Learn How You Can Discover Youthful, Radiant Skin at Hourglass Aesthetics
Every year, more people choose laser skin revitalization to fight wrinkles, pigmentation, acne scars, and uneven skin texture. At Hourglass Aesthetics in Lexington, KY, a robust menu of advanced laser, light, and radiofrequency technologies gives clients flexibility in designing a custom treatment plan based on their skin goals, schedule, and tolerance for downtime. From gentle light-based therapies to powerful CO2 resurfacing, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re after a subtle glow-up or a more dramatic skin transformation.
Below, we dive deep into the “big guns” in Hourglass’s treatment lineup, explain how each works, and explore which skin concerns they can help resolve.
How Laser & Energy-Based Treatments Rejuvenate Skin
Laser and energy-based treatments deliver controlled energy to the skin, whether in the form of light, laser wavelengths, or radiofrequency. This energy can:
- Remove damaged skin layers, prompting the skin to shed old cells and reveal fresh, healthy ones.
- Stimulate collagen and elastin production, encouraging the skin to rebuild from within, leading to firmer, smoother texture.
- Target pigmentation, redness, or vascular issues by selectively heating or destroying pigmented cells or small blood vessels.
- Improve skin tone and texture, even out discoloration, reduce pore size, and smooth fine lines.
Whether the device works superficially (on the epidermis) or reaches deeper into the dermis, or even into the underlying tissues, helps determine the intensity of results and the downtime required. Hourglass’s broad offering lets clients choose where on that spectrum they land.
Core Laser & Light-Based Systems at Hourglass Aesthetics
Here are the major laser, light, and energy platforms Hourglass offers, and what you can expect from each.
Halo Laser (via the Sciton JOULE X Platform)
The Halo Laser is a hybrid fractional laser that combines both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths in a single treatment. That means it can resurface the skin’s outer layers while also delivering energy deeper into the dermis, a dual-action approach.
Ideal for:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage and sunspots
- Uneven skin tone
- Enlarged pores
- Surface texture irregularities
Because of its hybrid nature, Halo is often described as offering powerful rejuvenation with less downtime than older, fully ablative lasers.
BBL HEROic / Forever Young BBL / Forever Clear BBL (BroadBand Light Therapy)
Hourglass includes a range of BroadBand Light (BBL) therapies under its roof, designed for those who want improvements via light rather than aggressive resurfacing.
- BBL HEROic: marketed as an advanced light-based rejuvenation therapy that uses thermal energy to target sun damage, discoloration, age spots, redness, and vascular issues.
- Forever Young BBL: aims to restore a healthy, radiant glow by treating pigmentation, age spots, freckles, small broken blood vessels, redness, and general sun damage, all without needles or invasive procedures.
- Forever Clear BBL: formulated especially for acne, this treatment uses blue light to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, yellow light to calm inflammation, and infrared light to stimulate collagen and skin renewal, helping with active acne, texture, and scarring.
Best for:
- Pigmentation, sun damage, age spots, freckles
- Redness, rosacea, broken blood vessels
- Active acne or acne-prone skin (Forever Clear)
- Overall skin tone and glow improvements
- Clients seeking minimal-to-no downtime
BBL treatments tend to be gentler and more maintenance-friendly than full resurfacing, often used for upkeep or for clients new to light-based skin rejuvenation.
CoolPeel CO2 Laser (via SmartXide CO2)
The CoolPeel treatment uses a CO2 laser to remove damaged skin layers gently yet effectively. Rather than the intense energy delivery typical of older CO2 lasers, which often meant extended recovery, CoolPeel employs shorter, more controlled bursts of energy to resurface skin with significantly reduced downtime.
What it treats:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Rough texture, dullness, and uneven skin tone
- Sun damage, age spots, pigmentation irregularities
- Enlarged pores
- Overall skin resurfacing needs
CoolPeel is often considered a “middle path,” powerful enough to offer visible resurfacing, yet mild enough for many to tolerate without taking time off work. For someone seeking texture smoothing, renewed glow, and improved tone without full social downtime, CoolPeel is often a very attractive option.
Laser Genesis (Gentle Laser Rejuvenation)
For those seeking subtle, gradual skin improvements or clients who want to keep their busy lifestyle uninterrupted, Laser Genesis offers a gentle, non-invasive laser treatment. It heats the dermis to stimulate collagen production, smooth skin texture, and reduce redness, dark spots, fine lines, mild scars, and visible blood vessels.
Best for:
- Sensitive skin
- Early signs of aging
- Mild redness, rosacea, vascular concerns
- Texture irregularities, uneven tone
- Maintenance between more intensive treatments
Because Laser Genesis does not ablate skin, the downtime is minimal, often described as feeling like a light facial, with little to no peeling or shedding afterward.
