Contour TRL™
Full-surface erbium resurfacing removes damaged skin in controlled layers for the most dramatic non-surgical correction available.
Laser Skin Resurfacing on Long Island
One family of erbium lasers, four depths — from a weekend polish to a transformative reset.
What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
A precise way to remove damaged skin and reveal what's underneath, tuned to the depth you choose.
Laser skin resurfacing uses focused light energy to remove or remodel the outer layers of skin, treating texture, tone, scarring and wrinkles more precisely than a chemical peel or microdermabrasion can. At North Shore Cosmetic Surgery, our resurfacing options are built on Sciton®'s erbium (2940nm) platform, which gives our providers exact, micron-level control over how deep each treatment goes.
We offer resurfacing in two mechanisms. NanoLaserPeel®, MicroLaserPeel® and Contour TRL™ are full-field treatments — the entire surface of the treated area is resurfaced, with the depth dialed up or down depending on how much correction you want. ProFractional® works differently: it treats only a fraction of the skin at a time, leaving narrow bridges of untouched tissue between treatment columns, which allows deeper correction to heal faster than a full-field treatment at the same depth.
In both cases, the principle is the same: greater depth means more correction and more downtime. Choosing the right one is really a question of what you're treating and how much time you can give it.
Benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing
Precise, tunable correction — and a plan that starts wherever your skin is today.
• Precision. Depth is controlled in microns, not guessed at the way it often is with a chemical peel, where the result depends partly on how your skin reacts to the acid.
• One platform, four intensities. Your provider can start conservative and go deeper at a later visit, or move straight to a deeper setting if that's what your skin needs — without switching to a different device or technology.
• A treatment for nearly every concern. Dullness and enlarged pores, uneven tone, acne scarring, surgical or C-section scars, and deep static wrinkles are all addressed somewhere in this family, just at different depths.
• Downtime that matches your schedule. Clients who choose the lightest treatment may have as little as a few hours of downtime, while those who choose the most aggressive resurfacing should plan for a longer recovery — you and your provider decide where on that spectrum makes sense.
• A long track record. Erbium resurfacing has been a mainstay of aesthetic dermatology for years, with predictable healing patterns your provider can walk you through in detail before you commit.
“Amazing! I'm very happy with my results. Tummy Tuck - Mastopexy - Liposuction. I feel like a new woman. Thank you Dr. James Romanelli. 5 stars.”A.O.
What to Expect at a Resurfacing Consultation and Treatment
Every resurfacing treatment at our Melville office starts with a conversation. Your provider will look at your skin, ask what's bothering you and what your schedule allows, and recommend a specific depth from this family — not just 'resurfacing' in the abstract.
On treatment day, the process is similar across all four options: cleansing, protective eyewear, a topical numbing cream (and sometimes a local anesthetic for deeper Contour TRL settings), then careful, even application of the laser across the treatment area. Session length runs from about 15 minutes, excluding numbing, for the lightest NanoLaserPeel® settings up to 60 minutes for the deepest Contour TRL™ sessions.
For specific timing, sensation and downtime for each option, see the individual treatment pages linked below.
What Does Recovery Look Like Across These Treatments?
Every depth in this family follows the same basic biology, just at different scales. Immediately after treatment, skin feels warm and looks flushed, similar to a sunburn. Over the following days, the treated layer darkens or takes on a rougher texture, and it eventually flakes or peels away, revealing smoother skin underneath. Sun protection during healing is non-negotiable at every depth — it's what protects the result you're paying for.
Where the depths differ is in scale. A NanoLaserPeel® resolves in two to four days. A MicroLaserPeel® typically takes 5 to 10 days depending on how deep your provider sets it. ProFractional® patients are typically comfortable in public within 7 to 10 days. Contour TRL™, our deepest option, asks for two weeks and often longer before you're comfortable without makeup, and how much longer depends heavily on depth — full collagen remodeling continues for months after the visible healing is done.
Your provider will walk through the specific timeline for your chosen treatment before you book.
Hear From Our Patients
The Four Depths of Laser Resurfacing
Explore your options with confidence and discover what’s right for you. Your surgeon is here to guide you every step of the way, so you can make a fully informed decision.
NanoLaserPeel®
NanoLaserPeel® is the lightest option in the family — a shallow, 'lunchtime peel' that brightens dull skin and softens fine lines with about 2-4 days of downtime. It's often called the weekend peel because many patients treat on a Friday and are back to normal by Monday.
MicroLaserPeel®
MicroLaserPeel® goes a step deeper, targeting real texture, pore size and tone unevenness. Downtime scales with the depth chosen, typically 5-10 days, and it's a popular middle ground between a quick polish and a more committed recovery.
ProFractional®
ProFractional® takes a different approach mechanically: it treats the skin in a fractional pattern rather than as one full surface, which is what allows it to reach a meaningful depth for acne scars, surgical scars and deeper wrinkles while keeping recovery to about 7-10 days.
