IPLLAB • Fractional Laser Rejuvenation • Montreal & Laval
CO2 Laser vs Non-Ablative Fractional Laser — Montreal & Laval
Fractional laser rejuvenation without the open-wound recovery. 1 to 3 days of redness, not two weeks.
IPLLAB • Fractional Laser Rejuvenation • Montreal & Laval
Fractional laser rejuvenation without the open-wound recovery. 1 to 3 days of redness, not two weeks.
Searching for a CO2 laser in Montreal or Laval? Read this first. Fractional CO2 is an ablative laser: it vaporises the skin surface and needs 7 to 14 days of wound care. At IPLLAB we perform non-ablative fractional laser rejuvenation (1550 nm / Er:YAG in non-ablative mode) — the same fractional principle, delivered as heat columns under an intact surface. It treats fine lines, acne scars, pores, sun damage and stretch marks over a short series, on all skin tones, with no open wound. Explore our full range of services or book your free consultation today.
On this page
In short
CO2 laser is the most aggressive resurfacing laser: it removes the skin surface in microscopic columns and delivers a big result per session at the cost of 7 to 14 days of open-wound recovery, a real risk of pigmentation on olive and darker skin, and a physician-level procedure. Non-ablative fractional laser — what we perform at IPLLAB — heats the same microscopic columns in the dermis but leaves the surface intact. You get collagen remodelling, smoother texture and softer scars over 3 to 5 sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, with 1 to 3 days of redness and no wound. It works on all skin tones and can be booked on a workday. Available for face, neck and body at our Montréal (Plateau) and Laval locations. Every plan starts with a free consultation; our AI Skin Analysis is free with 6- and 10-session packages.
Know The Difference
Why we chose non-ablative. Ablative CO2 gives the biggest single-session result, but for most of the concerns clients bring us — texture, pores, early lines, post-acne marks, stretch marks — a series of non-ablative fractional sessions reaches a similar place without the open wound, the two-week recovery or the pigmentation risk on the skin tones we see every day in Montréal. If your concern needs ablative resurfacing, we will tell you at the consultation and point you to the right place rather than treat it here.
Fractional Laser Rejuvenation
Non-ablative fractional laser at our Montreal and Laval medispa delivers energy in thousands of microscopic columns beneath an intact skin surface. Each column triggers a healing response that rebuilds collagen and elastin from the inside; the skin between columns is untouched, so recovery is measured in days, not weeks. Most people describe a warm prickling sensation and leave with a pink, slightly puffy glow that settles within one to three days. Browse our treatments for imperfections to see what fractional laser can address.

Non-ablative fractional laser for the face targets fine lines, enlarged pores, acne scars, post-inflammatory marks and uneven texture. Because the surface stays intact, it can be repeated every three to four weeks and combined with peels or RF microneedling in the same program. The result builds gradually: smoother, firmer, more even skin with no crusting and no visible recovery beyond a day or two of pinkness.

The neck and décolleté are thin-skinned areas where ablative lasers carry real scarring risk. Non-ablative fractional laser is the safer route: it stimulates collagen to soften crepey texture, horizontal neck lines and sun-damaged tone, with mild redness that fades in one to three days. Results accumulate over a series and are best judged at three months.

