Pearl Laser: What You Need to Know

Written byRiannon WestallUpdated on June 13, 2023
You can trust RealSelf content to be unbiased and medically accurate. Learn more about our content standards.
Written byRiannon WestallUpdated on June 13, 2023
You can trust RealSelf content to be unbiased and medically accurate. Learn more about our content standards.

Fast facts


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Pearl is a laser resurfacing procedure that rejuvenates the face and neck. This fractional laser treats both the epidermis (the skin’s top layer) and dermis (the deeper tissues) with pulses of light. The laser’s heat creates micro wounds that break up pigmentation and speed up the body’s natural production of collagen. A few days post-treatment, your skin will start to peel, revealing a new, healthy layer of skin. 

Pearl laser treatments can:

  • Minimize wrinkles and fine lines
  • Improve discoloration and hyperpigmentation
  • Smooth out the skin’s texture
  • Reduce the appearance of acne scars
  • Tighten pores

As with many lasers, there is a risk of hyperpigmentation for people with olive or brown skin, so Pearl laser works best on light or medium-tone skin.

There are three levels of Pearl laser treatments.

  • Pearl: This laser is non-ablative, meaning that it doesn’t remove the top layer of skin. It’s designed to reduce hyperpigmentation and fine lines and improve texture.
  • Pearl Fractional: This ablative laser targets deeper wrinkles, darker sunspots, and acne scars.
  • Pearl Fusion: A combination of Pearl and Pearl Fractional lasers maximizes results.

One small study showed that Pearl can improve the appearance of wrinkles by up to 70%.

Interested in a Pearl laser treatment?

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Pros

  • Pearl requires only one or two treatment sessions, while other laser treatments, like Fraxel laser, usually require several for optimal results. 
  • Social downtime should only last up to four days.
  • RealSelf Pearl laser before and after photos show a noticeable softening of wrinkles, a reduction in dark spots, and an overall brighter complexion.

Cons 

  • It’s recommended solely for light to medium skin tones, due to hyperpigmentation risks.
  • Your skin will be inflamed and flaky for up to four days after your treatment, and you’ll need to avoid sun exposure.
  • RealSelf members who rated Pearl as Not Worth It reported worse discoloration, texture, and redness that lasted past the expected healing period.

  • Average Cost:
  • $1,475
  • Range:
  • $800 - $3,200

Your price will depend on your doctor’s location and level of experience, which Pearl procedure they recommend, and whether or not your treatment involves both the face and neck.

Interested in a Pearl laser treatment?

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Most Pearl laser sessions take about 20 minutes.

First, your provider will clean your skin and apply a topical anesthetic to numb your skin and reduce discomfort. If you're feeling anxious, you can also request oral sedation.

Once you're numb, your provider will glide the Pearl handpiece over your skin. You may feel a pinching sensation as the laser delivers pulses of heat.

Your face will look and feel sunburned for a few days to a week, depending on which type of Pearl laser was used.

Expect your skin to peel for up to four days. During that time, you’ll need to avoid makeup and sun exposure (you won’t be able to wear sunscreen until it’s done peeling). You can also expect some swelling and feelings of tightness, irritation, burning, and itching in the treated area.

Depending on the severity of your concerns, your provider might recommend another treatment session one month later, once the skin is fully healed.

With Pearl Fractional and Fusion, your skin’s appearance should continue to improve for up to six months as new collagen forms.

Updated June 13, 2023

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