Facial laser resurfacing at Sensational Skin in Scottsdale covers a range of options, from lighter fractional CO2 treatments to deeper corrective resurfacing, along with Erbium YAG as a gentler choice for mild to moderate concerns. All of them work on the quality and texture of the skin itself. Which option fits depends on your skin, your concerns and the downtime you can plan for, and that is decided at a consultation.
What is facial laser resurfacing?
Facial laser resurfacing is a treatment that uses laser energy to remove damaged outer layers of skin while stimulating collagen renewal. Collagen is the protein that gives skin much of its structure and firmness, and the body makes less of it over time. Resurfacing works with the skin's own renewal process rather than adding anything to the face.
The practice's laser resurfacing page compares the laser options it offers. In Dr. Brown's view, resurfacing addresses skin quality: the texture, tone and surface of the skin itself.
Concerns resurfacing is used for
The practice's CO2 laser resurfacing page lists these concerns:
- Deep lines and wrinkles
- Eyelid laxity and under-eye wrinkles
- Acne scars and enlarged pores
- Sun damage and uneven pigmentation
- Aging skin on the neck and chest
For many people in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and the wider Phoenix area, years of strong Arizona sun are part of the reason they start asking about resurfacing.
Fractional and full resurfacing: the basic difference
Laser resurfacing options differ mainly in how deep the laser goes and how much of the skin surface is treated.
Fractional treatments treat the skin in a pattern, leaving small bridges of untreated skin between the treated areas. Those bridges of untouched tissue are why fractional healing is faster than full resurfacing. Full resurfacing treats the whole surface of an area and needs more healing time.
The practice's article on fractional vs full CO2 laser goes into this difference in more detail.
The CO2 laser options at Sensational Skin
CO2 laser resurfacing is the treatment the practice performs most often. Dr. Brown uses the Lumenis UltraPulse Encore CO2 laser, a single platform that offers several depths of treatment. Having that range on one device means the depth can be matched to the concern instead of fitting every patient to one setting.
ActiveFX
ActiveFX is a lighter, fractional CO2 treatment done in a single treatment session. The practice uses it for fine lines, pigmentation, sun damage and texture, with less downtime than deeper resurfacing.
TotalFX, DeepFX and SCAAR FX
These are further depths offered on the same UltraPulse Encore platform. Which of them, if any, suits a patient is something Dr. Brown discusses at the consultation, based on the concern being treated and the patient's skin.
MaxFX
MaxFX is deep corrective resurfacing. The practice notes that it allows controlled depth even in delicate areas such as the eyelids. Deeper MaxFX and full CO2 resurfacing need more healing time than lighter fractional treatments, so the choice is always weighed against the downtime a patient can plan for.
Where Erbium YAG fits
Alongside CO2, the practice describes Erbium YAG as a gentler laser option. It is suited to mild to moderate concerns and involves faster healing, but it is less effective for deep wrinkles. For someone whose concerns are on the milder side, it may be one of the options discussed.
How do you choose a facial laser resurfacing option?
You don't have to choose on your own: the practice does not believe every patient needs the same laser treatment, and the consultation is where the appropriate depth and approach are determined. Laser settings, energy levels and recovery plans are tailored to your skin type, concerns and goals.
At the consultation, multiple treatment options and levels of resurfacing are discussed, so you can weigh a lighter approach against a deeper one. Some of the questions that usually shape the plan:
- Which concern matters most to you: texture, lines, pigmentation, scarring or laxity?
- Which areas are you thinking about: the face, the eyes, or the neck and chest?
- How much downtime can you realistically plan around?
- Would your skin benefit from preparation with medical-grade skin care first?
Dr. Brown reviews expected recovery for your specific plan at the consultation. Care around a CO2 treatment includes medical-grade skin preparation, a guided recovery protocol, stabilization treatments to support healing, and weekend follow-up care, along with comprehensive pre- and post-treatment guidance.
Some skin changes are not cosmetic concerns. A spot that is changing, a sore that does not heal, or a patch of skin that keeps coming back should be evaluated by a qualified medical provider before any cosmetic treatment is considered.
Who performs laser resurfacing at the practice?
CO2 laser resurfacing at Sensational Skin is physician-led by S. Kent Brown, M.D., Medical Director since 1998. Dr. Brown is an anesthesiologist with more than 40 years of surgical experience and more than 25 years of CO2 laser experience, and he customizes every treatment. CO2 treatment at the practice includes anesthesiologist-directed comfort options.
Susan Brown, Dr. Brown's clinical assistant, is the practice's Laser Safety Officer and Lead Laser Technician. She conducts consultations and builds treatment plans together with Dr. Brown.
If you would like to see examples, the practice's CO2 laser before and after gallery shows individual patients. Results vary from person to person.
Book a facial laser resurfacing consultation in Scottsdale
Every resurfacing plan at Sensational Skin starts with an in-person look at your skin and a conversation about your goals. The practice offers a complimentary consultation at 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 115, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, convenient to North Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Arcadia and Biltmore. Call or text (480) 596-9111 to schedule, or request a consultation online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What facial laser resurfacing options does Sensational Skin offer?
The practice offers CO2 laser resurfacing on the Lumenis UltraPulse Encore platform, at depths that include ActiveFX, TotalFX, DeepFX, SCAAR FX and MaxFX, and also describes Erbium YAG as a gentler option for mild to moderate concerns.
What is the difference between fractional and full laser resurfacing?
Fractional treatments leave small bridges of untreated skin between treated areas, which is why fractional healing is faster than full resurfacing.
How is the right laser resurfacing depth chosen?
At a consultation, laser settings, energy levels and recovery plans are tailored to the patient's skin type, concerns and goals, and multiple options and levels of resurfacing are discussed.
Who performs CO2 laser resurfacing at Sensational Skin?
CO2 laser resurfacing is physician-led by S. Kent Brown, M.D., an anesthesiologist with more than 25 years of CO2 laser experience who customizes every treatment.
Book a consultation. Every plan starts with a consultation at our Scottsdale office, 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 115. Call or text (480) 596-9111, or request a consultation online.
Individual results vary. This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have symptoms or a medical condition, please see a qualified medical provider.