For stretch marks and scars on the abdomen, thighs, arms and hips, non-ablative fractional laser remodels the collagen inside the mark so it reads flatter and closer to the surrounding skin. Newer red marks respond faster than older white ones. A series of sessions is needed, but each one is a same-day return to normal activity — no dressings, no wound care.
What It Treats
✨
Rolling and shallow boxcar scars respond well over a series, as new collagen fills in beneath them. Deep ice-pick scars improve less and may need another approach. Breakouts must be under control first — see our acne treatment page.
〰
Crow’s feet, perioral lines and crepey texture around the eyes and mouth soften as the dermis thickens. Deeper folds that come from volume loss or muscle movement are a different problem and will not be solved by any resurfacing laser.
☀
Mottled tone and roughness from years of sun improve as the surface renews from below. For flat brown spots without texture change, a pigment-specific protocol usually makes more sense — see hyperpigmentation & melasma.
🩹
On the abdomen, thighs and arms, the laser remodels collagen inside the mark across a series. Older white stretch marks improve more slowly than newer red ones, and neither disappears completely — the goal is a visible reduction in contrast and depth.
🔎
Pores do not close, but thickening the collagen around them makes them read as smaller and the surface as finer. This is one of the strongest indications for non-ablative fractional laser. Best judged at three months.
🌿
Ablative CO2 is a hard sell on richer skin tones because of pigmentation risk. Non-ablative fractional laser, with conservative settings and sun discipline, is the resurfacing route we can offer safely across the full range of skin tones.
Step By Step
From consultation through a couple of pink days to final result
We establish what you are actually treating — scars, lines, pores, pigment or stretch marks — and whether non-ablative fractional laser is the right tool or whether another protocol suits you better. Skin tone, medical history, isotretinoin use and keloid tendency are reviewed here, and the plan is confirmed.
Makeup comes off, the area is cleansed, and numbing cream is applied if you want it — many clients skip it. A test pass on a small area calibrates the settings to your skin before the full treatment.
The handpiece moves across the area in a grid, heating microscopic columns in the dermis while the surface stays intact. Most people report warmth and a prickling sensation. Twenty to forty minutes depending on the zone, then a cooling gel.
Expect redness and mild swelling like a sunburn, sometimes a fine sandpaper texture as the treated columns shed microscopically. No crusting, no dressings. Mineral makeup the next day is fine. Keep it moisturised and out of the sun.
The pinkness ends long before the work does. Collagen keeps rebuilding for months, so texture, pores and scar depth continue improving well after each session. Daily sunscreen is not optional in this window.
Most concerns need 3 to 5 sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, each building on the last. Once the series is done, results are long-lasting and maintenance is one or two sessions a year — sun protection does most of the preserving.
Non-ablative fractional laser trades a little intensity per session for a recovery you can hide under makeup. For most texture and scar concerns, that is the better deal. IPLLAB clinical team · Montréal & Laval
Client Voices
What To Expect
A good candidate for non-ablative fractional laser is anyone — across the full range of skin tones — who wants to improve fine lines, acne scars, pores, sun damage, stretch marks or uneven texture and cannot or does not want to take a week or two off for ablative resurfacing. Candidates should be in good health, have realistic expectations, and not have active infections, recent isotretinoin use, or a history of keloid scarring.
Numbing cream is offered for comfort. The handpiece is passed over the skin in a grid pattern, heating microscopic columns beneath the surface. Most people feel warmth and prickling rather than pain. A session takes twenty to forty minutes depending on the area, and a cooling gel is applied afterwards.
The skin is pink and slightly swollen, like a mild sunburn, for one to three days. There is no crusting or open wound; some people notice a fine sandpaper texture for a few days as the treated columns shed. Moisturise, use sunscreen daily, and skip actives (retinol, acids) for a week. Collagen remodelling continues for months, so the result keeps improving between sessions.
Before & after
Individual results vary from person to person and depend on the concern treated, the skin type and the number of sessions completed. These images are illustrative and are not a guarantee of outcome.


