When Texture Needs More Than Skincare
When sunscreen, serums, and facials are no longer enough to change texture, pigment, or pore appearance, laser skin resurfacing is the next logical step. Elluminate Glow uses 4 lasers on the Quanta EVO platform to treat multiple skin conditions and depths in a single 60-minute session. This is not a lunch-break procedure: plan for 3-7 days of real recovery.
Elluminate Glow is part of the laser resurfacing family at Desert Bloom, alongside Elluminate Mini, Erbium Laser Resurfacing, and CO2 Laser Resurfacing. Explore all laser treatments at Desert Bloom.
At a Glance
- What it is
- Multi-laser skin resurfacing on the Quanta EVO platform (4 wavelengths)
- Provider
- Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD
- Session time
- 60 minutes
- Sessions
- Usually 1 — second session if more correction is needed
- Downtime
- 3–7 days (redness, dark spots flake off)
- Skin types
- Fitzpatrick I–III only
- Cost
- $675 per session
What Is Elluminate Glow?
Elluminate Glow is our branded multi-laser skin resurfacing treatment on the Quanta System EVO platform. Four different wavelengths — 1064 nm Nd:YAG, 755 nm Alexandrite, 532 nm KTP, and 2940 nm Erbium — work at different skin depths in a single 60-minute session to address texture, pores, fine lines, and uneven tone with substantially less downtime than CO2 resurfacing.
The 2940 nm Erbium wavelength is the resurfacing workhorse — water absorption at that wavelength is roughly 12–18 times higher than CO2, so the beam vaporizes damaged tissue in narrow columns while limiting collateral heat to surrounding skin. The other three wavelengths layer in to address pigment, vascular, and deeper remodeling concerns inside the same visit. Erbium devices have been FDA-cleared for ablative skin resurfacing since 1996.
How a Fractional Resurfacing Session Works
The laser delivers energy in a fractional scanning pattern — microscopic columns of treated tissue separated by bridges of untreated skin. Those untreated bridges are what shorten recovery: they act as a scaffold for new epithelium to migrate across, so the skin re-surfaces in days rather than weeks. Each pulse ablates roughly 10–50 microns of tissue with a residual thermal zone of about 20–50 microns — compared with 100–150 microns for CO2.
Your Session, Step by Step
- 1
Assessment
Skin assessment, Fitzpatrick typing, and confirmation that Elluminate Glow is the right resurfacing depth for your concerns.
- 2
Numbing
Topical numbing cream is applied and given 20–30 minutes to take effect.
- 3
Cleanse and prep
Skin is cleansed and degreased so the laser passes deliver evenly across the treatment area.
- 4
Laser passes
Dr. Borakowski delivers the multi-wavelength laser passes; a Zimmer chiller provides continuous cooling. Most patients feel mild warmth or stinging.
- 5
Post-care
HydroPeptide post-care kit (Barrier Builder, Cashmere Cleanse, Hydro-Lock Sleep Mask) is sent home with day-by-day aftercare instructions.
Before You Book
Stop retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, and high-strength vitamin C for one week before treatment. No active sunburn or recent tanning. Patients with a history of cold sores need prophylactic antivirals prescribed before the session. Stop aspirin, blood thinners, and bleeding-risk supplements at least a week out (with physician clearance). Patients with type 2 diabetes or lupus need doctor clearance before scheduling.
“Elluminate Glow gives me four wavelengths to dial against four different problems in one visit. That's not the same conversation as 'pick a laser' — it's pick the right combination for this patient's skin today.”
