If you’ve spent years enjoying Fort Lauderdale Beach and the Florida sunshine, your skin might be showing some signs of it. Sun damage, fine lines, acne scars, and uneven texture don’t happen overnight, but they can make you feel older than you actually are.
Here’s the good news: laser skin resurfacing can turn back the clock on damaged skin without surgery. At Manhattan Laser Spa, we help Fort Lauderdale residents from Las Olas to Coral Ridge get back the smooth, healthy-looking skin they remember.
Think of laser resurfacing as a controlled way to remove damaged skin layers so fresh, healthy skin can take their place. We use targeted laser energy to treat everything from wrinkles and age spots to acne scars and rough texture.
The laser creates tiny columns of heat in your skin. This does two important things: it removes old, damaged cells on the surface, and it triggers your body to produce new collagen deep in the dermis. Collagen is what keeps skin firm and smooth, but production drops by about 25% after age 30. That’s when you start seeing sagging and fine lines.
Laser resurfacing basically tells your skin to wake up and start acting younger again.
Not all laser treatments work the same way. We customize your treatment based on your skin type, the issues you want to fix, and how much downtime you can handle.
This is the heavy hitter. CO2 lasers vaporize the outer layer of damaged skin and heat the layers underneath. If you’ve got deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, or stubborn acne scars, this is usually your best bet.
Yes, there’s more downtime (usually 7-14 days), but the results are dramatic. Most people need just one treatment to see major improvement.
Erbium lasers are gentler than CO2 but still effective. They’re great for treating fine lines, mild scarring, and uneven skin tone with less downtime. You’ll typically recover in about 5-7 days.
This is a popular choice for people who want noticeable results but need to get back to work faster. Many of our Las Olas and downtown Fort Lauderdale patients pick this option.
Non-ablative lasers don’t remove the top layer of skin. Instead, they work underneath the surface to stimulate collagen without breaking the skin barrier. You’ll see gradual improvement over several months as new collagen builds up.
The upside? Minimal downtime. You might be a little red for a day or two, but that’s it. The downside? You’ll usually need 3-5 treatments spaced a few weeks apart, and results are more subtle.
We treat just about every common skin complaint at our Fort Lauderdale location:
Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Crow’s feet, forehead lines, those annoying lines around your mouth. The laser smooths them out by rebuilding collagen.
Acne Scars: Fractional CO2 lasers are particularly good at breaking down scar tissue and encouraging new, healthy skin to form.
Sun Damage and Age Spots: Years of Florida sun exposure can leave you with brown spots and uneven pigmentation. Laser resurfacing evens out your skin tone.
Rough Texture: If your skin feels bumpy or looks dull, the laser polishes the surface and reveals smoother skin underneath.
Large Pores: While we can’t make pores disappear completely, laser treatments can make them look smaller by tightening the surrounding skin.
Melasma and Hyperpigmentation: These stubborn dark patches respond well to laser treatment, especially when combined with proper sun protection.
Skin Laxity: Mild sagging gets better as collagen production kicks back in. This won’t replace a facelift, but it can tighten things up noticeably.
Most people can get laser resurfacing, but there are some considerations.
You’re probably a good candidate if you:
Some factors might affect whether laser resurfacing is right for you. We’ll need to talk if you:
During your consultation at our Fort Lauderdale location, we’ll assess your skin type using the Fitzpatrick scale and create a personalized treatment plan that’s safe and effective for you.
Here’s how a typical laser resurfacing session goes at Manhattan Laser Spa:
Before Treatment: We’ll clean your skin thoroughly and apply numbing cream about 30-45 minutes before we start. For more aggressive treatments, we might offer oral pain medication or light sedation.
During Treatment: You’ll wear protective eyewear (the laser can damage your eyes). We’ll move the laser handpiece across your skin in a controlled pattern. You’ll feel warmth and maybe some prickling or stinging, but the numbing cream helps a lot. Most people compare it to a bad sunburn feeling.
Depending on how much area we’re treating, the actual laser work takes 30 minutes to 2 hours. Spot treatments (like just around your eyes) are quick. Full face resurfacing takes longer.
Immediately After: Your skin will be red and feel hot, like a sunburn. We’ll apply a thick layer of healing ointment and give you detailed aftercare instructions.
Let’s be honest about recovery because this part surprises people.
Days 1-3: Your face will be red, swollen, and raw-looking. You’ll need to keep it covered with ointment constantly. Sleep propped up on pillows to reduce swelling. This part isn’t fun, but it’s temporary.
Days 4-7: Your skin will start peeling. Don’t pick at it. Let it come off naturally. You’ll look rough during this phase, so plan to stay home.
Days 7-14: New skin is forming. You’ll still be pink, but you can usually wear makeup to cover it. Most people return to work around day 10-14.
Weeks 2-6: Pinkness gradually fades. You’ll need to be religious about sunscreen because your new skin is sensitive.
Months 3-6: This is when you see your final results as collagen continues to build.
You’ll be red for 24-48 hours, max. Some people go right back to their normal routine. You might have some mild swelling or tiny scabs, but nothing dramatic.
The trade-off is you’ll need multiple sessions (usually 3-5) and results develop slowly over several months.
Your aftercare routine is critical for good results and avoiding complications.
