Changes in skin texture, fine lines, uneven tone, and scars can become increasingly noticeable with age, sun exposure, acne, surgery, or injury.
ResurFX® is a non-ablative fractional laser treatment designed to stimulate collagen remodeling while leaving the skin's surface largely intact. By delivering controlled laser energy into microscopic treatment zones, ResurFX promotes gradual improvement in skin texture and quality with less recovery than more aggressive ablative resurfacing procedures.
At Cabo Plastic Surgery, ResurFX treatment is personalized according to your skin type, specific concerns, treatment area, and goals. It may be used for facial rejuvenation, selected scars, or as part of a broader skin-rejuvenation plan.
The goal is not simply to treat the skin more aggressively, but to choose the appropriate treatment intensity for the improvement you want and the recovery you are comfortable with.
More aggressive resurfacing is not automatically better. The appropriate treatment depends on your skin type, the concern being treated, the degree of improvement desired, and the amount of recovery you are comfortable with.
At Cabo Plastic Surgery, we evaluate these factors before recommending ResurFX or another skin treatment. For some patients, ResurFX provides the right balance between collagen remodeling, visible improvement, and manageable recovery. Others may benefit more from IPL, a different resurfacing treatment, or a combination approach.
Our goal is to recommend the treatment that best matches your skin and your goals — not simply the most aggressive option available.
| Treatment | ResurFX® non-ablative fractional laser. |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Skin resurfacing and collagen remodeling. |
| Treatment time | Approximately 20–30 minutes for the full face. |
| Comfort | Topical numbing cream is typically used. |
| Downtime | Usually mild redness and swelling for approximately 24–48 hours. |
| Common concerns | Fine lines, uneven texture, selected scars, and overall skin quality. |
| Treatment areas | Face and selected areas of the body. |
| Treatment plan | Personalized; a series may be recommended. |
| Results | Develop gradually as collagen remodeling progresses. |
The relatively short recovery is possible because ResurFX treats the skin fractionally rather than resurfacing the entire skin surface.
ResurFX uses non-ablative fractional laser technology to deliver controlled laser energy into microscopic treatment zones within the skin while leaving surrounding tissue untreated. This fractional pattern allows the untreated tissue to support the healing process.
The controlled thermal effect stimulates a wound-healing response and collagen remodeling, with improvements developing gradually over the weeks and months following treatment.
Unlike ablative resurfacing lasers, ResurFX does not intentionally remove the entire outer surface of the treated skin. This allows it to improve selected concerns with less recovery than more aggressive ablative resurfacing, although the degree of improvement and number of treatments required vary from patient to patient.
ResurFX is designed to improve concerns that respond to fractional collagen remodeling, including:
ResurFX is not primarily a pigment-targeting treatment. When brown spots, redness, or uneven pigmentation are a major concern, IPL or another treatment may be more appropriate, or may be combined with ResurFX.
For facial rejuvenation, ResurFX can help improve fine lines, uneven texture, and overall skin quality. Results develop progressively as collagen remodeling occurs over the weeks and months following treatment.
ResurFX may also be used to improve the texture and visibility of selected acne, surgical, and traumatic scars. Fractional laser energy stimulates collagen remodeling within and around scar tissue, which may help the scar blend more smoothly with the surrounding skin.
No laser can completely erase a scar. Results depend on the scar's type, age, depth, location, and individual healing characteristics. Some scars may respond better to another laser, injections, surgical revision, or a combination approach.
At Cabo Plastic Surgery, ResurFX may also be considered as part of postoperative scar management when appropriate, with treatment timing individualized according to healing.
Selected stretch marks may also benefit from fractional laser treatment. Improvement is generally gradual and may require multiple sessions.
Because facial skin, scars, and stretch marks respond differently, ResurFX settings and treatment schedules should be individualized rather than applied as a standard protocol.
There is no single ResurFX treatment plan that is appropriate for every patient. Before treatment, we evaluate factors including:
Based on this assessment, your treatment may involve a single session or a series of treatments, and the laser settings are selected according to your skin and treatment goals.
For some concerns, ResurFX may be used alone. In others, a different treatment or combination approach may provide a more complete result.
Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure before your ResurFX treatment. Tanned or sunburned skin should not be treated, as this may increase the risk of unwanted pigmentation changes and other complications. You will receive personalized preparation instructions, and certain skincare products — including retinoids or other potentially irritating products — may need to be temporarily discontinued.
Your skin is cleansed and a topical numbing cream is typically applied to improve comfort. ResurFX then delivers fractional laser energy across the selected treatment area. A full-face treatment typically takes approximately 20–30 minutes, although treatment time varies according to the area being treated. Most patients describe the sensation as warmth, prickling, or brief pinpoint heat.
Immediately after treatment, redness, warmth, and mild swelling are common, and the skin may feel similar to a mild or moderate sunburn. These effects generally improve substantially over the first 24–48 hours, although recovery varies according to treatment intensity and individual skin response. Most patients can return to normal daily activities relatively quickly, and your provider will give you specific instructions regarding skincare, makeup, exercise, and other activities.
Your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight following treatment. During the early recovery period, avoid unnecessary direct sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Additional protection, such as shade and a wide-brimmed hat, is recommended when outdoors.
