Spectra MDF Laser Resurfacing in Birmingham
Laser resurfacing for rejuvenation, pores and acne scarring
At Midland Skin we offer Spectra MDF Laser Resurfacing treatment for patients in Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Worcester and the Midlands.
Spectra MDF Resurfacing laser in Birmingham and Solihull
At Midland Skin, we use the Hollywood Spectra MDF (Multi-Depth Fractional) laser to improve acne scars, enlarged pores, fine lines and overall skin texture with minimal downtime.
Quick facts about Spectra MDF Resurfacing laser treatment [TO UPDATE]
- You need three 45 minute treatments – one every 3 to 4 weeks
- The results get better with time and at one year there is an average reduction in inflammatory spots of 97% according to clinical studies
- There are no harmful side effects
- The treatment is safe in all skin tones and all year round
- You do not need to take long-term tablets or creams
- There can be short-lived purges which can be managed with medications
How Spectra MDF Laser Resurfacing Works
Unlike traditional resurfacing lasers that physically remove columns of skin, Spectra MDF works through a process called Laser-Induced Optical Breakdowns (LIOBs):
- The laser delivers ultra-short pulses of energy at a precise depth within the skin.
- This energy creates microscopic plasma bubbles (LIOBs) beneath the surface.
- These trigger a natural healing response, boosting collagen and encouraging new skin cells.
- The skin surface remains intact, meaning faster recovery and less risk than older ablative lasers.
Over a series of treatments, this process leads to smoother, clearer, firmer skin with only short-lived redness or pinpoint marks.
Scarlett Greenwood
What Can Spectra MDF Treat?
- Acne scars – softening indented or shallow scars.
- Enlarged pores and uneven texture – refining pore size and smoothing skin.
- Fine lines and early wrinkles – stimulating collagen for firmer skin.
- Traumatic or fine-line scars – improving texture and visibility.
Treatment Protocols
Skin Rejuvenation
Spectra MDF can refresh the skin by stimulating new collagen and improving tone, texture, and fine lines.
- How it works: The laser creates precise micro-cavitation effects just below the skin surface, triggering renewal while leaving the outer layer intact.
- Treatment plan: 4 sessions, once every 4 weeks
- What to expect: Temporary redness and mild swelling after treatment. A soothing cream is applied immediately afterwards.
- Results: Gradual improvements in smoothness, brightness, and fine lines as collagen remodelling continues throughout the course.
Enlarged Pores & Uneven Texture
This treatment helps refine pores and improve surface irregularities.
- How it works: Higher-energy pulses are delivered at a precise depth to tighten pore openings and remodel the surrounding skin.
- Treatment plan: 4 sessions, once every 4 weeks
- What to expect: Redness, swelling and sometimes tiny red dots (petechiae) that fade within a few days. Anaesthetic cream may be used if required.
- Results: Pores become less visible, with smoother and more even skin texture over time.
Acne Scarring
Spectra MDF is particularly effective for softening indented acne scars.
- How it works: A focused, high-energy setting is applied directly to acne scars to stimulate new collagen and help scars gradually fill in.
- Treatment plan: 4 sessions, once every 4 weeks
- What to expect: Pinpoint bleeding or small red spots (petechiae) are common signs that the treatment has reached the correct depth. Redness and swelling last a few days. Local anaesthetic is used for comfort.
- Results: Scars become softer and shallower, with progressive improvement over the treatment course.
Note for patients: Results vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. A guarantee is not provided for any particular outcome. A consultation is always required to assess suitability, discuss risks, and tailor the number of sessions needed.
Preparing for Your Spectra MDF Treatment
- Avoid sun exposure: Protect your skin from direct sun and tanning for at least 2 weeks before treatment. Always use a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+).
- No recent treatments: Avoid chemical peels, microneedling, or other laser procedures in the treatment area for at least 2 weeks beforehand.
- Discuss your medications: Please let us know if you take antibiotics, anticoagulants, or have a history of cold sores as antiviral tablets may be prescribed if needed.
- Come with clean skin: On the day of treatment, remove all make-up, creams and lotions from the treatment area. This is really important!
Aftercare and Downtime
- Redness and swelling: Most patients experience redness and mild swelling for 1–3 days.
