Cosmetic Dermatology
AVAVA: precision resurfacing, engineered for control.
AVAVA is a fractional laser platform that places energy at a chosen depth with unusual precision, treating wrinkles, texture, scarring and laxity while sparing the surrounding skin — including in skin types that historically had fewer resurfacing options.
Candidacy
What it’s good for
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Rough or uneven texture
- Acne scarring and some surgical or traumatic scars
- Mild laxity and overall skin quality
- Uneven pigmentation in appropriately selected patients
- Patients across the full range of skin tones
How it works
The mechanism, plainly
Fractional lasers create microscopic columns of treated tissue surrounded by untreated skin. The untreated skin speeds healing while the treated columns trigger collagen remodeling.
AVAVA's imaging and delivery system allows energy to be focused at a selected depth beneath the surface, which means deeper remodeling with less disruption of the outermost skin.
Because less surface injury is required to reach the target, the approach is generally better tolerated across skin types, with lower risk of pigment change than older ablative techniques.
The visit
What to expect in the room
- A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment for comfort.
- Treatment settings are selected for your concern, skin type and tolerance for downtime.
- The treatment itself typically takes 20 to 45 minutes.
- A series of sessions is usually planned, with about eight weeks between subsequent treatments of the same area.
FDA clearances
FDA-cleared indications
- AVAVA holds FDA 510(k) clearances for the prevention (pre-rejuvenation) and treatment of skin aging.
- FDA clearance for the treatment of acne scarring across all Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI). Manufacturer-reported clinical trials describe a median 50% reduction in scar severity.
- FDA clearance for the treatment of facial fine lines and wrinkles, supported in manufacturer-reported multi-site studies.
- FDA 510(k) clearance for treating benign pigmented skin lesions, including hyperpigmentation.
FDA clearance means the device has been cleared for these specific uses — it does not guarantee a result for every patient. Suitability and expected outcomes are discussed at your consultation.
Patient instructions
Treatment care
AVAVA is a non-ablative treatment that spares the epidermis. Follow the timeline below closely, then ease back into your normal routine as your skin tolerates it.
First 24 hours
- Skincare: Apply nothing to treated skin for the first 24 hours — no cleanser, moisturizer or serums. The clinician-directed recovery products below are specific exceptions, not permission to use your usual products.
- Sunscreen: The only routine product to apply is broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, SPF 30+), and only if you are going outside.
- Expected appearance: Mild redness and warmth, like a light sunburn, typically resolve within a few hours to a day.
- Comfort: Use cool compresses as needed.
In-office recovery products — optional
- Available for purchase in office. Use these exceptions only as directed by your treating clinician.
- CO2 Lift: Apply once, immediately after treatment in office.
- InovaSkin: Apply twice daily starting the day of treatment (Day 0).
- VAKKER Fornye Recovery Kit: Wait until after 48 hours to use the antioxidant serum.
After the first 24 hours
- Cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser only — no exfoliants, brushes or vigorous rubbing.
- Moisturizer: Apply a bland, fragrance-free moisturizer only if your skin feels tight, dry or flaky. Not every patient needs this.
- Sunscreen: Continue daily mineral sunscreen whenever going outside.
- Actives: If skin remains sensitive or pink, hold retinoids, AHA/BHA and vitamin C for 7 days. Otherwise, these can typically resume once skin feels back to normal.
- Swelling: Mild swelling or focal firmness at treatment points usually resolves within 48–72 hours.
- Activity: Avoid vigorous exercise, saunas and hot yoga for 24–48 hours to minimize prolonged flushing.
Ongoing — supporting your results
- AVAVA stimulates collagen and elastin remodeling beneath an intact skin surface.
- Sunscreen: Continue daily mineral SPF to protect treated skin and support your results.
- Foundation: Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser and a barrier-supportive moisturizer as needed.
- Timeline: Changes in texture, tone and firmness may build over 4–12 weeks as collagen forms. This is not a guaranteed outcome.
When to call our office
- Redness, swelling or discomfort that worsens rather than improves after 48 hours.
- Blistering, open areas or drainage.
- Signs of infection, including increasing warmth, spreading redness or fever.
- Any concern that does not feel like normal healing — we would rather hear from you.
Recovery
Downtime and aftercare
- Redness and warmth resembling a sunburn for a few days
- Mild swelling, particularly in the first 24 to 48 hours
- Temporary dryness, roughness or fine flaking as skin renews
- Strict sun protection during healing is required
Honest expectations
What this treatment will not do
Resurfacing improves skin quality and scarring meaningfully for many patients, and the degree of improvement varies with your skin, your concern and the number of sessions. Deep scarring and significant laxity often need combination treatment, and some concerns are better served by a different modality entirely.
Cosmetic treatments are not covered by insurance. Payment is due at the time of booking, and a cosmetic consultation is $150. Pricing is subject to change, and a consultation may be required before treatment.
This page is general education and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and it does not create a physician–patient relationship. Individual circumstances differ; please discuss your own skin with a qualified clinician. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911.
Questions
Frequently asked
Precision fractional approaches have widened who can be treated safely, and suitability is always assessed individually. Dr. Gaul will discuss the specific risks for your skin type, including the possibility of temporary or persistent pigment change.
Most patients plan for a few days of visible redness. We will give you a realistic window before you schedule so it does not collide with an event.
Dr. Gaul generally recommends about eight weeks between subsequent treatments of the same area, so healing and collagen remodeling are complete before that tissue is treated again. Areas treated in a different location may follow a different interval.
Often yes, in a sequence planned across months. Combining modalities thoughtfully usually beats repeating one.
Start with a consultation.
Whether something has changed, something has been bothering you for years, or you simply want expert guidance on keeping your skin healthy, we’re here to help.