Laser skin treatments in Colorado Springs use targeted light energy to improve skin tone, texture, and pigmentation. At Aspen Aesthetics + Wellness, two technologies are used: the Erbium laser for resurfacing, acne scarring, and fine lines, and the Q-Switch laser for melasma, brown pigment, and intimate lightening. Your provider determines the right approach for your skin.
Erbium laser resurfacing is one of the most precise and effective skin renewal treatments available in medical aesthetics today. Operating at a wavelength of 2940 nanometers, the erbium laser delivers controlled thermal energy that removes damaged surface cells while simultaneously stimulating the skin's natural collagen regeneration process. The result is measurably smoother, clearer, and more youthful-looking skin, with results that continue to develop in the weeks following treatment.
At our Colorado Springs medical spa, we offer both Full Ablative Erbium and Fractional Erbium resurfacing, allowing your provider to curate a treatment approach that is precisely matched to your skin concerns, your lifestyle, and the results you want to achieve.
Full ablative erbium resurfacing delivers comprehensive treatment across the entire surface of the skin, removing the outermost layers with exceptional precision to reveal the healthier, more refined skin beneath. This approach is best suited for patients with more advanced skin concerns, including:
Because full ablative treatment addresses the skin at a deeper level, it delivers more dramatic and longer-lasting results, and typically requires a more structured recovery period of up to two weeks. For patients who are ready to invest in meaningful, transformative change, this is one of the most powerful resurfacing options available.
Fractional erbium resurfacing treats the skin in precise, microscopic columns rather than removing the entire surface layer, leaving surrounding tissue intact to accelerate healing and reduce downtime. This makes it an excellent option for patients seeking progressive, natural-looking improvements with a more manageable recovery. Most clients return to normal activities within a few days, while collagen remodeling continues beneath the surface for weeks following treatment.
The Q-Switch laser delivers low-heat energy in rapid nanosecond pulses that target melanin and pigment-containing cells while leaving the surrounding skin untouched. This makes it one of the safest, most effective options for melasma, low-contrast brown pigment, and intimate areas. Pigment is broken down and gradually cleared by the body over a series of sessions, typically 4 to 10, depending on how your skin responds. Because the outer layer of skin stays intact, there is usually no downtime.
If this is your first visit with us, you will begin with a thorough consultation with your expert provider. During this time, a personalized treatment plan will be crafted around your unique skin concerns and conditions, thoughtfully aligned with your long-term skin health goals.
You will then be comfortably settled onto our treatment bed, with positioning and temperature carefully adjusted for your ease and relaxation. Following a double cleanse and a detailed skin assessment under magnification, your provider will either complete any additional corrective facial therapies or, if you are progressing through a treatment series, move seamlessly into your laser session.
Erbium laser treatments are delivered using a precision handpiece connected to our advanced laser system. During treatment, you will notice gentle pulses of warm energy directed at the skin, a sensation that signals the carefully controlled resurfacing process at work.
Erbium laser treatments are well-tolerated by most patients, with discomfort typically described as a mild, brief sensation of warm energy delivered in gentle pulses across the skin. To ensure your comfort throughout the session, a professional-grade topical numbing cream is applied to all treatment areas approximately 60 minutes prior to your appointment. This also works to minimize any residual warmth or heat sensation following your procedure.
As with any advanced skin resurfacing treatment, potential side effects may include temporary skin irritation, mild redness, a sensation similar to a light sunburn, pigment changes, or, in rare cases, blistering, infection, or scar formation. It is important to note that the majority of undesirable outcomes are associated with tanned, recently sun-exposed, or deeper skin tones, which is precisely why we prioritize thorough pre-treatment screening and individualized care at every step.
Your safety and results are never left to chance. We require most clients to complete a 4-6 week preconditioning protocol using a medical-grade pigment suppression and retinol regimen prior to treatment. Patients who follow our ZO Skin Health® Pre- & Post-Treatment Protocol consistently achieve superior outcomes, enjoy longer-lasting results, and significantly reduce the likelihood of a suboptimal response.
