Fractional laser skin resurfacing at our Los Gatos, CA, practice is one of the most powerful ways to reverse sun damage and soften fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. These lasers stimulate collagen remodeling by creating pinpoint channels in the skin, leaving surrounding tissue intact to accelerate healing and minimize downtime.
RefinedMD 800 Pollard Road, Building A
Los Gatos, CA 95032 Phone: (408) 688-2082Office Hours:Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday: Please call for availability Closed Sundays & Holidays
What Makes a Laser ‘Fractional’?
A laser is considered fractional when it delivers energy in a grid of microscopic treatment zones, targeting only a fraction of the skin at a time to promote faster healing and collagen renewal. Fractional lasers deliver precise microbeams of laser light into the deeper layers of skin, stimulating a natural healing process that results in the growth of healthy new tissue. Instead of removing or heating the entire surface, the laser creates channels surrounded by healthy tissue.
I have been seeing Dr. Swengell for the last seven years, and I can say without hesitation that he is the best – both in skin care and dermatology!! I have had laser on my face, neck and hands, which has greatly improved my skin color and texture.
Since establishing RefinedMD in 2012, Dr. Swengel has earned a reputation throughout the South Bay as one of the area’s top cosmetic and medical dermatologists. He is sought out for his expertise as a Mohs micrographic surgeon and laser treatment specialist, as well as his warm, attentive style of patient care.
Faster healing: Because healthy skin is left intact around each treated channel, recovery is quicker compared to fully ablative lasers.
Powerful results: Fractional technology stimulates collagen remodeling, improves skin texture and tone, and softens wrinkles, scars, and other surface irregularities.
There are 2 types of fractional lasers:
Ablative fractional (removes tiny columns or channels of skin for more dramatic resurfacing.)
Non-ablative fractional (heats tissue beneath the skin without removing it, with less downtime).
There are also fully ablative lasers, such as the Contour Tunable Resurfacing Laser (TRL). This Er:YAG laser removes the entire outer layer of treated skin, and is considered the gold standard for treating deeper wrinkles, such as those around the mouth and eyes, that fractional lasers alone cannot fully address. While recovery is more intensive, the results are unmatched in their ability to dramatically restore smoother, younger-looking skin.
Non-Ablative vs. Ablative Fractional Lasers
Feature
Non-Ablative Fractional Lasers
Ablative Fractional Lasers
How It Works
Heats tissue beneath the skin surface without removing outer layers
Removes tiny columns of skin while heating deeper tissue
Downtime
Minimal (redness for 1–3 days)
More significant (peeling, redness, 5–10 days)
Results
Gradual improvement over multiple sessions
More dramatic results after fewer treatments
Skin Concerns Treated
Fine lines, mild wrinkles, early pigmentation, subtle texture issues
Deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, acne scars, uneven texture
Pain/Discomfort
Mild, often managed with topical numbing
Moderate, may require stronger numbing or sedation
Risk Level
Lower risk of side effects
Higher risk of pigmentation changes, infection, or scarring if not properly managed
Longevity of Results
Good, but maintenance sessions usually required
Long-lasting, with results continuing to improve for months
Best For
Patients seeking subtle rejuvenation with little downtime
Patients wanting more dramatic improvement and willing to commit to recovery
A Reputation Built on Results
Refined is the only place in town I trust for my skincare needs. Not only are they current with all...
Dania was an absolute pleasure to work with and is a star Clinical Body Treatment Expert. Great experience...
I would love to share my experience with RefinedMD clinic and, in particular, Dr. Roy, who performed...
Our comprehensive collection of fractional resurfacing lasers gives us the flexibility to personalize your treatment plan, whether you want a light refresh with minimal downtime or a deeper, more aggressive procedure. We also offer a wide range of laser skin rejuvenation treatments.
Clear + Brilliant is perfect for maintaining youthful, vibrant skin. This light fractional laser brightens tone, smooths texture, minimizes pores, and softens fine lines. Treatments are quick, comfortable, and require only minimal recovery, making Clear + Brilliant a favorite for anyone looking for regular skin refreshers that keep their complexion glowing.
