Arctic Laser Peel
Precision Resurfacing.
Fresh Foundation.
The Arctic Laser Peel uses 2940nm erbium:YAG laser energy to remove damaged surface skin in precisely controlled layers — measured in microns rather than guesswork. Unlike chemical peels where acid penetration varies by zone and skin thickness, the erbium laser delivers uniform depth across every treated area, creating a perfectly even canvas of fresh, healthy tissue. This controlled approach lets your provider dial in exactly the amount of correction you need: light settings produce a gentle refresh with 2-3 days of recovery, while deeper settings achieve dramatic texture correction in a single session. At Ovation, the Arctic Laser Peel serves both as a standalone treatment for surface renewal and as a platform for enhanced topical delivery — applying growth factors and regenerative serums to freshly resurfaced skin for maximum absorption. In Houston's UV-intense environment, where chronic sun exposure layers damage year after year, the Arctic Laser Peel provides the reset that reveals the healthier skin beneath.
The Arctic Laser Peel is one of over 17 skin health technologies at Ovation. It provides precision-controlled surface resurfacing for texture, tone, and collagen stimulation. Patients from River Oaks, Memorial, and the Heights choose Arctic Laser Peel at Ovation's Uptown Houston clinic near the Galleria.
Explore all Skin Health options →How the Arctic Laser Peel Works
The 2940nm erbium:YAG wavelength is highly absorbed by water in the skin, allowing precise tissue removal layer by layer. Unlike CO2 lasers that create significant thermal damage zones, erbium produces minimal collateral heat — meaning faster healing, less redness, and lower risk of complications.
- Precise, uniform tissue removal measured in microns
- Removes sun-damaged, pigmented, and textured surface tissue
- Multiple passes allow customized depth per treatment zone
- Minimal thermal spread compared to CO2 resurfacing
- New epidermal cells replace damaged, photoaged tissue
- Dermal collagen remodeling continues for 2-3 months
- Surface renewal reveals healthier, more even-toned skin
- Enhanced topical absorption during the healing phase
Treatment Advantages
What to Expect
Before Your Session
Discontinue retinoids 5-7 days before treatment. Avoid unprotected sun exposure for 2-4 weeks prior. Arrive with clean, product-free skin. We'll apply topical numbing cream for 30-45 minutes and discuss the targeted treatment depth.
During Treatment
You'll feel warmth and a mild stinging sensation as the laser passes over the treatment area. Each pass takes seconds per zone. Your provider may make multiple passes over areas requiring deeper correction while keeping more delicate areas at lighter settings.
The treatment is well-tolerated with topical numbing. You may smell a faint scent as surface tissue is ablated — this is normal and expected.
After Treatment
The treated area will be pink to red with a raw, clean appearance. Your provider applies post-treatment serums and a barrier cream. Over the next 3-7 days, the skin will go through a peeling and flaking phase as new tissue emerges from beneath.
Keep the area moisturized with provided products, avoid sun exposure, and do not pick or pull at peeling skin. By day 5-7, fresh pink skin will have replaced the treated surface. This new skin matures to your normal tone over the following weeks.
Best Candidates
- Fitzpatrick I-III patients seeking precision surface resurfacing
- Those with accumulated sun damage, rough texture, or uneven tone
- Clients wanting more predictable results than chemical peels offer
- People seeking a surface reset to enhance topical product effectiveness
- Anyone ready for 3-7 days of recovery for significant improvement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Arctic Laser Peel?+
How does the Arctic Laser Peel compare to chemical peels?+
What's the downtime?+
Is the Arctic Laser Peel safe for all skin types?+
Can I combine the Arctic Laser Peel with other treatments?+
Related Treatments
Remove the Damage.
Reveal the Foundation.
The Arctic Laser Peel provides the precision surface reset that reveals healthier skin beneath years of UV damage. Schedule a consultation at our Woodway Drive office.