Contour TRL™
Contour TRL™ is our deepest full-field setting, reserved for significant sun damage, deep acne scarring and stubborn lines like vertical lip lines that lighter treatments and injectables can't fully address. It delivers the most dramatic single-session change in this family, and it asks for the longest recovery in return.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Most adults with textural or pigment concerns — dullness, enlarged pores, acne scarring, surgical scars, sun damage, or deep static wrinkles — are candidates for something in this family. The question is rarely whether to do laser resurfacing; it's which depth fits your concern and your schedule.
A few things matter regardless of which depth you choose: active acne breakouts, cold sores, or infection in the treatment area should be resolved first, and recent isotretinoin use should be discussed with your provider. Because these are ablative erbium treatments, deeper settings carry a higher risk of post-treatment pigment changes in darker skin tones than our non-ablative options like MOXI® — this doesn't rule anyone out, but it does mean deeper skin tones considering ProFractional® or Contour TRL™ should have an in-depth conversation about settings and aftercare at their consultation.
If your main concern is pigment or redness rather than texture, BBL® HEROic™ may be a better starting point. If you want a gentler, non-ablative option for melasma or early aging, MOXI® is often a better fit. Your provider can help you compare all of these at your consultation.
What to Expect
Your consultation
We begin by listening to your goals and the story behind them. Together with your plastic surgeon, you’ll explore options and define an approach aligned with your proportions, lifestyle, and vision.
Your personalized plan
Your surgical plan is thoughtfully designed around your anatomy, desired outcome, and our philosophy of natural, balanced refinement. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is one-size-fits-all.
Your procedure day
From arrival to recovery, every detail is intentional. Our team creates a calm, reassuring environment so you feel informed, supported, and fully cared for.
Your recovery
Healing is guided by close communication, attentive follow-ups, and steady support. We’re with you at every step, ensuring your recovery feels smooth and predictable.
Your results
As healing progresses, balance and confidence come into focus. Our goal is for your results to feel unmistakably yours — refreshed, aligned, and effortlessly natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which depth is right for me?
It comes down to what you're treating and how much downtime you can accept. Dullness and fine lines point toward NanoLaserPeel®. Texture, pores and tone point toward MicroLaserPeel®. Acne scars, surgical scars and deeper wrinkles point toward ProFractional®. Significant sun damage, deep scarring or stubborn lip lines point toward Contour TRL™. Your provider will make a specific recommendation at your consultation.
Is laser resurfacing the same as a chemical peel?
They solve similar problems but work differently. A chemical peel's depth depends partly on how your skin reacts to the acid used, which introduces some unpredictability. Laser resurfacing lets your provider dial in the exact depth in microns, which tends to produce a more predictable, even result.
Can I combine treatments from this family?
Yes. A common approach is treating with NanoLaserPeel® or MicroLaserPeel® for general maintenance while addressing specific scars or deeper lines with ProFractional® or Contour TRL™ during a separate, more intensive session. Your provider can also combine resurfacing with BBL® HEROic™ or HALO® TRIBRID™ for a broader result.
How many treatments will I need overall?
This depends entirely on which depth you choose. Lighter treatments are often repeated quarterly as ongoing maintenance. Deeper treatments are usually planned as a shorter series with longer gaps between sessions. Your provider will lay out a specific plan once your goals are clear.
Is laser resurfacing safe for darker skin tones?
It depends on the depth. Lighter treatments are generally well tolerated across skin tones. Deeper, more ablative settings carry a higher risk of post-treatment pigment changes in darker skin, so we take extra care with settings and aftercare for those patients. This is exactly the kind of thing to discuss candidly at your consultation.
Results That Bring You Back Home Within Your Body
This is not cosmetic surgery for a different you.
This is clarity — revealed through balance, intention, and deeply human listening.
“Amazing! I'm very happy with my results. Tummy Tuck - Mastopexy - Liposuction I feel like a new woman. Thank you Dr. James Romanelli 5 stars”Facebook Reviewer
“I cannot rate Dr. Romanelli or his staff highly enough. Surgery of any kind is terrifying, but they really put you at ease without minimizing your concerns. Everything from my consultation to insurance authorization to surgery and post-op has gone incredibly smoothly. I'm 8 weeks post-op and feeling great. Dr. Romanelli's skill, and the fact that he views each patient as unique, made all the difference. My migraines and neck pain have improved so much. If you're considering surgery, I'd recommend Dr. Romanelli without reservation.”C.F.
This is about feeling aligned. Not becoming someone else.
Whether you’re exploring treatment options or simply gathering information, your journey should feel informed, intentional, and fully supported. At North Shore, our focus is on results that feel natural, balanced, and true to you — guided by experience, artistry, and an unwavering commitment to patient care.
A consultation is a conversation, not a commitment. Let’s talk through your goals and determine the path that makes the most sense for you.
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