Your skin tells a story. Years of Florida sunshine, old acne scars that never quite faded, fine lines that seem to multiply every year. You’ve tried serums, peels, facials. Nothing really worked. That’s where laser skin resurfacing comes in, and it’s different from everything else you’ve tried.
At Manhattan Laser Spa in Hollywood, FL, we use medical-grade fractional CO2 and erbium laser technology to actually rebuild your skin from the inside out. Not just the surface. We’re talking about real collagen production, genuine texture improvement, and results that last years, not weeks.
Here’s the thing: your skin naturally regenerates, but it slows way down as you age. Sun damage, acne scarring, and aging all mess with this process. Laser resurfacing kicks it back into gear.
The laser creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones in your skin. Sounds intense, but stay with me. Your body sees these tiny zones and thinks, “Time to repair.” It floods the area with new collagen and elastin. Over the next few months, your skin literally rebuilds itself. Fresh, smooth skin replaces the damaged outer layers.
This isn’t like a chemical peel that just removes dead skin. We’re triggering actual tissue remodeling in the dermis layer, where real change happens. That’s why results last so much longer.
People come to us with all sorts of skin concerns. The most common ones we treat in Hollywood:
Acne Scars: Those pitted scars and uneven texture from years of breakouts. Fractional CO2 laser works incredibly well here because it can reach the deeper layers where scar tissue formed.
Sun Damage: Living in South Florida means serious photoaging. Age spots, brown spots, rough texture, that leathery look. Laser resurfacing removes damaged skin and reduces pigmentation issues.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Around your eyes, mouth, forehead. The laser stimulates collagen production, which naturally plumps and smooths these areas over time.
Uneven Skin Tone: Hyperpigmentation, melasma, discoloration. The laser breaks up excess melanin and evens things out.
Large Pores: Fractional laser treatment tightens skin and makes pores look smaller by improving overall skin texture.
Surgical Scars: Old scars that have been bothering you for years often respond well to laser resurfacing.
We use both types at Manhattan Laser Spa because different skin concerns need different approaches.
Fractional CO2 Laser is the workhorse for deep issues. Acne scars, significant wrinkles, serious sun damage. It goes deeper into your skin, which means more dramatic results but also more downtime. You’ll be red and peeling for about a week, sometimes longer. Most people in Hollywood take a week off work for this one.
Erbium Laser is gentler. Better for fine lines, mild texture issues, or if you have darker skin that might not tolerate CO2 well. Less downtime, usually 3-5 days of redness. The results are more subtle, so some people need a couple of sessions.
Your skin type matters a lot here. We use the Fitzpatrick scale to assess how your skin will respond. Darker skin tones need extra care to avoid pigmentation changes. That’s why a real consultation matters, not just booking online and hoping for the best.
People always ask what it actually feels like. Honestly? It’s uncomfortable, but manageable.
We start with a topical anesthetic about 45 minutes before treatment. Some spots still feel like tiny rubber bands snapping against your skin. The laser makes quick passes over your treatment area. Face treatments usually take 30-45 minutes. Neck and chest take longer.
You’ll smell something weird during treatment. That’s normal. It’s just the laser working on skin cells. Not pleasant, but it doesn’t mean anything’s wrong.
Right after treatment, your skin looks intensely red, almost like a bad sunburn. We apply healing ointment and send you home with detailed aftercare instructions. The first night is the worst. Your face feels hot and tight. Sleep propped up and keep applying ointment.
Days 1-3: You look like you have a serious sunburn. Red, swollen, tight. You’re not leaving the house. Keep your skin moist with healing ointment and stay out of the sun completely.
Days 4-7: Peeling starts. Your skin comes off in sheets. Don’t pick at it. Seriously, don’t. Let it come off naturally or you risk scarring. You still look pretty rough.
Days 8-14: Redness fades to pink. You can probably cover it with makeup now. Most people head back to work around day 10-12.
Weeks 3-8: Pink tone gradually fades. Your skin looks smoother but you’re not seeing full results yet. Keep wearing SPF 30 or higher every single day.
Months 3-6: This is when the magic happens. Collagen production peaks. Your skin keeps improving. Lines soften, texture smooths out, scars fade.
