Laser Skin Resurfacing in Sacramento & Davis, CA

Name: Laser Skin Resurfacing
Brand: Davis Dermatology
Rating: 4.8 (216 reviews)

At Davis Dermatology, we offer laser skin resurfacing in Sacramento and Davis, CA, a powerful way to improve skin tone, texture, and radiance by removing damaged skin layers and stimulating new collagen growth—all with medical precision and personalized care.

Refresh, Refine, and Renew With Expert-Led Aesthetic Laser Skin Resurfacing

Uneven texture, fine lines, sun damage, and scarring all live in the outer layers of the skin. Laser Skin resurfacing treatments — including our full lineup of laser technologies — clear away that damaged surface layer and stimulate fresh collagen underneath, revealing smoother, more even, more radiant skin.

At Davis Dermatology, every skin resurfacing plan is designed and overseen by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Earlyn Noll, so you get medical-grade precision along with a genuinely personal experience.

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser Skin resurfacing is a category of treatments that remove or remodel the outermost, sun-damaged layer of skin so healthier skin can take its place. Most of our resurfacing options use laser energy, which lets us control exactly how deep the treatment goes and how much recovery it requires. Depending on the device and settings, resurfacing can:

Soften fine lines and wrinkles
Fade sun damage, brown spots, and freckles
Improve acne scars and surgical scars
Refine rough texture and enlarged pores
Even out skin tone and restore a healthy glow

Because the technology ranges from very gentle to fully ablative, we can tailor a plan to whatever amount of downtime your schedule allows — and the results improve for months afterward as new collagen continues to build.

The Benefits of Laser Resurfacing

Patients often notice clearer, smoother, and more radiant skin after just one session. Results continue to improve over time as collagen production increases. Benefits include the following:

Smoother texture and firmer skin
Reduction in fine lines and pigment irregularities
More even tone and renewed glow
Long-lasting improvements with minimal downtime
Options tailored for all skin tones and areas of the body

“The best investment you can make is in yourself.” -Warren Buffet

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Are You a Candidate?

Resurfacing works well for adults in good health who have realistic expectations and want to address sun damage, acne scarring, or overall texture and tone. Good candidates are typically:

Not prone to keloid scarring or active skin infections
Willing to avoid sun exposure for about two weeks before and after treatment
Committed to following aftercare instructions closely
Looking for a non-surgical way to rejuvenate their skin

A one-on-one consultation is the best way to determine which laser — or combination of lasers — fits your skin type, concerns, and downtime tolerance.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your skin is cleansed and prepped, and a numbing cream is applied if needed for comfort.
Sun exposure should be avoided for two weeks beforehand to protect your skin and support even results.
The laser is applied to precise depths; most patients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin.
Treatment time generally runs 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the device and area treated.
A soothing post-procedure product is applied, and you'll receive detailed aftercare instructions — including avoiding sun exposure for the next two weeks.

Understanding Downtime: Mild, Moderate, and Severe

The right treatment often comes down to how much recovery time you can build into your schedule — gentler treatments need to be repeated more often, while more intensive treatments deliver bigger results in a single session.

Mild ("social") downtime: Skin looks pink with perhaps a few small scabs, but feels fine. Recovery is typically 2–4 days. This covers lighter-setting CoolPeel, PicoGenesis FX, and IPL treatments.
Moderate downtime: Skin may be pink and swollen with small scabbing; you'll feel well, though others may notice some irritation. Recovery generally takes 5–7 days. This level includes higher-setting CoolPeel, PicoGenesis FX, IPL, and Halo.
Severe downtime: Skin is raw and may ooze or bleed for a short period, with some discomfort during healing. This is true medical downtime, requiring about two weeks indoors. Fully ablative Erbium resurfacing falls into this category.

What Our Patients Say

Thorough, professional, and kind.

You can tell she truly cares about her patients—not just their skin, but their overall wellbeing.

Everyone that works there is just as amazing as Dr. Noll.

I’m a new client… I will now be a regular client.

Each treatment feels like an hour with a girlfriend.