DermaV™
You can expect noticeable improvement in skin tone and texture after DermaV treatments. This fractional laser works beneath the surface to remodel collagen, fade discoloration, and refine scars or roughness. It’s a versatile treatment that balances visible results with a comfortable experience.
HALO is the world’s first hybrid fractional laser, combining both non-ablative and ablative wavelengths in the same treatment. This dual approach allows us to target the surface for discoloration while also penetrating deeper to stimulate collagen. Patients love HALO for its balance of noticeable improvement and manageable downtime. It’s especially effective for sun damage, enlarged pores, early wrinkles, and overall skin rejuvenation.
Get excellent results without the downtime of fully ablative lasers with LaseMD Ultra treatments. This advanced fractional laser resurfaces more deeply than Moxi or Clear + Brilliant, tackling stubborn pigmentation, melasma, fine lines, and even acne scars. Treatment sessions often take only minutes for the full face, and you’ll see results develop quickly as new collagen is produced.
Mixto® CO₂ Laser
The Mixto fractional CO₂ laser is one of the most powerful resurfacing technologies available. It uses carbon dioxide energy to vaporize microscopic columns of damaged skin, effectively treating deeper wrinkles, acne scars, and significant sun damage. Downtime is longer than with gentler fractional lasers, but the results are more dramatic, with your skin appearing smoother, tighter, and more youthful.
Think of Moxi as your “prejuvenation” treatment—a gentle, non-ablative fractional laser that refreshes the skin before early signs of aging take hold. It’s ideal for minimizing pigmentation, improving texture, and maintaining the skin’s youthful look. Because downtime is minimal (most patients apply makeup the next day), Moxi fits easily into even the busiest schedules and works beautifully year-round.
ProFractional™
This ablative fractional laser delivers pinpoint beams of energy into the skin to create controlled micro-channels. As these heal, the skin remodels itself with new collagen, improving wrinkles, scars, and uneven texture. Because it leaves untreated skin between the channels, healing is faster than with fully ablative lasers, but the results are still dramatic.
UltraClear is the world’s first fractional cold ablative fiber laser. The 3D MIRACL is a state-of-the-art treatment performed with the UltraClear laser, improving the appearance of uneven texture, sun damage and blemishes. The fractional ablation targets only the top layer of your skin, making it an ideal option if you’re seeking a quick refresh, with visible results usually seen after just one treatment. UltraClear treatments are safe for all skin types, including darker tones, and can be tailored from “lunchtime refreshers” to deeper resurfacing for lines and texture.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Whatever concerns you have about your skin’s appearance, we have a treatment designed to address them. During your consultation, we’ll assess your skin, listen to your goals, and recommend a personalized plan that may combine several of these technologies for the best results. You can request a consultation with one of our specialists using the online form or by calling our practice at
(408) 688-2082.
Because we have such a wide range of options, women and men considering fractional laser skin resurfacing travel from Saratoga, Campbell, San Jose, and throughout the Bay Area to our Los Gatos practice for treatment.
Take the first step toward feeling balanced, energized, and aligned with our GLP1 and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy special. New patients are invited to begin their journey with a complimentary in-person consultation, where a personalized plan can be developed to support metabolism, hormone balance, and overall wellness. For a limited time, enjoy 20% off regular pricing, making it easier to invest in long-term health and vitality. Whether you are looking to manage weight, improve energy levels, or support hormonal changes, this offer provides a thoughtful entry point into a more comprehensive wellness strategy designed around your individual needs.
This summer, take control of your body goals with our Cool For The Summer package designed to deliver real, visible transformation in the areas that matter most to you. Choose from targeted zones such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, back, or chin and commit to a customized treatment plan completed within 120 days for optimal results. This package is built around achieving meaningful change in a defined area, with a team that is committed to helping you reach your goals. As an added benefit, medically eligible patients will receive 12 weeks of microdosed tirzepatide at no additional cost with package purchase, supporting your progress from multiple angles and helping you feel confident all season long.