- Pinpoint marks: Small red dots or pinpoint bleeding can appear, especially when treating acne scars or treating rejuvenation or pores more intensley ; these fade within seven days and you might like to use a tinted moisturiser or foundation to cover these marks up.
- Comfort: The skin may feel warm or sunburn-like for 24 hours.
- Make-up and skincare: You can usually return to gentle skincare and light make-up the next day, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Exercise and heat: Avoid saunas, hot tubs, and strenuous exercise for 48 hours.
- Sun protection: Strict SPF use is essential during the healing phase and beyond, as the skin will be more sensitive to UV.
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Ready to get started? Book a consultation with our team at Midland Skin. Friendly, expert advice tailored to you.
What the Evidence Says about Spectra MDF
Several published studies have examined the use of the Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser with fractional or multi-depth focusing handpieces (including the Spectra MDF). These studies suggest encouraging results for acne scars, pores, and other scars, with short recovery times and good safety across different skin types.
1) Acne Scars in Darker Skin (Nisticò et al., 2022)
Study: 29 patients with acne scars (skin types III–IV) had three fractional Q-switched 1064 nm laser sessions.
Results: All 29 improved at 3 months. No non-responders. Side effects were limited to temporary redness.
What it means: Safe and effective for acne scars in darker skin with very little downtime.
Reference: Nisticò SP, Bennardo L, Sannino M, Negosanti F. Fractional Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of acne scars. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022;58(9):1219. doi:10.3390/medicina58091219.
2) Enlarged Pores and Acne Scars (Park et al., 2022)
Study: 10 patients treated with 3–4 MDF laser sessions at monthly intervals.
Results: Pore size reduced by nearly 60% and acne scars by about one-third at 3 months. All patients responded; no PIH reported. Temporary redness and pinpoint marks resolved quickly.
What it means: Noticeable improvement in pores and shallow acne scars, safe across skin tones.
Reference: Park JH, Kim J, Kim JK, Kim S. Pore and acne scar treatment with a Q-switched laser using a novel fractional multi-depth focusing (MDF) handpiece: a pilot study. Med Lasers. 2022;11(2):96-103. doi:10.25289/ML.2022.11.2.96.
3) Traumatic and Fine-Line Scars (Pérez Haded & Sabbagh, 2024)
Study: 7 patients with fine-line traumatic scars (one acne scar included) received 4 MDF laser sessions.
Results: Doctors rated scar improvement at 80–100% in all patients. No non-responders. Only temporary redness or bruising was noted.
What it means: Significant improvements are possible for traumatic and fine-line scars with mild, short-lived side effects.
Reference: Pérez Haded C, Sabbagh MF. Scar resurfacing treatment with a Q-switched laser using a novel fractional multi-depth focusing handpiece: case reports. Med Lasers. 2024;13(1):53-58. doi:10.25289/ML.2024.13.1.53.
In Summary
- Across three studies, 46 patients were treated.
- All patients showed improvement; no non-responders were reported.
- Side effects were mild and short-lived (mainly redness, swelling or pinpoint marks).
- Recovery time was typically 1–3 days.
- Safe in darker skin types, with no cases of post-inflammatory pigmentation reported.
While these results are promising, the studies were small, and more research is needed to directly compare this approach with other lasers such as fractional CO₂ or Er:YAG.
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References used for this article
About the Author
This page has been written and/or medically reviewed by Dr Sajjad Rajpar, Consultant Dermatologist and Medical Director of Midland Skin, Birmingham.
Dr Rajpar is on the GMC Specialist Register in Dermatology and has over 20 years’ experience in clinical dermatology. He provides clinical oversight to ensure the information on this page is accurate, balanced and consistent with current dermatology practice.
Dr Sajjad Rajpar
Date last updated: 9th Mar 2026
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Disclaimer
The content on this website is provided for general information only. It is not, and must not be treated as, medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation for any particular treatment. We make reasonable efforts to keep information accurate and up to date, but medicine and technology change, and content may not reflect the most current evidence, guidance, product information, or individual practice. You should not rely on this website to make decisions about your health or treatment. Always seek personalised advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Any examples, images, testimonials, and outcome descriptions are illustrative only. Results vary between individuals and no outcome can be guaranteed.