Free consultation · AI Skin Analysis
Not sure whether you need CO2 or non-ablative fractional laser?
Or message us on WhatsApp 👋
Common Questions
No. IPLLAB performs non-ablative fractional laser rejuvenation (1550 nm / Er:YAG in non-ablative mode), not ablative CO2. We made that choice deliberately: for most texture, pore, scar and stretch-mark concerns a short non-ablative series reaches a comparable result without the open wound, the one-to-two-week recovery and the pigmentation risk that come with CO2. If your concern genuinely needs ablative resurfacing, we will say so at your free consultation.
Both are “fractional” — they treat the skin in thousands of microscopic columns and leave the tissue between them untouched. The difference is what happens in each column. A CO2 laser (10 600 nm) vaporises the column, removing skin and creating an open wound that heals over 7 to 14 days. A non-ablative fractional laser heats the column without breaking the surface, so healing happens under intact skin over 1 to 3 days. CO2 is stronger per session; non-ablative is repeated over a series and is safe across all skin tones. See the comparison table on this page. For independent background, see the Cleveland Clinic guide to carbon dioxide laser resurfacing.
Fine lines and early wrinkles, acne scars and post-acne marks, enlarged pores and rough texture, sun damage and uneven tone, stretch marks and surgical scars on the body. It can be used on the whole face, the neck and décolleté, or targeted areas. Explore our full list of services or browse treatments for imperfections.
Numbing cream is available but many clients go without it. During the treatment most people feel warmth and prickling as the handpiece passes over the skin in a grid. A session lasts twenty to forty minutes depending on the area. You can also explore our RF microneedling treatment as a complementary option for deeper scars and laxity.
One to three days of pinkness and mild swelling, similar to a sunburn. There is no crusting, oozing or open wound, and mineral makeup can be worn the next day. Some people notice a fine sandpaper texture for a few days as the treated columns shed. Avoid sun, saunas and active skincare (retinol, acids) for about a week.
Yes, with appropriate settings. Because the surface is not removed, the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation is far lower than with CO2 or Er:YAG ablative lasers. We use conservative energy and density on olive, brown and deeper skin tones and insist on strict sun protection between sessions. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery laser resurfacing overview explains ablative and non-ablative options in more detail.
Fractional laser is priced by zone and sold in packages — per-session rates by area are listed in the Prices section, and the Imperfections Deluxe packages below reach $150 per session on the 10-session plan, the best value, with mix & match sessions across all the treatments in this category. All prices are shown before taxes. The exact cost depends on the area treated and how many sessions your skin needs, which is why it is confirmed at your free consultation rather than quoted blind. Our AI Skin Analysis is free with the 6- and 10-session packages; on its own it is $150 + tax, with a full report printed or sent by email.
Yes — the AI Skin Analysis is free with the 6- and 10-session packages, our full treatment courses. On its own it is $150 + tax and includes a full report, printed or sent by email. The scan maps what is hard to judge in a mirror — texture and scar depth, pores, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage and pigmentation, redness — and we repeat it during your course to track your progress against your first images. It is an imaging tool that guides your plan, not a medical diagnosis.
Most concerns need 3 to 5 sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Stretch marks and deeper scars sit at the higher end; fine lines and pores often respond sooner. Because collagen keeps rebuilding for months afterwards, the final result is judged about three months after the last session, not immediately.
Non-ablative fractional laser is available at both our Montreal and Laval locations. You can book a free consultation online or review our membership options for the best long-term value.
For independent, professional information, read the Cleveland Clinic overview of carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, the ASDS laser resurfacing guide, and this peer-reviewed Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology review on the spectrum of laser skin resurfacing.
Investment & Plans
Before you book
Fractional laser is not suitable in every case. Pregnancy, an active skin infection or cold sore in the area, recent isotretinoin, a history of keloid scarring, recent sun exposure or self-tanner, active breakouts in the treatment zone, and certain photosensitising medications are among the situations reviewed with you before any session. These treatments work alongside medical care, they do not replace it; if you are unsure, speak with your physician first. A consent form is signed before your first session.
Regular price: $350 + tax per session at our partner clinic. A single session with no commitment — ideal if you are visiting Montréal or want to try us first. If you move to a package afterwards, we recalculate: your session is credited at the package rate, just ask us to note it in your client profile. Fractional sessions are booked through the Imperfections Deluxe packages below, where sessions are mix & match across all the treatments in that category.
Most Popular
Our resurfacing packages — the lowest per-session cost on the page
Each price below is the total for the package, over the number of sessions shown on the card. Prices shown before taxes. Your contract is emailed to you after purchase and you may cancel at any time. Terms →
Best for testing the protocol on one concern
The usual starting point for scars and texture
Mix & match — try all the treatments in this category
Other resurfacing routes
Fractional laser combines well with these, and the 10-session package lets you mix and match between them.
💠
10 sessions · face
Tone, dullness and pigment with no visible recovery — the option most clients choose before an event.
🪡
6 sessions · face
Collagen remodelling for indented scars and laxity, with radiofrequency added at depth. Minimal downtime.
🌙
6 sessions · face
A gentle carbon-assisted peel for congestion, oiliness and surface dullness. The lightest option here.
Shop all skin renewal care

$330
The IPL photofacial 3 sessions at IPL Lab Medispa in Montreal and Laval is a focused start — a short photorejuvenation course that fades sun spots, age spots and freckles, calms facial redness and broken capillaries, and leaves the complexion brighter and more even.
Ideal for trying the treatment, targeting a few stubborn spots, or a pre-event glow. Little to no downtime, and daily sun protection is essential to hold results.
Cleansing > cooling IPL gel > broad-spectrum light pulses across the treatment area > soothing mask or serum and SPF.
This package includes three sessions, a focused start or pre-event glow. Treatments are typically spaced every 2–3 weeks; many clients then continue to the six- or ten-session course for clearer, more even tone.