Read All Testimonials

Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery and Results

Mild redness or swelling is common in the first few days and usually resolves quickly with non-ablative treatments. Fractional and ablative lasers involve a longer recovery, often with flaking or peeling for five to ten days. Most patients see improved clarity and tone within one to two weeks, and results continue to build over the following months as collagen regenerates. Consistent use of medical-grade skincare and diligent sun protection help those results last.

Our Laser & Resurfacing Technologies

We offer both non-ablative and ablative options, so treatment can be matched to your goals and your tolerance for downtime.

Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser

Blends ablative and non-ablative wavelengths in one treatment, addressing both surface tone and deeper texture. Typical downtime is about a week.

CoolPeel CO2

A gentler, fractionated ablative laser that treats only a portion of the skin at a time, leaving surrounding tissue intact for quicker healing. Great for mild-to-moderate lines, texture, and sun damage, with social downtime of roughly two to three days.

Fully Ablative Erbium Resurfacing (TRL)

The most aggressive resurfacing treatment we offer removes the entire epidermis and part of the dermis. Reserved for deep wrinkles and significant pigment concerns. Results are dramatic; recovery runs about two weeks and is performed with nerve blocks for comfort.

ResurFX

A non-ablative laser that stimulates collagen and helps correct pigment with minimal downtime.

PicoGenesis FX

Uses ultra-short picosecond pulses for gentle skin remodeling and acne scar improvement.

Laser Genesis

A gentle, non-ablative option for overall tone, redness, and mild texture concerns.

Pairing Resurfacing With Other Treatments

Many patients combine laser resurfacing with complementary treatments for a more complete rejuvenation:

PRFM (Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix): Uses your body’s own growth factors to rejuvenate skin and stimulate collagen
Microneedling RF (VirtueRF): Firms the skin and refines texture using radiofrequency
Chemical Peels: Brightens tone and lifts superficial pigment
IPL Photofacial: Targets redness and sun spots with light-based therapy
Medical-Grade Skincare: Extends and enhances your results at home — ask our team to help build a routine suited to your skin

FAQs Laser Skin Resurfacing

Is laser skin resurfacing painful?

Discomfort is minimal and controlled with topical numbing. Gentle options like Halo laser therapy offer a comfortable experience, while deeper ablative treatments can cause brief warmth or stinging during the procedure. Patients seeking zero-downtime, non-laser alternatives for skin tightening often consider Sofwave.

Can I wear makeup afterward?

You'll want to wait until your skin has fully healed — usually three to seven days — before applying makeup again. During healing, keeping skin clean and hydrated with a medical-grade HydraFacial or gentle DiamondGlow® session once re-epithelialized will help maximize skin radiance.

What are the risks or side effects of laser skin resurfacing?

Temporary redness, swelling, scabbing, or hyperpigmentation are possible. Dr. Noll minimizes these risks through careful skin evaluation and technique selection. For patients prone to pigment issues, alternative skin-smoothing procedures like medical chemical peels or targeted pigment treatments like BBL photofacials may be recommended.

Are the results permanent?

Improvements are long-lasting, though periodic maintenance treatments and daily sun protection help preserve them over time. Combining your resurfacing results with dynamic wrinkle relaxers like BOTOX® or Dysport®, along with deep collagen biostimulators like Sculptra®, PRFM, or structural dermal fillers, helps sustain comprehensive, youth-restoring results.

Dr. Noll at her Davis Dermatology office in California.

Why Choose Davis Dermatology?

Davis Dermatology is a physician-owned dermatology practice, not a medspa — every laser skin resurfacing treatment is performed under the direct oversight of Dr. Earlyn Noll, a board-certified dermatologist with over a decade of experience in cosmetic and surgical laser care. That means your treatment plan is grounded in medical expertise as much as in aesthetic goals, with technology and technique carefully matched to your skin and your desired outcome.

Ready for Smoother, Healthier Skin?

Whether you're exploring laser skin resurfacing in Sacramento and Davis, CA, or right here in Davis, our team will walk you through your options and help you choose the treatment — or combination of treatments — that fits your skin and your schedule.