Most people in Hollywood schedule treatments in fall or winter. Less sun exposure during recovery, and you’re healed up before beach season.
Let’s talk about who this treatment isn’t right for. We turn people away sometimes, and here’s why:
You’re pregnant or nursing. No exceptions. We don’t have enough safety data.
You have active acne or a skin infection. We need to clear that up first.
You’ve taken Accutane in the last 12 months. It affects skin healing and increases scarring risk significantly.
You have very dark skin (Fitzpatrick V-VI) and want aggressive CO2 treatment. The risk of pigmentation changes is too high. We might suggest erbium instead or a different treatment altogether.
You tan regularly or can’t avoid sun exposure for several weeks. Sun exposure during healing can cause permanent pigmentation problems.
You have unrealistic expectations. If you think one treatment will make you look 20 years younger, we need to have a different conversation.
One of the biggest questions people ask during consultations. The answer depends on what we’re treating.
Deep acne scars usually need 2-3 sessions spaced 3-6 months apart. The first treatment makes a noticeable difference, but multiple sessions build on each other.
Moderate wrinkles and sun damage often respond well to a single aggressive treatment. We go deeper in one session rather than multiple lighter treatments.
Mild texture issues might only need one session, or you might prefer a couple of lighter treatments with less downtime.
Here’s what matters: we’d rather under-promise and over-deliver. During your consultation, we’ll look at your skin, talk about your goals, and give you honest numbers. Not best-case scenarios, real expectations.
Every medical spa in South Florida claims they do great laser work. Here’s what actually makes us different.
Our medical director is board-certified and oversees every treatment plan. You’re not just seeing whoever’s available that day. We have licensed laser technicians with years of specific experience in fractional resurfacing.
We use FDA-approved, medical-grade laser systems. Not older technology or knock-off machines. Equipment matters when you’re working with your face.
We’re located right in Hollywood, serving patients from Hallandale Beach, Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and throughout Broward County. You don’t need to drive to Miami for quality laser treatments.
Most importantly, we don’t push treatments you don’t need. If laser resurfacing isn’t right for your skin or your concerns, we’ll tell you. We’d rather build trust than make a quick sale.
People want numbers. Treatment typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on what areas we’re treating and which type of laser we use.
Full face CO2 resurfacing costs more than targeted erbium treatment around your eyes. Treating face, neck, and chest costs more than face alone. That probably sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people expect one price for everything.
We don’t do Groupon or discount packages. This is medical-grade treatment performed by licensed professionals using expensive equipment. When you see laser deals for $500, ask yourself what corners they’re cutting.
We do offer financing through CareCredit if you need to break payments into manageable chunks. Many patients use this option.
Sometimes laser resurfacing works best as part of a bigger plan. Not because we want to sell you more stuff, but because certain combinations actually enhance results.
Microneedling 8-12 weeks after laser resurfacing can help with remaining texture issues. The laser does the heavy lifting, microneedling fine-tunes.
IPL photofacial treatments work well for patients with both texture issues and broken capillaries or redness. We might suggest IPL first, then laser resurfacing.
Chemical peels are actually redundant with ablative laser resurfacing. You’re paying for two things that do similar jobs. We’ll be honest about that.
Botox and fillers address different concerns than laser resurfacing. Laser fixes texture and tone. Botox relaxes muscles that cause wrinkles. Fillers replace lost volume. They work together, not against each other.
“It’s a quick fix” – Nope. Your skin takes months to fully remodel. You’ll see improvement at 2-3 weeks, but peak results happen at 3-6 months.
“More aggressive is always better” – Not true. Over-aggressive treatment increases complications without improving results. There’s a sweet spot.
“You only need to avoid sun during healing” – Wrong. You need religious SPF use for at least 3 months, really forever. Post-laser skin is more vulnerable to sun damage.
“All lasers are the same” – Absolutely not. CO2, erbium, non-ablative, different wavelengths. They work differently and produce different results.
“Downtime isn’t that bad” – Some people heal faster, but plan for a full week of looking rough. Don’t schedule this before your sister’s wedding.
Your results can last 3-5 years or longer, but you need to protect them. Sun exposure is enemy number one. UV rays break down collagen and bring back pigmentation issues. SPF 30 minimum every day, even when it’s cloudy. Reapply every two hours if you’re outside.