$450
Microneedling with polypeptides is an advanced facial rejuvenation treatment at IPL Lab in Montreal and Laval that combines collagen induction therapy with the latest in peptide science. This three-session course is an ideal starter or maintenance series, using the latest Derma Pen with HQ-precision needles and a customized polypeptide blend selected for your skin’s specific needs — whether to smooth fine lines, refine texture, brighten tone, or restore hydration.
As the microneedling device creates controlled micro-channels in the skin, it stimulates natural collagen production while allowing the peptides to penetrate deeply for more visible, longer-lasting results.
Not sure which microneedling booster is right for you? Compare every option, price and protocol on our guide to microneedling in Montreal & Laval.
Each session begins with a gentle cleanse and a professional numbing cream for comfort. Our specialist then performs precision microneedling with the latest Derma Pen, followed by a targeted application of a customized polypeptide blend to nourish and support skin renewal. We finish with a soothing PDRN or stem-cell mask to calm and comfort the treated skin.
This package includes three sessions, an ideal starter or maintenance series. Treatments are typically recommended every 2–3 weeks, depending on your skin condition and your provider’s recommendations.

$450
The Hollywood laser peel 3 sessions at IPL Lab Medispa in Montreal and Laval — a carbon laser peel or “red carpet” facial — refines pores, reduces excess oil and congestion, brightens and evens out tone, and leaves the skin smoother and visibly radiant, with little to no downtime.
A focused start, ideal for trying the treatment or a pre-event glow. Every session is tailored to your skin.
Cleansing > activated carbon application > laser passes that vaporize the carbon to exfoliate and refine > soothing mask or serum and SPF.
This package includes three sessions, a focused start or pre-event glow. Treatments are typically spaced every 2–3 weeks; many clients then continue to the six- or ten-session course for lasting refinement.

$800
The IPL photofacial at IPL Lab Medispa in Montreal and Laval is a light-based photorejuvenation treatment that fades sun spots, age spots and freckles, calms facial redness and broken capillaries, and leaves the complexion brighter and more even — targeting both pigment and redness in one treatment.
This complete ten-session package is our most thorough option for comprehensive rejuvenation with maintenance built in. Little to no downtime, and daily sun protection is essential to hold results.
✅ FREE AI Skin Analysis is included with this package.
Pay in installments or finance with Klarna/Affirm. The service agreement is emailed after the purchase; cancel at any time. Terms
Cleansing > cooling IPL gel > broad-spectrum light pulses across the treatment area > soothing mask or serum and SPF.
This package includes ten sessions, our most complete option with maintenance built in. Treatments are typically spaced every 2–3 weeks; your specialist adjusts the plan to your skin and response.

$900
Microneedling with polypeptides is an advanced facial rejuvenation treatment at IPL Lab in Montreal and Laval that combines collagen induction therapy with the latest in peptide science. This ten-session course is our most complete option, using the latest Derma Pen with HQ-precision needles and a customized polypeptide blend selected for your skin’s specific needs — whether to smooth fine lines, refine texture, brighten tone, or restore hydration.
As the microneedling device creates controlled micro-channels in the skin, it stimulates natural collagen production while allowing the peptides to penetrate deeply for more visible, longer-lasting results.
Not sure which microneedling booster is right for you? Compare every option, price and protocol on our guide to microneedling in Montreal & Laval.
✅ FREE AI Skin Analysis is included with this package.
Pay in installments or finance with Klarna/Affirm. The service agreement is emailed after the purchase; cancel at any time. Terms
Each session begins with a gentle cleanse and a professional numbing cream for comfort. Our specialist then performs precision microneedling with the latest Derma Pen, followed by a targeted application of a customized polypeptide blend to nourish and support skin renewal. We finish with a soothing PDRN or stem-cell mask to calm and comfort the treated skin.
This package includes ten sessions for the most cumulative, longer-lasting results. Treatments are typically recommended every 2–3 weeks, depending on your skin condition and your provider’s recommendations.

