Worth the Downtime

Treatments

Filter by what you want to fix.

ClinicWorth it · 4/5

Fractional non-ablative laser (Fraxel-type)

Microscopic heat columns that rebuild collagen without removing the skin surface.

PainMedium
DowntimeMedium
CostHigh
ClinicWorth it · 4/5

CO2 laser resurfacing

The strongest resurfacing laser: removes damaged layers for dramatic, long-lasting results.

PainHigh
DowntimeHigh
CostHigh
ClinicWorth it · 4/5

IPL photofacial

Broad-spectrum light that fades redness, broken veins and sun spots.

PainLow
DowntimeLow
CostMedium
ClinicWorth it · 5/5

Laser hair removal

Heats hair follicles to dramatically reduce unwanted hair growth.

PainMedium
DowntimeLow
CostMedium
ClinicDepends · 3/5

Clear + Brilliant (gentle fractional)

A "baby Fraxel" for glow, early pigment and prevention.

PainLow
DowntimeLow
CostMedium
ClinicWorth it · 4/5

Picosecond laser

Ultra-short pulses that shatter pigment — for spots, tattoos and texture.

PainMedium
DowntimeLow
CostHigh
At homeWorth it · 4/5

At-home IPL hair removal device

A lower-powered light device for reducing hair yourself.

PainLow
DowntimeLow
CostLow
At homeRarely worth it · 2/5

LED light therapy mask

Red and blue light masks for gentle anti-ageing and acne support.

PainLow
DowntimeLow
CostLow
Clinic · US deviceDepends · 3/5

HIFU — Ultherapy

Focused ultrasound heats the deep lifting layer of the face to gently tighten and lift over months.

PainHigh
DowntimeLow
CostHigh
Clinic · K-beauty deviceDepends · 3/5

Korean HIFU (Shurink, Ultraformer, Doublo)

South Korean focused-ultrasound devices: the same idea as Ultherapy, usually cheaper and less painful.

PainMedium
DowntimeLow
CostMedium
Clinic · US deviceDepends · 3/5

Monopolar radiofrequency — Thermage

Radiofrequency heats the deeper skin to tighten it and build collagen, in one session.

PainHigh
DowntimeLow
CostHigh
Clinic · K-beauty deviceDepends · 3/5

XERF dual-frequency radiofrequency

The much-hyped Korean radiofrequency tightening treatment: no numbing, no needles, no downtime — but very new.

PainMedium
DowntimeLow
CostHigh
Clinic · K-beauty deviceDepends · 3/5

Korean radiofrequency (Oligio, Volnewmer, Density)

South Korean radiofrequency tightening devices, popular as cheaper, gentler alternatives to Thermage.

PainMedium
DowntimeLow
CostMedium
ClinicWorth it · 4/5

Radiofrequency microneedling (Morpheus8, Potenza, Sylfirm X)

Fine needles deliver radiofrequency heat inside the skin to treat scars, pores and laxity.

PainHigh
DowntimeMedium
CostHigh
ClinicWorth it · 4/5

Microneedling (collagen induction)

Tiny needles make controlled micro-injuries that prompt your skin to rebuild collagen.

PainMedium
DowntimeLow
CostLow
Clinic · US deviceDepends · 3/5

Sofwave (synchronous ultrasound)

A newer US ultrasound device that heats the mid-dermis to lift brows and smooth lines, with little downtime.

PainMedium
DowntimeLow
CostHigh
ClinicWorth it · 4/5

Fully ablative laser eyelid tightening

CO2 or Erbium laser resurfacing of the eyelid skin: the strongest non-surgical way to tighten crepey, wrinkled eyelids.

PainHigh
DowntimeHigh
CostHigh
ClinicWorth it · 4/5

Subcision for acne scars

A needle or blunt cannula cuts the scar bands under the skin, so tethered, dented scars lift back up.

PainMedium
DowntimeMedium
CostMedium
ClinicWorth it · 4/5

Punch excision for acne scars

Deep ice-pick and narrow boxcar scars are cut out with a tiny round tool and stitched, leaving a flat line that lasers can smooth.

PainLow
DowntimeLow
CostMedium