As our skin ages, it can sometimes feel as though the skin we see doesn’t correspond with the vitality we still feel. Concerns such as scars, wrinkles, pigmentation, and redness can contribute to this disconnect. Laser therapy provides a non-surgical way to refresh the skin and restore a more youthful, harmonious appearance.
This blog explores the science behind laser therapy, its role as a dual-action rejuvenation solution, as well as some of the laser resurfacing procedures offered at Solomon Facial Plastic, a leading Toronto provider of advanced aesthetic treatments.
Understanding Laser Resurfacing
Laser treatments use concentrated beams of light to precisely target specific skin layers. Because different lasers reach different depths, they allow for highly personalized treatment tailored to the patient’s skin concerns, downtime tolerance, and skin type.
Generally, most laser treatments fall into one of three main categories: ablative, non-ablative, and fractional.
1. Ablative
Ablative lasers remove damaged surface skin and are often used for more dramatic rejuvenation. They are especially effective in addressing deeper wrinkles, sun damage, and textural concerns.
2. Non-Ablative
Non-ablative lasers heat the deeper layers of the skin (dermis) without breaking the skin’s surface (epidermis). This approach stimulates collagen production for gradual, natural improvement with minimal downtime.
3. Fractional
Fractional lasers deliver energy in a grid-like pattern, either ablative or non-ablative, leaving small areas of skin untouched. This delivery method limits downtime while offering powerful, focused results.
Laser resurfacing is an advanced technology that not only rejuvenates damaged or aging skin but also stimulates the body’s natural collagen production. As new collagen fibres form, what results is a deeper, structural tightening of the skin. This collagen renewal underlies many of the treatment’s benefits, including smoother texture, wrinkle reduction, and improved scar appearance.
Dual Power: Smooth Wrinkles and Minimize Scars
Laser treatments provide a versatile, non-surgical option for comprehensive skin rejuvenation. Their unique ability to target surface irregularities as well as deeper structural concerns, such as wrinkles, while also stimulating natural collagen production makes them a desirable choice for many patients. This dual action allows multiple concerns to be addressed, resulting in skin that looks younger and more vibrant.
Acne Scar Treatment
Laser resurfacing can visibly minimize the appearance of acne-related scarring, improving the overall texture and balance of the skin while preserving surrounding tissue. Surgical and trauma-related scars, including other imperfections, can also be resurfaced.
Reducing Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Whether you choose a lighter or more intensive resurfacing approach, laser treatments can significantly soften fine lines as well as deeper, more stubborn wrinkles. By removing damaged skin and stimulating collagen production, laser resurfacing helps smooth lines around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
Correcting Skin Discolouration and Pigmentation
Laser treatments can also improve uniformity among skin tone and texture, helping to diminish sunspots, pigmentation irregularities, and redness. As healing progresses, new, evenly toned skin gradually replaces these damaged outer layers.
The resulting collagen stimulation gradually rebuilds the skin from within. Laser resurfacing offers a non-surgical, outpatient treatment option that is less intensive, carries reduced risk, and typically involves a shorter recovery period.
Laser Treatments at Solomon Facial Plastic: Customized for Every Skin Concern
At Solomon Facial Plastic, we offer a full range of laser treatments from intensive resurfacing to gentle photofacials. Our priority is to create personalized treatment plans tailored to your aesthetic goals and desired recovery timeline.
To give patients a clearer understanding of their options, below are some of the laser treatments offered in our clinic.
UltraPulse Fractionated CO₂ Laser Resurfacing
Historically considered the gold standard for facial rejuvenation, CO₂ laser resurfacing is a fractional ablative treatment, offering the accuracy and shorter downtime of fractional lasers while still delivering the dramatic improvements of deeper resurfacing. It is particularly effective for addressing deep wrinkles, advanced sun damage, surgical scars, and as an acne scar treatment.
IPL / BBL Photorejuvenation
These treatment options use broad-spectrum light to reduce redness, broken capillaries, age and sun spots, as well as fine lines. Requiring little to no downtime, they are ideal for patients looking for a gentle yet effective approach.
Additionally, laser treatments are often customized and delivered as a combination approach. For example, a patient’s plan might pair the UltraPulse CO₂ Laser for deep wrinkle reduction with IPL or Fraxel treatments to address texture or pigmentation concerns.
Is Laser Therapy Right for You?
As with any cosmetic procedure, the best way to determine candidacy is through a private consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your visit at Solomon Facial Plastic, we assess your skin, discuss your aesthetic goals, and identify the laser treatment that will safely and effectively meet your needs.
Laser therapy is suitable for most adults with mild-to-moderate wrinkles, sun damage, uneven skin tone, or pigmentation concerns, while also providing effective surgical scar improvement and acne scar treatment. Another important marker of candidacy is having realistic expectations, recognizing that laser treatments provide gradual rejuvenation and skin tightening over time.
However, not everyone is an ideal candidate. Those with active infections, certain skin or medical conditions, or skin that is dark in tone may require alternative treatments.
Inside a Laser Therapy Appointment
Before each laser resurfacing treatment, the skin is thoroughly cleansed and a topical anesthetic is applied. Patients can expect procedures to last anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the specific laser being used and the size of the treatment area.
Our clinicians are expertly trained in providing safe, precise laser resurfacing treatments, allowing most procedures to be performed comfortably on an outpatient basis.
What to Expect and Maximizing Results
Generally, recovery time and risk are largely dependent on laser intensity. More aggressive, ablative procedures produce more dramatic results but require longer healing, while gentler non-ablative treatments typically offer minimal downtime.
Furthermore, during a laser resurfacing procedure, it is common to feel mild heat or tingling. Minor side effects such as swelling, itching, crusting, and tenderness may also occur throughout the recovery process. As these symptoms resolve and collagen regeneration begins, results emerge gradually.
While results are long-lasting, proper aftercare helps optimize outcomes, minimize the risk of complications, and ensures that skin remains healthy and radiant. This includes keeping skin clean and moisturized, as well as avoiding direct sun exposure. In some instances, maintenance sessions may be recommended to address the effects of natural aging and continued sun exposure.
Laser Resurfacing: The Path to Rejuvenated Skin
For many, laser resurfacing treatments offer a minimally invasive, non-surgical alternative for those seeking a youthful, rejuvenated appearance. Laser therapy is particularly well-suited to addressing both wrinkles and scarring, thus resurfacing damaged skin while stimulating the body’s natural collagen production.
As with any cosmetic procedure, the best way to determine candidacy is through a private consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. During your visit at Solomon Facial Plastic, Dr. Philip Solomon, a Royal College-certified otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon practising facial plastic surgery, and his team will assess your skin, discuss your aesthetic goals, and identify the laser treatment that will safely and effectively meet your needs.
If you’re interested in learning more about how laser resurfacing can rejuvenate and uplift your skin, reach out for a private consultation today. Call Solomon Facial Plastic at 855-519-2799 (Thornhill) or 416-864-6100 (Davenport), or reach out online to book your consultation today.
Jan 27th 2026