$900
The Hollywood laser peel at IPL Lab Medispa in Montreal and Laval — also known as a carbon laser peel or “red carpet” facial — refines pores, reduces excess oil and congestion, brightens and evens out tone, and leaves the skin smoother and visibly radiant, with little to no downtime.
This complete ten-session package is our most thorough option, ideal for keeping skin clear and glowing with maintenance built in. Every session is tailored to your skin.
✅ FREE AI Skin Analysis is included with this package.
Pay in installments or finance with Klarna/Affirm. The service agreement is emailed after the purchase; cancel at any time. Terms
Cleansing > activated carbon application > laser passes that vaporize the carbon to exfoliate and refine > soothing mask or serum and SPF.
This package includes ten sessions, our most complete option with maintenance built in. Treatments are typically spaced every 2–3 weeks; your specialist adjusts the plan to your skin and response.

$750
The Imperfections Deluxe glass-skin 3 sessions package at IPL Lab Medispa in Montreal and Laval is a premium, mix-and-match introduction built around the most advanced treatments we offer — your first step toward clear, luminous, glass-skin radiance. You choose and switch across high-end options each visit to target texture, tone, firmness, dark circles and dullness.
Ideal for trying our premium treatments or a high-impact pre-event refresh. Every session is fully personalized.
Mix & match — switch treatments across your sessions from our premium menu:
Cleansing > chosen multi-step treatment (tailored to your skin that day) > soothing mask or serum.
This package includes three sessions, a premium introduction or pre-event refresh. Intervals depend on the treatments chosen (typically every 2–4 weeks); many clients then continue to the six- or ten-session protocol.

$1,200
Microneedling with exosomes for face 10 sessions is our most intensive rejuvenation course, pairing the latest Derma Pen with HQ-precision needles and premium Korean and Italian exosomes at IPL Lab in Montreal and Laval. This ten-session plan is built for the deepest correction and long-term maintenance – progressively softening deeper lines, refining texture and rebuilding firmness.
By repeatedly creating controlled micro-channels and delivering nutrient-rich exosomes (with optional PDRN or NAD+ boosters) over an extended course, the treatment gives collagen the most sustained opportunity to remodel for smoother, firmer, more radiant skin that lasts.
Not sure which microneedling booster is right for you? Compare every option, price and protocol on our guide to microneedling in Montreal & Laval.
✅ FREE AI Skin Analysis is included with this package.
Pay in installments or finance with Klarna/Affirm. The service agreement is emailed after the purchase; cancel at any time. Terms
Each session begins with a gentle cleanse, careful preparation of the skin and a pro numbing cream for comfort. Our specialist then performs precision microneedling across the face with the latest Derma Pen, followed by a targeted application of Korean or Italian exosomes (with optional PDRN or NAD+) to nourish and support skin renewal. We finish with a soothing PDRN or stem-cell mask to calm and comfort the treated skin.
This intensive package includes ten sessions for the deepest, longest-lasting results and ongoing maintenance. Treatments are typically recommended every 2-4 weeks, so the full course usually unfolds over several months, depending on skin condition and provider recommendations.
Scars & Stretch Marks
Smoother. Firmer. Renewed. The non-ablative approach to fractional laser skin renewal.
Non-ablative fractional laser is an efficient treatment for scars and stretch marks in Montreal and Laval. It creates tiny controlled heat columns under an intact surface, which boost collagen and elastin production. This leads to smoother, firmer skin and visibly reduces scars and stretch marks over a series of sessions. Temporary pinkness and mild swelling are common and fade within a few days. See all services or book online.
Two Locations
Searching for a CO2 laser near you and wondering whether you actually need one? We welcome you at our two locations: 3889 St-Denis Street, Plateau Mont-Royal, Montréal and 4220 St-Martin Boulevard West, Laval. Whether you are looking for fractional laser for acne scars, stretch mark treatment on the body, non-ablative rejuvenation for pores and fine lines, or simply a straight answer on CO2 versus non-ablative for your skin tone, our team helps you choose the plan that fits. Parking is available nearby. View our full service list or book online today.
Long-lasting improvement
Long-lasting improvement in scars and stretch marks with non-ablative fractional laser usually takes 3 to 5 sessions, 3 to 4 weeks apart. Each one stimulates collagen and elastin, and results keep building for months after the final session. Book a free consultation, explore our services, review membership options, or message us on WhatsApp 👋.