Morpheus8 (RF Microneedling + Skin Remodeling)
Although not strictly a laser, Morpheus8 stands out among Hourglass’s “deep-tissue” treatments. It combines ultra-thin microneedles with fractional radiofrequency energy to penetrate deep into the dermis and, sometimes, subdermal tissue to stimulate collagen and elastin production, remodel underlying tissue, and promote skin tightening and firming.
Ideal for:
- Skin laxity and sagging
- Acne scars and scar remodeling
- Uneven texture or crepey skin
- Stretch marks or scarring on body areas
- Enlarged pores, uneven tone, early signs of aging
Morpheus8 is particularly appealing for clients who want more structural, long-lasting changes rather than just surface-level improvements. Results build gradually over weeks to months as the skin continues to remodel itself, and many clients see a firmer, more lifted appearance given time.
SmartXide Tetra CO2 Laser (Fully Customizable,CO2 Resurfacing)
For clients seeking maximal resurfacing power, particularly for deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, age spots, pronounced textural irregularities, scars, or crepey skin, Hourglass offers the SmartXide Tetra CO2 system. This laser allows providers to adjust power, density, and pulse duration to tailor treatment precisely to the skin’s needs while minimizing downtime as much as possible.
Best for:
- Deep wrinkles and fine lines
- Pronounced sun damage, age spots, uneven pigmentation
- Acne scars or other scar types
- Large, deep pores
- Textural problems, crepiness, uneven tone
Because this is a fully ablative CO2 system, it can deliver dramatic resurfacing, but it also requires more downtime and appropriate aftercare than gentler light- or RF-based options.
Who Should Choose What: Matching Treatment to Skin Needs & Lifestyle
With so many options, the trick lies in matching the correct treatment to a person’s skin type, concerns, and tolerance for downtime. Here’s a rough guide to help you, or your readers, decide:
- Want a subtle skin refresh with minimal downtime? → Go for BBL (Forever Young / HEROic), Laser Genesis, or Forever Clear BBL. Great for pigmentation, mild redness, texture, and glow.
- Seeking to correct sun damage, pigmentation, uneven tone, and improve glow, with moderate resurfacing but still manageable downtime? → Consider the Halo Laser or CoolPeel, CO2. These deliver visible improvement in tone, texture, and pores.
- Need deeper resurfacing: smoothing wrinkles, refining texture, shrinking large pores, reducing pigmentation or sun damage, tackling scars or crepey skin? → Choose SmartXide Tetra CO2 Laser or Morpheus8 (if you also want tightening).
- Looking for skin tightening, scar remodeling, collagen stimulation , especially for sagging, scars, stretch marks, or structural skin changes? → Morpheus8 is the standout choice thanks to its deeper RF + microneedling action.
Because Hourglass Aesthetics offers all these in-house, they can craft custom treatment plans, for example, starting with a deeper resurfacing (CoolPeel or SmartXide CO2) and following up with gentler BBL or Laser Genesis sessions for maintenance.
What to Expect From Treatment: Process, Downtime, Recovery & Results
While exact protocols vary by device and settings, Hourglass outlines a general treatment-and-recovery flow for its laser skin revitalization services.
Before the Procedure
- The provider numbs the treatment area. For deeper resurfacing or larger areas, local anesthesia, sometimes with oral or IV sedation, may be used.
- You’ll clean and prep skin; eyes are protected if necessary, especially with laser systems.
During the Procedure
- Energy (laser, light, RF) is delivered in a controlled fashion. Settings (power, density, pulse duration) are tailored to your skin type and goals.
- For partial treatments (e.g., around eyes or mouth), sessions may last 30–45 minutes. For full-face resurfacing, expect 1.5–2 hours.
Immediately After
- Expect redness, swelling, and a sunburn-like sensation. For ablative lasers, mild peeling or flaking may follow as old skin sheds and new skin emerges.
- A nonstick dressing may be applied for the first 24 hours; afterwards, a gentle cleansing regimen (e.g., saline or diluted-vinegar compress) and careful aftercare are usually required.
Recovery & Results Timeline
- With gentler/light-based options (BBL, Laser Genesis), downtime is minimal; you might look slightly pink, but you can often resume normal activities quickly.
- With resurfacing lasers (CoolPeel or SmartXide CO2) or more aggressive treatments, expect visible recovery (redness, peeling) for a few days to a week, followed by gradual improvement. Full results, smoothness, even tone, and tighter texture typically continue improving over several weeks to a few months as collagen rebuilds.
- With RF-based deeper treatments (Morpheus8), results build over time: skin tightens, scars soften, texture evens out, and firmness improves as the deeper remodeling process unfolds.
Combining Treatments Over Time
One of the strengths of a med-spa like Hourglass is the ability to combine modalities over time for layered benefits. For instance:
- Use a resurfacing laser first (CoolPeel or SmartXide CO2) to even tone and smooth texture.
