How many treatments do you need for non-ablative resurfacing?

The number of treatments is customized for you.  There is no standard answer. It depends of your particular issues and expectations.  Generally, one treatment with the right laser and provider will yield results, but you may need anywhere from 3 to 5 depending on the approach to your problem, the problem itself, and the goals.  Best of luck, Dr. Giordano

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Typically, it takes many treatments with the non ablative lasers to afford any real improvement in the skin texture and wrinkles. It is best for brown spots and complexion issues. I would check around as there are many non ablative options out there and the results are mixed.

That is a great question. I tell patients that the end result depends upon the amount of skin aging, and your satisfaction with the level of improvement. Often, one treatment is enough to provide significant improvement. In some cases, a second pass over troublesome areas is necessary. In general, CO2 laser resurfacing provides the best results.

This is a great question. The answer depends on a  variety of factors. What are you trying to change? (Color spots, texture, pore size, wrinkles etc. Your skin type also plays a significant role in expected results from laser. There are many, many different non-ablative lasers, and each of these has many, many different settings. The more aggressive settings will give you lasting results in less treatments (maybe even only requiring a single treatment). The less aggressive settings will have a quicker downtime, but will require repeat treatments and may never be able to get you the same final result as a stronger laser treatment.
In general, there are two camps for laser treatment. There are those who use gentle, less effective lasers and settings. These treatments offer quicker recovery, but the results from each treatment are less powerful. This requires you to spend more time and money getting additional treatments. Each treatment has a quicker recovery, but cumulatively the recovery days (and $) can add up.The other method is to do a more aggressive single treatment, with the understanding that you will get a more powerful result right away but you will need more time for recovery up front. Even if you prefer the stronger laser treatments, your skin type may not allow for it. Good luck and warm regards.

Typically, with a non-ablative laser, you will need multiple sessions to see a difference. However, it is imperative to have a physical assessment to reveal the true answer to this question. This will depend on what your skin concern is, which laser is being used, and what your end goal or expectations are. It is also possible that a non-ablative laser is not the best option for you based on those three points. Best of luck on your research and I hope you get results!

This is a great question and the truthful answer is that is really just depends. Depending on what skin conditions you’re trying to treat (pigment, vascularity, texture, etc) and where your skin currently stands, it could take anywhere from one treatment to several. There are also different strengths of treatment, so one stronger and deeper treatment may yield the same results as a series of three or four lighter treatments spaced out over time. It really entirely depends on your skin and your resources (both time and money) to find a treatment plan that will work for both your skin, your pocketbook and your schedule. The best piece of advice I can give is to schedule a consultation with a registered nurse to see which option will be the best fit.

No more than 6 if you do not see acceptable results to your satisfaction than that was not the correct treatment option for you. Expect no refunds either...Good Luck

The number of treatments depends on your expectations for the laser. It would make sense you would need multiple sessions if the intensity of the laser is mild. Talk to a laser specialist in your area about the different types of treatments and what would be best for your skin. 

Hey Mwmaddock! your question is rather big but i will try to summarize . You would help us more by giving us more information ie. fraxel, erbium,  Obviously, it is best to determine the length and treatment once you are seen, that way a safe effective treatment can be tailored to you. When we recommend nonablative laser therapy, we often suggest numerous treatments, usually a month to a month an half in between each treatment.  You will begin to see improvements in your skin with each treatment. It is not uncommon for your expert to suggest maintenance sessions 
In terms of downtime, its important to say that nonablative therapy is for you if you are unable to take any downtime, but if you are able to take any, then ablative therapies are better (they also last longer since they go deeper) 
This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion.The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional.