Skin Resurfacing Devices

Resurfacing means removing or remodeling the outer layers of skin so that new, smoother tissue replaces them. The depth and the amount of surface treated decide the result and the recovery.

Fractional CO2 laser (ablative)

A 10,600 nm beam vaporizes microscopic columns of skin and heats the tissue around them; the untreated skin between the columns speeds healing. This is the reference treatment for acne scars, deep wrinkles, sun damage and rough texture, with 3 to 7 days of downtime per session and results that build over months. The FraxCO2 FC100 ($8,500 to $15,000) is a pixel-mode fractional system; the Fraxco2 FC300 ($11,000 to $18,000) adds full ablative and hybrid modes, a surgical cutter and a vaginal probe.

Fractional RF microneedling (minimally invasive)

Insulated needles deliver radiofrequency into the dermis at set depths, remodeling collagen from below while leaving the surface mostly intact. Downtime is 2 to 5 days of redness, and it is safe on darker skin types where ablative lasers carry pigment risk. The Shape Tactics 3-in-1 Targeted ($4,199) and 3-in-1 Vacuum ($2,913) systems run 10, 36 and 64-pin cartridges with vacuum assist and a cold hammer; the Winkonlaser TM80 and TM50B on the RF microneedling collection add dual-frequency RF and deeper body needles.

What resurfacing is not

Hydrodermabrasion and microdermabrasion exfoliate the surface for brightness and are covered on the facial machines collection. Non-ablative lasers and IPL treat tone and pigment without removing tissue and sit on the skin rejuvenation collection. HIFU and RF tighten without resurfacing.

By the concern and the downtime your clients accept

• Deep acne scars, surgical scars, etched wrinkles, heavy sun damage: fractional CO2. Clients accept a week of recovery for a one to three session course.
• Moderate scars, texture, pores, laxity, and darker skin types: RF microneedling. A course of three to four sessions with a few days of redness each.
• Both, in one practice: many clinics run RF microneedling as the volume service and CO2 for the cases that need it.

By who operates it

Ablative CO2 resurfacing is a physician-level procedure in nearly every state. RF microneedling is often restricted to medical supervision but open to more practitioners than CO2 in some states. Check your state board before choosing the technology, not after.

Specs to compare

CO2: tube type and power (metal RF-excited tubes at 70 or 100 W), scanner precision (microbeam size and spacing), modes, handpieces, arm delivery. RF microneedling: needle depth range, insulated vs non-insulated needles, RF frequency and polarity, cartridge pin counts and price, cooling or vacuum assist. Across both: consumables per session, warranty and training.

Price tiers

• RF microneedling, $2,913 to $4,199: Shape Tactics 3-in-1 Vacuum and Targeted systems (and $3,600 to $4,700 for the Winkonlaser TM50B and TM80 on the RF microneedling collection).
• Fractional CO2, $8,500 to $18,000: FC100 at 70 W or 100 W, FC300 at 70 W or 100 W.

Running costs

RF microneedling uses a single-use needle cartridge per session, the main consumable. CO2 uses eyewear, smoke evacuation, topical anesthetic and aftercare per session, plus tube, scanner and mirror maintenance over the years. Ask us for cartridge prices before you buy a microneedling system.

Payback

Fractional CO2 is one of the highest-ticket aesthetic treatments (several hundred dollars for small areas to a few thousand for full-face ablative work), and RF microneedling courses run $300 to $800 per session. Both pay back a machine within its first months of regular bookings; our B2B team can run the numbers on your menu.

FDA status

"FDA cleared" means a specific model has completed 510(k) review for a stated indication such as skin resurfacing or dermatological procedures. Clearance belongs to a model, not to a technology. We are collecting documentation for each system; ask our team before you advertise a claim.

Who can operate resurfacing equipment

Ablative CO2 is a medical procedure in nearly every US state, performed by physicians or by nurses and physician assistants under medical direction. RF microneedling rules vary by state. Clinical training in resurfacing, candidate selection and aftercare is separate from device training and should come from an accredited course.

Trademarks

Fraxel (Solta) and Morpheus8 (InMode) are trademarks of their manufacturers; we are not affiliated with them. The systems here sit in the same technology categories under their own names.

Warranty, returns and shipping

Winkonlaser systems carry a 3-year manufacturer warranty, Shape Tactics 2 years, with us as your US point of contact. Most eligible products can be returned within 30 days of delivery in original condition. Free shipping on domestic USA orders in the lower 48 states, including freight; Alaska, Hawaii and international with a quote.