Mosaic® 3D Fractional Laser Resurfacing

Mosaic is a non-ablative fractional laser, which means it heats the deeper layers of the skin to trigger repair and collagen production without fully removing the top layer.

• The 1550 nm wavelength targets water in the dermis to create controlled micro-columns of coagulated tissue.
• Your body responds by remodeling collagen and elastin over time.
• Integrated air cooling and cold sapphire tips help keep the skin comfortable and reduce redness and swelling after treatment.

The result: smoother, firmer, more even skin with a healthier, more refined surface.

Mosaic 3D is ideal for improving:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Acne scars and textural scarring
• Rough or uneven texture
• Enlarged pores
• Sun damage and early photoaging
• Crepey skin around the eyes or mouth

It can be used on the face, neck, chest, and select body areas, depending on your goals.

You may be a great candidate for Mosaic if you:

• Want to improve texture, scarring, or tone
• Don’t want the downtime of fully ablative lasers
• Are okay with a few days of redness and dryness
• Are comfortable doing a series of 2–4 treatments for best results

We’ll evaluate your skin type, concern (acne scars, lines, discoloration, etc.), and lifestyle to decide if Mosaic, CoolPeel, Aerolase, or a combination is the best fit.

Learn more about Mosaic, CoolPeel, and Aerolase treatments to repair summer skin damage in the fall.

A typical full-face Mosaic treatment takes about 20–30 minutes, not including numbing time.

• Face: ~20–35 minutes
• Face + neck or chest: add ~15–20 minutes per area

Because Mosaic is non-ablative and fractional, you can usually return to most daily activities quickly, with some visible redness, swelling and dryness.

Most patients describe Mosaic downtime as mild to moderate:

• Redness and warmth similar to a sunburn for 24–48 hours
• Mild-Moderate swelling in some areas, especially around the eyes
• Skin feeling dry or “sandpapery” for 2–5 days as micro-columns heal and flake off

Makeup is usually allowed after 24 hours if the skin isn’t too sensitive, but we’ll give you personalized instructions based on your settings and skin.

To prep your skin and get the best results, we typically recommend:

• Stop retinoids and strong acids at least 7 days before treatment.
• Avoid direct sun and tanning for 2 weeks
• Use a hydrating, barrier-supportive routine (we may recommend Alastin or medical-grade skincare before and after treatment).
• Increase water intake and avoid excessive alcohol leading up to treatment.

If you have a history of cold sores, we may prescribe antiviral medication starting 1–3 days before your appointment.

• Arrive with clean skin: no makeup, lotion, perfume, or self-tanner on the treatment area.
• We’ll take “before” photos and apply a topical numbing cream for 20–30 minutes to maximize comfort. (Cynosure Lutronic)
• You’ll wear protective eyewear during the treatment.
• You’ll feel warmth and a prickly sensation as the laser passes over the skin; integrated cooling helps keep it tolerable.

Afterwards, your skin will look pink to red and feel warm, similar to a sunburn.

Yes, topical numbing is highly recommended for Mosaic. Most patients rate discomfort around a 3–4 out of 10 with numbing and cooling in place, and tolerate treatment well.

We don’t typically need injectable anesthesia, and there is no sedation with this procedure.

Right after treatment:

• Your skin will feel warm and tight.
• We may apply a soothing serum or occlusive barrier to help lock in moisture.
• Redness typically peaks the first day and settles over 1–2 days.

To support healing:

• Avoid very hot showers, saunas, or vigorous workouts for 24–48 hours.
• Sleep slightly elevated to help minimize swelling if we treated around the eyes.
• Avoid picking, scrubbing, or exfoliating as the skin feels dry or “gritty.”

For at least 5–7 days after Mosaic, we generally recommend:

1. Gentle Cleanser – no scrubs or exfoliating brushes.
2. Hydrating Serum – such as hyaluronic acid or a soothing peptide formula.
3. Barrier Support – medical-grade moisturizer or post-procedure balm as directed.
4. Strict Sun Protection – SPF 30+ daily, with reapplication if outdoors.

We’ll personalize an aftercare plan, often using Alastin, Plated, or other medical-grade lines, tailored for collagen support and barrier repair.

Most patients see meaningful improvement after a series of 2–4 treatments, spaced about 4–6 weeks apart, depending on the concern:

• Fine lines + texture: usually 2–3
• Acne scarring: often 3–4
• General tone + “glow”: sometimes even 1–2 is noticeable

We may recommend annual maintenance once or twice a year for continued collagen support.

Both Mosaic and CoolPeel improve skin quality, but they work a bit differently:

• Mosaic 3D – non-ablative fractional; great for texture, scars, pores, lines, and collagen with mild–moderate downtime.
• CoolPeel CO₂ – ablative-fractional; more focused on resurfacing the top layer for fine lines, pigment, and overall smoothness with light flaking.

In many cases, we’ll combine Mosaic with other treatments (like Aerolase, CoolPeel, PRX, or injectables) for a layered, customized approach.

Read why winter is the peak season for Mosaic, CoolPeel, and Aerolase treatments.