Recovery following an Erbium laser treatment is generally minimal, making it an ideal option for those seeking meaningful skin rejuvenation with manageable downtime. Some patients experience mild redness, swelling, light flaking, or itching at the treatment site, most of which does not interfere with daily activities. Depending on the depth of treatment, redness and skin shedding may persist anywhere from 1 to 14 days. Deeper resurfacing treatments may require up to two weeks for full skin recovery, and some initial weeping or light crusting is a normal part of the healing process. Keeping the skin consistently moisturized with our post-procedure cream will support healing and help protect the treated area.
Achieving your optimal outcome is a process we approach with intention and clinical precision. Depending on the nature of your skin concerns and their severity, a series of Erbium laser sessions may be recommended to deliver the most comprehensive and lasting results. During your personalized consultation, your provider will conduct a thorough skin assessment and walk you through a detailed treatment plan, including a recommended session cadence that is thoughtfully tailored to your goals, your skin, and your life.
For patients seeking targeted correction of melasma, low-contrast brown pigment, or intimate area lightening, the Q-Switch laser offers a gentle yet highly effective solution with virtually no disruption to your daily routine.
Unlike more intensive resurfacing treatments, Q-Switch laser therapy requires no topical anesthetic, involves no downtime, and leaves the outermost layer of skin fully intact. Some patients experience very mild, transient redness for up to 24 hours following treatment, an effect most find entirely negligible, and the vast majority return to work and normal activities immediately.
Melasma and low-contrast pigmentation can show visible lightening after a single Q-Switch session; however, a structured series of treatments consistently delivers the most significant and enduring results. Sessions can be performed as frequently as twice per week, and many patients benefit from five or more treatments to reach their desired outcome.
At our practice, we understand that melasma and resistant pigmentation rarely respond to a single modality alone. That is why we take an integrative, multi-layered approach, combining the Q-Switch laser with complementary therapies to amplify and sustain your results. Depending on your individual treatment plan, this may include chemical peels, ZO medical-grade solutions or prescriptions such as hydroquinone, microchanneling, microneedling, stem cell lightening serums, and compounded lightening creams. We also use the Q-Switch laser to enhance the effects of laser hair removal in the Brazilian or bikini area, where lightening the skin produces better contrast between the hair follicles and the skin surface for more effective hair detection.
Investment in your skin is deeply personal, and we believe pricing should be as transparent and straightforward as the care we provide. Laser treatment costs vary depending on the modality selected, the area being treated, and the number of sessions recommended in your personalized treatment plan.
| Treatment | Member Pricing | Standard Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Full Ablative - Face | $765 | $900 |
| Full Ablative - Neck | $467.50 | $550 |
| Fractional - Face | $650.25 | $765 |
| Fractional - Neck | $425 | $500 |
Your exact investment will be confirmed during your consultation, where your provider will outline a treatment plan tailored specifically to your skin concerns and goals. We are committed to making exceptional skin care accessible, and financing options such as Care Credit and Cherry are available to help you move forward with confidence. To learn more about membership pricing and the benefits of joining our practice, we invite you to speak with a member of our team.
Olivia "Liv" Albin, Licensed Esthetician and Certified Laser Specialist; Misha McGinley, Advanced Esthetician and Certified Laser Specialist
Liv Albin and Misha McGinley are Aspen's certified laser specialists, bringing advanced esthetician training and dedicated laser certification to every treatment. They perform Erbium and Q-Switch laser treatments at Aspen Aesthetics + Wellness, working with clients across a range of skin tones and concerns to build plans that are safe, effective, and tailored to individual goals.
Laser treatments at Aspen are performed under medical oversight, with treatment protocols reviewed and supported by Kelly McKay, MSN, APRN, CRNA, owner and clinical director.
Monday 9 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–5 PM
Thursday 9 AM–5 PM
Friday 9 AM–5 PM
Saturday 9 AM–5 PM
Sunday 10 AM–3 PM