Consistent sun protection helps support healing and reduce the risk of unwanted pigmentation changes.
ResurFX results develop gradually as the skin responds to treatment and collagen remodeling progresses. Some patients begin to notice improvements in skin texture and quality within the first few weeks, with continued refinement over the following months.
The degree and timing of improvement vary according to the concern being treated, treatment intensity, number of sessions, and individual skin response.
The number of treatments depends on your skin, the concern being treated, and the degree of improvement desired. Some patients may benefit from a single treatment, while a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart may be recommended for more noticeable textural changes or scarring.
Your progress is evaluated throughout the treatment series so the plan can be adjusted according to your response and goals. Maintenance treatments may also be considered when appropriate.
For patients with multiple skin concerns, ResurFX may be combined with IPL using the Stellar M22 platform as part of a more comprehensive rejuvenation plan. At Cabo Plastic Surgery, this combination is known as Photofabulous.
ResurFX and IPL are complementary because they target different components of skin aging and sun damage:
When appropriate, combining these complementary technologies allows both skin texture and skin tone to be addressed within a coordinated treatment plan.
Not every patient requires both treatments. Your skin type, pigmentation, specific concerns, and treatment goals are evaluated before determining whether ResurFX alone, IPL alone, or a combination approach is most appropriate.
ResurFX is generally well tolerated when appropriately performed, but all laser treatments involve potential risks.
Temporary redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, dryness, or changes in skin texture may occur after treatment. Less commonly, laser treatment can result in prolonged redness, blistering, crusting, infection, scarring, or unwanted changes in pigmentation.
The risk of pigmentation changes may be greater in certain skin types and with recent tanning or excessive sun exposure. For this reason, careful skin assessment, appropriate laser settings, and sun protection before and after treatment are important parts of ResurFX treatment planning.
Your medical provider will evaluate your skin and review the potential benefits and risks before determining whether ResurFX is appropriate for you.
Successful laser treatment depends on more than the technology itself. Patient selection, skin assessment, treatment settings, and appropriate medical oversight all contribute to a safe and effective treatment plan. Our approach includes:
Our goal is not simply to perform a laser treatment, but to determine which technology — and which level of treatment — is most appropriate for your skin.
Most patients tolerate ResurFX well with topical numbing cream. During treatment, you may feel warmth, prickling, or brief pinpoint heat as the laser passes over the skin.
ResurFX is a non-ablative fractional laser, meaning it delivers energy into microscopic treatment zones without intentionally removing the entire outer skin surface.
Ablative CO₂ resurfacing removes or vaporizes portions of the skin surface and can produce more substantial resurfacing in appropriately selected patients, but generally involves more recovery and a different risk profile.
The better treatment depends on your skin, the concern being treated, the degree of correction desired, and the recovery you are willing to accept.
There is no standard number for every patient. Some patients may benefit from a single treatment, while others achieve greater improvement through a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart.
Your treatment plan depends on the concern being treated, your skin response, and your goals.
ResurFX may be used to improve the appearance of selected surgical scars by stimulating collagen remodeling and improving irregular texture.
No laser can completely erase a scar, and results depend on the scar's type, age, location, and individual healing characteristics.
Yes, ResurFX may be appropriate for selected acne scars, particularly when improving skin texture through fractional collagen remodeling is the goal.
Because acne scars vary considerably in type and depth, some patients may benefit from other treatments or a combination approach.
Downtime is generally limited. Redness and mild swelling are common during the first 24–48 hours, although recovery varies according to treatment intensity and individual skin response.
Yes. When appropriate, ResurFX can be combined with IPL as part of our Photofabulous treatment. ResurFX primarily addresses texture and collagen remodeling, while IPL can address selected pigmentation, redness, and uneven tone.
The combination is recommended only when both technologies are appropriate for your skin and concerns.
Results develop gradually. Early improvement in skin texture may become noticeable within the first few weeks, while collagen remodeling continues over the following months.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Full face — single session | $750 USD |
| Full face — package of 4 sessions | $2,250 USD |
| Small scar — single session | $120 USD |
| Small scar — package of 4 sessions | $360 USD |
| Large scar — single session | $350 USD |
| Large scar — package of 4 sessions | $1,050 USD |
Packages are structured so that you pay for three sessions and receive the fourth at no additional charge. Packages are non-transferable and valid for one year from the date of purchase.
Your recommended treatment plan and total cost are determined after evaluating your skin, treatment area, and goals.
At Cabo Plastic Surgery, your treatment begins with an individualized assessment of your skin and concerns.
You will receive a personalized recommendation explaining whether ResurFX is appropriate, which areas may benefit, the recommended treatment plan, and whether another or complementary treatment may provide a better result.
Schedule a ConsultationThe information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for an individual medical evaluation or treatment recommendation.
Results, treatment plans, recovery, and potential risks vary from patient to patient. Your skin type, medical history, treatment area, previous treatments, sun exposure, and individual goals will be evaluated to determine whether ResurFX or another treatment is appropriate for you.
As with any laser procedure, temporary redness, swelling, warmth, or sensitivity may occur. Less common risks include pigmentation changes, blistering, infection, and scarring.
Individual results may vary.