Non-Ablative Skin Treatments at Naya in Chatsworth

Clear+Brilliant For

At Naya in Chatsworth, CA, we offer non-ablative fractional laser treatments, including Clear + Brilliant®, to help improve early signs of photoaging—such as uneven tone, fine lines, and texture—using technologies supported by dermatologic research and FDA clearance.

What Is a Non-Ablative Fractional Laser (Like Clear + Brilliant®)?

Non-ablative fractional lasers deliver controlled microcolumns of energy into the skin while leaving the surface largely intact. This creates microscopic zones of controlled injury that stimulate the skin’s natural repair processes and collagen production, with shorter recovery times than traditional ablative lasers.

Clear + Brilliant® is an FDA-cleared, non-ablative fractional diode laser system (1440 nm and 1927 nm) indicated for general skin resurfacing and soft tissue coagulation in dermatologic procedures.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Clinical studies and reviews of non-ablative fractional lasers have shown that, when used appropriately, they can:

  • Improve pigmentation and photodamage (sun spots, mottled discoloration).
  • Refine skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and mild wrinkles.
  • Enhance overall skin tone and radiance in photoaged skin.
  • Offer gradual improvement over several months with minimal downtime compared to traditional ablative resurfacing.
 
Results vary from person to person; non-ablative lasers typically produce mild to moderate improvement rather than dramatic lifting or tightening.

Who Is a Candidate?

Non-ablative fractional lasers are widely used for female and male patients with:

  • Early photoaging (fine lines, rough texture, dullness)
  • Sun damage, age spots, or uneven tone
  • Mild acne scarring or textural irregularities
  • Patients seeking preventive “prejuvenation” in their 20s–30s
  • Patients wanting visible improvement with minimal social downtime

Skin Types, Including Skin of Color

Evidence-based reviews show that, with appropriate settings and experienced providers, non-ablative fractional lasers can be used safely in darker skin phototypes, with a favorable safety profile and low rates of long-term pigment changes.

At Naya, parameters and pre/post-care are adjusted for:

  • Fitzpatrick I–III (lighter skin tones)
  • Fitzpatrick IV–VI (medium to deeper skin tones), where we take extra care to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

What Can Non-Ablative Lasers Help Improve?

While no laser can stop aging or guarantee specific outcomes, non-ablative fractional treatments like Clear + Brilliant® can help reduce the appearance of:

  • Uneven tone & sun spots from chronic UV exposure
  • Early fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and forehead
  • Rough, dull skin texture and enlarged-appearing pores
  • Mild acne scars and textural irregularities (in suitable candidates)

How Treatment Works at Naya

1. Medical Consultation

Every patient—female or male—starts with a consultation with a licensed medical provider trained in laser safety and non-ablative technologies. We will:

  • Review your skin concerns, medical history, and medications
  • Assess skin type (Fitzpatrick scale) and risk factors
  • Determine if non-ablative laser, another modality, or combination therapy is most appropriate (e.g., skincare, RF, IPL, or injectables where indicated)

2. Pre-Treatment Prep

Common evidence-based pre-care recommendations include:

  • Avoiding tanning and self-tanners for several weeks
  • Stopping photosensitizing topicals (as directed by your provider)
  • Using broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily
  • For some patients, pretreatment with pigment-stabilizing topicals may be suggested.

3. During Your Treatment

  • A topical anesthetic cream may be applied to improve comfort.
    Asds
  • The laser handpiece is passed over the skin, creating a pattern of microscopic treatment zones.
  • Sessions commonly take 15–30 minutes of laser time, depending on the area treated.

Most patients describe the procedure as warm or prickling, generally well tolerated.

4. Aftercare & Downtime

Evidence and professional guidelines describe typical post-treatment responses as:

  • Redness and mild swelling for 1–3 days
  • A “sandpapery” texture or bronzing as micro-treated areas exfoliate over several days
  • Minimal downtime – many patients return to normal activities within 24–48 hours, avoiding intense heat and heavy exercise for the first day or two
  • Strict sun protection and a gentle skincare routine are essential to support results and reduce complications.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Studies and expert reviews suggest that a series of treatments provides more noticeable improvement than a single session.

Typical treatment plans at Naya:

  • 3–6 sessions, spaced about 4–6 weeks apart, for initial correction
  • Periodic maintenance sessions (e.g., 1–3 times per year) depending on ongoing sun exposure, skin type, and aging.

Safety, Risks & Contraindications

Non-ablative fractional lasers have a lower risk of scarring and pigmentary complications than ablative lasers when used correctly.

However, potential risks include:

  • Prolonged redness or swelling
  • Temporary hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, especially in darker skin types or with sun exposure
  • Infection or scarring (rare)
  • Flare of certain skin conditions (e.g., herpes simplex)

You should not undergo treatment if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding (precautionary, due to limited safety data)
  • Have active infection, open wounds, or severe dermatitis in the area
  • Are on certain medications or have medical conditions that impair healing (your provider will review this with you)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clear + Brilliant® a non-ablative laser?

Yes. Clear + Brilliant® is an FDA-cleared non-ablative fractional diode laser system indicated for general skin resurfacing and soft tissue coagulation.

  • Non-ablative: Heats columns of tissue in the dermis while preserving most of the epidermis; shorter recovery, milder but meaningful improvement in photoaging.

  • Ablative: Removes the surface layer of skin (e.g., CO₂ or Er:YAG), often yields more dramatic results but with longer downtime and higher risk of complications.

Most people notice smoother texture and a brighter complexion within a few weeks, with continued improvement over several months as collagen remodels—especially after a series of sessions.

Clinical reviews in skin of color indicate that fractional non-ablative lasers can be used safely in darker phototypes when conservative parameters and proper aftercare are used, with low rates of permanent pigment changes.

Ready For Better Skin?

Schedule a Medical Consultation to see if you are a good candidate for a Non-Ablative Fractional Laser Procedure at Naya.

Medically reviewed by Carolyn Pampalone, MSN, FNP-BC · Last reviewed October 2026