Elluminate Glow vs Other Resurfacing Options
| Feature | Elluminate Glow | Elluminate Mini | CO2 Cool Peel | Erbium Resurfacing | CO2 Resurfacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wavelengths | 4 lasers on Quanta EVO | 1064 nm Nd:YAG only | Low-power CO2 (cool peel) | Quanta EVO Erbium 2940 nm | CO2 (full ablative) |
| Depth | Multiple depths in one visit | Superficial (vascular) | Light–moderate ablative | Moderate–deep | Deepest |
| Downtime | 3–7 days | None | 2–4 days | 5–14 days | 7–14 days |
| Sessions | Usually 1, sometimes 2 | Series of 3–6 | 1–3 | 1–3 | Typically 1 |
| Best for | Texture, pores, pigment, fine lines | Redness, broken capillaries, rosacea | Maintenance resurfacing, texture refresh | Moderate wrinkles, acne scars | Deep wrinkles, severe scarring |
| Fitzpatrick | I–III only | All types (vascular) | I–III | I–III | I–III |
| Cost per session | $675 | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Elluminate Glow
- Wavelengths
- 4 lasers on Quanta EVO
- Depth
- Multiple depths in one visit
- Downtime
- 3–7 days
- Sessions
- Usually 1, sometimes 2
- Best for
- Texture, pores, pigment, fine lines
- Fitzpatrick
- I–III only
- Cost per session
- $675
Elluminate Mini
- Wavelengths
- 1064 nm Nd:YAG only
- Depth
- Superficial (vascular)
- Downtime
- None
- Sessions
- Series of 3–6
- Best for
- Redness, broken capillaries, rosacea
- Fitzpatrick
- All types (vascular)
- Cost per session
- Varies
CO2 Cool Peel
- Wavelengths
- Low-power CO2 (cool peel)
- Depth
- Light–moderate ablative
- Downtime
- 2–4 days
- Sessions
- 1–3
- Best for
- Maintenance resurfacing, texture refresh
- Fitzpatrick
- I–III
- Cost per session
- Varies
Erbium Resurfacing
- Wavelengths
- Quanta EVO Erbium 2940 nm
- Depth
- Moderate–deep
- Downtime
- 5–14 days
- Sessions
- 1–3
- Best for
- Moderate wrinkles, acne scars
- Fitzpatrick
- I–III
- Cost per session
- Varies
CO2 Resurfacing
- Wavelengths
- CO2 (full ablative)
- Depth
- Deepest
- Downtime
- 7–14 days
- Sessions
- Typically 1
- Best for
- Deep wrinkles, severe scarring
- Fitzpatrick
- I–III
- Cost per session
- Varies
What Recovery Looks Like
- 01
Redness and warmth
Skin feels sunburned. Cool compresses help manage swelling. This is the most visible window.
- 02
Dark spots darken before they flake
Pigmented areas darken and then shed naturally — do not pick. Expected and normal.
- 03
Re-epithelialization complete
New surface skin in place. Pink tone and mild itching may remain; strict sun avoidance continues.
- 04
Pink fades, makeup returns
Redness continues fading. Makeup can usually be applied around day 10.
- 05
Collagen remodels
Continued texture improvement as collagen synthesis builds over 3–6 months.
This is not a no-downtime treatment. Plan around 3–7 days of social downtime per session. Your HydroPeptide post-care kit — Barrier Builder, Cashmere Cleanse face wash, and Hydro-Lock Sleep Mask — supports healing through the re-epithelialization window. Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is non-negotiable for the first several weeks; reapply every two hours when outdoors and avoid direct sun.
Cost in Scottsdale
Elluminate Glow is priced per session. Most patients only need one treatment; some choose a second session 8–12 weeks later for additional correction. As a multi-wavelength resurfacing protocol, Elluminate Glow typically costs less per session than full ablative CO2 or deep erbium resurfacing, and more than a no-downtime Elluminate Mini facial. Laser skin resurfacing is an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance.
Pricing
- Elluminate Glow Laser Resurfacing$675
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Elluminate Glow and Elluminate Mini?
How is Elluminate Glow different from CO2 resurfacing?
Is Elluminate Glow safe for darker skin tones?
How should I prepare for the session?
What does the post-care kit include?
Can I combine Elluminate Glow with other treatments?
How long do the results last?
Medically reviewed by
Founder, Desert Bloom Skincare · 17 Years Experience
References
- 1.
Khatri KA, Ross V, Grevelink JM, Magro CM, Anderson RR. Comparison of erbium:YAG and carbon dioxide lasers in resurfacing of facial rhytides. Arch Dermatol; 1999;135(4):391-397.
- 2.
Manaloto RM, Alster TS. Erbium:YAG laser resurfacing for refractory melasma. Dermatol Surg; 1999;25(2):121-123.
- 3.
Sajjadi AY, Mitra K, Grace M. Ablation of subsurface tumors using an ultra-short pulse laser. Opt Lasers Eng; 2011;49(3):451-456.
- 4.
Alexiades-Armenakas MR, Dover JS, Arndt KA. The spectrum of laser skin resurfacing: nonablative, fractional, and ablative laser resurfacing. J Am Acad Dermatol; 2008;58(5):719-737.
- 5.
Tanzi EL, Alster TS. Single-pass carbon dioxide versus multiple-pass Er:YAG laser skin resurfacing. Dermatol Surg; 2003;29(1):80-84.