Good skincare helps too. Gentle cleansers, quality moisturizers, vitamin C serums, retinol (after you’re fully healed). We’ll give you specific product recommendations based on your skin type.
Some patients do maintenance treatments every few years. Not because results disappeared, but because aging continues. A touch-up treatment at year 4 or 5 keeps you looking great.
People always want to know how this compares to other options they’ve heard about.
Chemical Peels work on surface layers only. They’re good for mild issues but can’t reach deeper scars or wrinkles. Less downtime, but also less dramatic results.
Microneedling stimulates collagen too, but not as aggressively as laser. Great for mild texture issues, not ideal for deep acne scars.
Dermabrasion is old-school skin resurfacing. More trauma to skin, harder to control depth, longer healing. Laser technology replaced it for good reasons.
Non-Ablative Lasers don’t remove skin layers. They heat underlying tissue. Minimal downtime but much subtler results. You’d need many treatments to match one ablative session.
Each has its place, but for significant texture improvement and collagen remodeling, fractional ablative laser resurfacing is still the gold standard.
South Florida has no shortage of medical spas. You could drive to Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, or Miami. People choose Manhattan Laser Spa in Hollywood because we focus on results, not marketing hype.
We’re near the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, Young Circle, and Downtown Hollywood. Easy to reach from anywhere in Broward County. Patients regularly come from Pembroke Pines, Hallandale Beach, Davie, Cooper City, even Weston and Miramar.
Our consultation process is thorough. We examine your skin, discuss your concerns, explain realistic outcomes, and answer every question. You’re never rushed. You leave understanding exactly what to expect.
We also understand Florida skin. Years of beach time, pool chlorine, intense UV exposure. Your skin has been through it. We adjust treatment protocols accordingly.
Yes, it’s uncomfortable, but we use topical anesthetic to minimize pain. Most people describe it as a hot rubber band snapping feeling. The worst part is actually the first few days after treatment when your skin feels tight and hot. We give you pain management instructions and most people do fine with over-the-counter options.
It significantly improves them, but “completely” depends on how deep they are. Shallow rolling scars often improve 70-80%. Deep ice pick scars might improve 40-50%. We’re honest about expectations during your consultation. Multiple treatments usually work better for severe scarring, and sometimes we combine laser with other techniques like subcision for the best results.
About 7-10 days for mineral makeup. Your skin needs to finish peeling first. Regular makeup with more ingredients should wait until day 14. Using makeup too early can cause infections or interfere with healing. We’ll tell you exactly when it’s safe based on how your skin is healing.
Natural. People will notice your skin looks better but won’t know you had anything done unless you tell them. The improvement happens gradually over months as collagen builds. You won’t suddenly look completely different, just like a much better version of yourself with clearer, smoother skin.
Then you need to reschedule. Serious sun exposure during the first month after treatment can cause permanent dark spots or uneven pigmentation that’s incredibly hard to fix. If you have a beach vacation planned or spend hours outside for work, wait until you can commit to sun avoidance. It’s not worth ruining your results and your money.
It can be, but it requires extra caution. Darker skin has more melanin, which means higher risk of pigmentation changes. We use erbium laser at lower settings for darker skin, or sometimes recommend alternative treatments. We’ll never push CO2 laser on someone whose skin type makes it risky. Your safety matters more than making a sale.
Medical spas like ours have licensed medical professionals, medical-grade equipment, and proper oversight. Regular day spas might offer “laser treatments” but they’re usually non-ablative devices that produce minimal results. Real fractional CO2 and erbium resurfacing requires medical training and FDA-approved equipment. The difference in results is dramatic, and so is the safety profile.
If you’ve read this far, you’re seriously considering laser skin resurfacing. Good. That means you’re researching properly instead of just booking based on price.
Your next step is a consultation. We’ll examine your skin, talk about what’s bothering you, and create a treatment plan that actually makes sense for your skin type and goals.
Call Manhattan Laser Spa in Hollywood at [phone number] or book online. Consultations give us time to answer your questions and make sure this treatment is right for you. No pressure, no sales tactics. Just honest information so you can make a smart decision about your skin.
Your face is worth doing this right. Let’s talk about getting you the smooth, clear skin you want.