First Week:
Weeks 2-4:
Long-Term:
This is one of the first things people want to know, and honestly, it varies.
Spot treatments (like just around your eyes or mouth) might run $500-1,000.
Partial face treatments typically cost $1,500-3,000.
Full face resurfacing usually ranges from $2,500-5,000, depending on the type of laser and how aggressive the treatment is.
The specific laser we use, your skin concerns, and how much area we’re treating all affect the price. During your consultation, we’ll give you an exact quote based on your needs.
Most people find it’s worth the investment. Unlike Botox or fillers that need frequent touch-ups, laser resurfacing delivers long-lasting results from just one or two treatments.
We’re not just another med spa in Fort Lauderdale. Here’s what sets us apart:
Medical Expertise: Our treatments are performed under the supervision of licensed physicians who specialize in laser procedures. This isn’t something you want done by someone with minimal training.
FDA-Approved Technology: We use only the latest, FDA-cleared laser systems from trusted manufacturers. Our equipment is maintained and calibrated regularly for safety and effectiveness.
Personalized Treatment Plans: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Your skin is unique, and your treatment should be too.
Realistic Expectations: We’ll tell you the truth about what laser resurfacing can and can’t do. If another treatment would work better for your goals, we’ll say so.
Comprehensive Consultations: We take time to understand your concerns, explain your options, and answer all your questions before you commit to anything.
Fort Lauderdale Roots: We understand the specific skin challenges that come with living in South Florida. Sun damage is practically a given here, and we know how to treat it effectively.
Whether you’re coming from Victoria Park, Harbour Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, or anywhere else in Broward County, we’re here to help you get the healthy, youthful skin you want.
Honestly? There’s some discomfort, but it’s manageable. With numbing cream, most people describe the sensation as warmth with some stinging or prickling. It feels like a bad sunburn. The discomfort during treatment usually lasts just 30-60 minutes, then you’re done.
The recovery period can be more uncomfortable with ablative lasers. Your skin will feel tight, hot, and raw for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses help. Most people say the results are worth a few days of discomfort.
Non-ablative treatments are much gentler. Many people don’t even need numbing cream.
With ablative lasers (CO2, Erbium), you can expect results to last 3-5 years, sometimes longer. The collagen you build doesn’t disappear overnight.
That said, you can’t stop aging. You’ll continue to get older, and sun exposure will continue to damage your skin. Good skincare and sun protection help your results last longer.
Some people do maintenance treatments every year or two to keep their skin looking fresh. Others wait until they feel they need another round.
Non-ablative treatments have more subtle results that may fade faster, which is why many people do them as a series every year or so.
It depends on the type and depth of scarring. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the best treatments for acne scars because it breaks down scar tissue and stimulates new collagen formation.
Boxcar scars and rolling scars respond particularly well. Ice pick scars (those tiny, deep pitted scars) are trickier and may need additional treatments like punch excision or subcision combined with laser.
Most people see 50-80% improvement in scarring after one aggressive treatment or a series of gentler treatments. Complete removal isn’t realistic, but significant improvement definitely is.
Both treatments remove damaged skin layers, but they work differently.
Chemical peels use acids to dissolve the bonds between skin cells. They’re good for mild concerns like uneven tone, fine lines, and surface-level sun damage. Recovery is usually faster and they cost less.
Laser resurfacing uses controlled heat energy to vaporize damaged tissue and penetrate deeper into the dermis. It’s more precise and can treat more severe concerns like deep wrinkles and significant scarring. Results are usually more dramatic, but there’s more downtime and higher cost.
For mild to moderate concerns, we might recommend starting with peels. For more significant damage, laser resurfacing typically gives better results.
This part’s tricky. Lasers can cause hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (dark or light spots) in darker skin types, especially with ablative lasers.
That doesn’t mean you can’t get laser resurfacing. It means we need to be more careful about the type of laser we use, the settings, and your pre and post-treatment care.
Non-ablative fractional lasers like Fraxel and ResurFX are generally safer for darker skin. Erbium lasers can also work well with proper precautions.
During your consultation, we’ll assess your skin type (using the Fitzpatrick scale) and recommend the safest, most effective option for you. We might suggest test spots on a small area first to see how your skin responds.
With non-ablative treatments, usually within 24-48 hours.
With ablative treatments, you’ll need to wait until the skin has re-epithelialized, which means new skin has formed over the treated area. This typically happens around day 5-10.
Even then, you’ll want to use only mineral-based makeup (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). Regular makeup with fragrances or harsh ingredients can irritate your healing skin.
We’ll give you specific guidance based on your treatment. Most people can cover residual pinkness with makeup by week 2.
Absolutely. Many people combine laser resurfacing with other procedures to address multiple concerns at once.
Common combinations include:
We can create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all your concerns. Sometimes treating things in a specific order gives better results.
If you’re tired of looking in the mirror and seeing sun damage, wrinkles, or acne scars staring back at you, it’s time to do something about it.
Laser skin resurfacing at Manhattan Laser Spa gives you real results without surgery. We’ve helped hundreds of Fort Lauderdale residents get smoother, younger-looking skin that makes them feel confident again.
Schedule your consultation today. We’ll examine your skin, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan that works for your skin type, lifestyle, and budget.
Call us or fill out our online form to book your appointment. Your best skin is waiting.
