recent isotretinoin use, or unrealistic expectations. We’ll discuss your medical history thoroughly during your consultation.
You might be wondering how laser resurfacing stacks up against other skin treatments. Here’s the straight truth.
Chemical Peels use acids to exfoliate skin and can address similar concerns. They’re less expensive and require less downtime, but typically produce more subtle results. For significant sun damage or deep wrinkles, laser resurfacing is usually more effective.
Microneedling creates tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen. It’s great for mild scarring and texture issues with minimal downtime, but it doesn’t resurface the skin as dramatically as laser treatment.
IPL Photofacial treatments target pigmentation and redness but don’t resurface the skin. They work well for specific concerns but won’t address texture issues or deeper wrinkles the way laser resurfacing can.
Dermal Fillers and Botox address volume loss and muscle movement but don’t improve skin texture or quality. Many people combine these treatments with laser resurfacing for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
The right choice depends on your specific concerns, budget, and how much downtime you can manage. Sometimes combining treatments gives you the best overall results.
Laser skin resurfacing is an investment in your appearance and confidence. Prices vary based on the type of laser used, the size of the treatment area, and how many sessions you need.
Generally, you’re looking at several hundred to several thousand dollars per session. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing costs more than non-ablative treatments because it delivers more dramatic results and requires more expertise.
During your free consultation, we’ll provide a personalized treatment plan with clear pricing. We don’t believe in surprise costs or pressure tactics. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and why.
While laser resurfacing isn’t typically covered by insurance (it’s considered cosmetic), the results can last for years with proper care, making it a worthwhile investment for many people. Consider the cost per year of looking and feeling your best, and it starts to make more sense.
Most people describe the sensation as tolerable discomfort rather than pain. We apply topical anesthetic before treatment to keep you comfortable. During the procedure, you might feel warmth, tingling, or a snapping sensation. Afterward, your skin may feel like a sunburn for a few days. We provide aftercare products and guidance to manage any discomfort during healing.
Recovery time depends on which type of laser treatment you receive. Non-ablative laser systems might only cause slight redness for a day or two, so you could return to work the next day with makeup. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing typically requires one to two weeks before you’ll feel comfortable being seen in public. Complete healing happens over several months as collagen production continues and your skin fully regenerates. We’ll give you a realistic timeline based on your specific treatment.
Different lasers work better for different skin types. People with darker skin tones have traditionally faced more risks with certain laser treatments due to potential pigmentation changes. However, newer technologies like Erbium YAG lasers can safely treat a wider range of skin types. During your consultation, we’ll assess your skin carefully and recommend the safest, most effective option for you. Honestly, some skin types may be better suited to alternative treatments, and we’ll tell you if that’s the case.
This depends on your goals and the severity of your concerns. Some people achieve their desired results with a single fractional CO2 laser session, while others prefer a series of gentler non-ablative treatments spaced several weeks apart. For acne scars, you might need three to five sessions. For mild wrinkles and sun damage, one or two treatments might suffice. We’ll create a realistic treatment plan during your consultation based on what your skin needs and what you want to achieve.
Ablative lasers like CO2 and Erbium remove the outer layers of skin, creating controlled injury that triggers dramatic healing and collagen production. They deliver more significant results but require longer recovery time. Non-ablative lasers heat the dermis layer without removing surface skin, stimulating collagen production with minimal downtime. Think of ablative as a deep renovation and non-ablative as regular maintenance. The right choice depends on how much improvement you want versus how much recovery time you can manage.
You’ll notice some improvement within two to three weeks as the initial healing completes and new skin emerges. However, the most impressive results develop over the following three to six months as collagen remodeling continues. Your skin will keep improving during this time. Some concerns, like pigmentation, fade gradually, while texture improvements become apparent more quickly. This is why we schedule follow-up appointments—to track your progress and make sure you’re healing beautifully.
Absolutely. Many people combine laser skin resurfacing with other aesthetic treatments for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. For example, you might use Botox to address movement-related wrinkles while laser resurfacing improves skin texture and tone. Dermal fillers can restore volume loss while laser treatment tightens and smooths the skin. We often recommend laser scar removal for specific scarring, then maintain results with periodic IPL photofacial sessions. The key is proper timing—some treatments should be done before laser resurfacing, others after. We’ll help you create a strategic plan that makes sense for your goals and budget.
If you’re tired of looking older than you feel or dealing with skin concerns that makeup can’t hide, it might be time to explore laser skin resurfacing. The treatment has helped countless people in Surfside, Bal Harbour, Aventura, and throughout the Miami Beach area achieve smoother, more youthful skin.
At Manhattan Laser Spa, we’re not here to pressure you into treatments you don’t need. We’re here to provide expert guidance, honest recommendations, and exceptional care. Whether you decide laser resurfacing is right for you or we recommend a different approach, you’ll leave your consultation with clear information and a path forward.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us to schedule your free consultation. We’ll assess your skin, discuss your concerns, answer all your questions, and create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for you. Your journey to healthier, more radiant skin starts with a simple conversation.
Manhattan Laser Spa serves clients throughout Surfside, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, North Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Aventura, Golden Beach, and surrounding South Florida communities. Our medical aesthetics facility combines advanced technology with experienced professionals who genuinely care about your results. Let us show you what’s possible.
