At UnionDerm, we have more than 70 cutting-edge laser and energy-based devices across our four locations. Many of these technologies can be safely combined—a technique now popularly referred to as “laser stacking.” When it comes to learning more about laser stacking, Dr. Yunyoung Claire Chang, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm, is the expert you can trust. With her extensive training in laser skin resurfacing and energy-based devices, Dr. Chang is skilled at combining treatments to enhance skin tone and texture. By using different laser wavelengths and multiple treatments, she effectively targets uneven texture, pigmentation, and skin quality, helping to rejuvenate the skin at a deeper level. Her personalized treatment plans are designed to stimulate skin cells, promote collagen production, and improve overall skin appearance. Dr. Chang’s expertise in combining treatments ensures that each patient’s unique needs are met for the best possible results.
Below, Dr. Chang answers some of the most common questions about laser resurfacing and how multiple treatments, also called laser stacking, can benefit your skin.
What exactly is laser stacking?
Laser stacking is the technique of combining multiple laser modalities in a single treatment session to target different layers of the skin and address multiple skin concerns at once. For example, I might use a vascular laser to treat redness and broken capillaries, then follow with a pigment-targeting laser for sunspots, and finish with a fractional laser for texture and collagen remodeling. Another example is performing a skin tightening treatment, like Thermage or Ultherapy, and then following with a brightening, rejuvenating laser. Each device works on a different wavelength and mechanism, so stacking allows me to deliver a more comprehensive, customized treatment in one visit, often leading to enhanced results.
What are the benefits of getting treated with multiple lasers in a single session?
There are multiple benefits to laser stacking. First, because each laser targets different skin concerns (i.e., skin laxity, redness, pigmentation, texture), laser stacking allows us to treat all of them in one treatment session. This gives a comprehensive skin rejuvenating treatment. These different lasers give synergistic results, allowing for more effective treatment than using one laser alone. Second, laser stacking allows us to achieve faster results. Instead of spacing out each treatment over weeks or months, stacking accelerates the treatment timeline. This may be ideal for patients prepping for an event, like a wedding, or for those who want visible results sooner. In addition, laser stacking allows for a single downtime window. Instead of spreading out treatments over multiple sessions and having several separate weeks of downtime, patients are able to undergo one recovery period. This can be more convenient for those with busy lifestyles. Finally, laser stacking allows us to tailor the session to each patient’s unique skin type and goals. Most patients do not have one single issue but multiple skin concerns, so allowing us to treat multiple concerns in one treatment session allows for better results and happier patients.
Who is a good candidate for a laser stacking session? Are there any skin types or concerns you would avoid this technique for?
Laser stacking is a good option for those with multiple skin concerns and those seeking faster, more dramatic results in fewer sessions. Laser stacking should be used with caution in those patients with a compromised skin barrier and those with darker skin types, who are at higher risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is very important to go to a physician who is experienced with combining lasers to make sure that the lasers can safely be combined in your specific skin type. In addition, order matters. It is important to go to a physician who is well-trained and knowledgeable about which order to do the lasers when laser stacking.
Is there more downtime involved with laser stacking compared to a single laser treatment?
Laser stacking may or may not involve more downtime compared to a single laser. It depends on several factors, including the types of lasers used, the intensity of each treatment, and the recovery protocol. In general, stacking treatments may lead to more inflammation, swelling, and redness as compared to single treatments. However, some energy-based treatments, like Sofwave, have minimal downtime, and when combined with other lasers like resurfacing lasers, there is minimal additional downtime.
Can stacking lasers deliver better or faster results than doing treatments separately over time?
Yes, laser stacking can sometimes deliver better or faster results, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. Benefits of laser stacking include synergistic effects, faster overall results, and a single downtime period. However, it may have an increased risk of side effects, so it is important to consult an experienced healthcare provider to discuss potential risks and benefits to see if it is the best option for you.
What should patients know before booking multiple lasers in one appointment? (Any prep or expectations you like to set?)
Prepping the skin properly and having the right expectations are key to getting great results. First, ask your provider what you should avoid prior to treatment. In general, it is best to avoid retinols, retinoids, chemical peels, and exfoliating for about 1 week prior to the treatment. It is important to use sunscreen, avoid excessive sun exposure, and make sure you are not tan prior to the treatment. If you have a history of cold sores, let your provider know—they might prescribe antivirals to prevent outbreaks after laser treatments. Follow any specific aftercare instructions as instructed by your provider. Avoid important events for 1-2 weeks after treatment as there may be some downtime associated with the laser treatments.
In addition, it is important to have realistic expectations. Know your skin goals and what you are targeting. It is important to know that even with laser stacking, results take time. Most improvements show gradually over weeks to months. You may still need multiple sessions of each laser to get the best results. With laser treatments, it is usually not a one-session-and-done treatment. In addition, the order of the lasers is extremely important. Make sure to ask your provider which laser should be performed first.
How do you personalize a combination laser plan for each patient?
Personalizing a laser stacking plan is all about understanding the patient’s unique skin concerns, skin type, goals, and timeline. The approach needs to be highly customized because everyone’s skin is different. Before recommending any treatment, I do an initial consultation and assessment to understand the patient’s skin type, skin concerns, medical history, lifestyle, and goals. I come up with a laser plan, choosing the best lasers for their specific concerns. Then, we come up with a laser stacking plan that will maximize results while minimizing risks. I will evaluate results after each treatment to make sure the patient is satisfied and showing good improvement.
Which types of skin concerns can laser stacking most commonly address?
Laser stacking can be especially effective for patients who present with multiple overlapping skin concerns, which is very common. Some of the most frequently treated concerns include:
Rosacea and Melasma: These conditions often coexist, and treating them simultaneously requires a thoughtful, gentle approach. I frequently combine Vbeam, a vascular laser that targets redness and visible blood vessels, with Clear + Brilliant, a gentle fractional laser that improves overall tone and texture. Together, they work synergistically to reduce persistent redness, minimize pigmentation, and enhance skin clarity—all while being safe for sensitive skin types.
Visible Signs of Aging: As we age, we lose collagen both at the surface and in deeper layers of the skin, leading to fine lines, sagging, and textural changes. To address this, I often pair a skin-tightening device like Sofwave—which targets the deeper dermis—with a resurfacing laser like Fraxel Dual, which works on the more superficial layers. This dual approach stimulates collagen production at multiple depths for smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
Acne Scarring: Acne scars come in many forms, including redness and indentations (atrophic scars). For patients with post-acne redness, I may use a pulsed dye laser like Vbeam. To improve texture and stimulate collagen remodeling in atrophic scars, I combine that with treatments like Fraxel Dual or radiofrequency microneedling. Stacking these modalities allows me to target both the color and contour changes caused by acne, often with more noticeable results than a single treatment alone.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in laser treatments with Dr. Chang, schedule a consultation with her at either of our New York City offices: Union Square and Central Park. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your unique aesthetic goals thoroughly and ask any questions you may have regarding your treatment options.