- Follow with BBL or Laser Genesis a few weeks later for glow maintenance, redness control, and ongoing collagen stimulation.
- If skin laxity or deeper structural changes (scars, crepey skin) are concerns, incorporate Morpheus8 into the plan for deeper remodeling.
This layered, strategic approach lets clients maximize results without overburdening the skin or committing to overly aggressive resurfacing repeatedly.
Who Is a Good Candidate, And Who Should Be Cautious
Laser and energy-based skin treatments can benefit many people, but certain factors determine who will get the best results and who should approach them with caution.
Good Candidates Typically:
- Want improvement in fine lines, sun damage, pigmentation, texture, or mild to moderate signs of aging
- Are looking for resurfacing or rejuvenation without surgery
- Accept some downtime (depending on the treatment) in exchange for noticeable results
- Have realistic expectations and are ready to maintain results with sun protection, good skincare, and possibly follow-up treatments
Potential Contraindications / Considerations:
- Active skin infections, untreated acne, or open wounds, lasers, and energy treatments should wait until the skin is healthy
- Recent tanning, sun exposure, or skin conditions that could react poorly to laser
- Darker skin types, some lasers (especially high-energy ablative) carry a greater risk of hyperpigmentation or uneven healing. Hybrid fractional lasers or gentler options may be safer. (As some practitioners suggest, gentler resurfacing like CO2 “CoolPeel” may be preferred for broader skin type suitability.)
- Expectation mismatch, deep changes take time and often multiple sessions or maintenance.
Because Hourglass offers a full suite of options, from gentle BBL to aggressive CO2, they’re well-positioned to match treatments with individual skin types and concerns, potentially mitigating some risk.
Why Hourglass Aesthetics Is a Smart Choice for Laser & Energy Treatments
- Comprehensive technology portfolio: From Hybrid Fractional (Halo), to BroadBand Light (BBL), to CO2 resurfacing (CoolPeel, SmartXide Tetra), to RF + microneedling (Morpheus8), Hourglass offers a wide range of modalities to address nearly any skin concern.
- Customized treatment plans: Because of the variety of devices, providers can tailor protocols to skin type, concern, downtime tolerance, and aesthetic goals, whether you want a quick glow-up or substantial resurfacing.
- Minimal-to-maximal downtime options: Clients can choose gentle, low-downtime services (like BBL or Laser Genesis) or more intensive resurfacing (CoolPeel or CO2), depending on readiness for recovery.
- Deep-tissue options for lasting results: With Morpheus8, Hourglass addresses not just surface skin but structural issues (scarring, laxity, texture changes), making it a good long-term investment for aging, scar remodeling, or skin tightening.
- Holistic medical-spa environment , Hourglass combines laser treatments with injectables, body contouring, hair removal, and wellness services , allowing clients to build a comprehensive aesthetic and wellness strategy under one roof.
Realistic Expectations: What Laser Skin Revitalization Can and Can’t Do
Laser and energy-based skin treatments are powerful tools, but they are not magic. Here’s what you can expect realistically:
What They Can Do
- Smooth out fine lines and moderate wrinkles
- Fade sunspots, age spots, and pigment irregularities
- Improve overall skin tone and radiance
- Minimize enlarged pores and refine texture
- Soften scars, improve mild-to-moderate acne scarring, or other shallow scars
- Improve mild to moderate skin laxity (with RF or deep resurfacing)
- Promote long-term skin health by stimulating collagen and elastin
What They Might Not Do Or Require Multiple Sessions
- Eliminate very deep wrinkles or severely crepey skin in one session
- Completely “erase” very deep scars or stretch marks; significant scars may need multiple treatments or combined approaches
- Undo genetic predispositions (e.g., bone structure, deep-set wrinkles, gravity-sagging that’s structural)
- Give permanent results, maintenance, and good skin care (sun protection, hydration, gentle skincare) remain key
Also, individual results vary. Skin type, age, extent of skin damage, lifestyle (sun exposure, smoking, sleep, skincare habits) all influence how effective the treatment will be and how long results last.
Why Laser Treatments Are The Perfect Addition To Your 2026 Skincare Routine
For anyone serious about long-term skin health and youthfulness, whether you’re building a med-spa content plan or simply advising clients/patients, laser and energy-based skin treatments are powerful tools. They do more than just “cover up” signs of aging; they stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms, encourage collagen and elastin production, and reset skin health from the inside out.
Layering these technologies over time, perhaps alternating deeper resurfacing, structural remodeling, and gentle maintenance, can produce compound benefits. When paired with good daily skincare, sun protection, proper nutrition, and healthy lifestyle habits, clients can enjoy long-term improvements that age gracefully rather than accelerate skin decline.
For a medspa like yours (given your interest in advanced wellness protocols, integrative approaches, and holistic care), recommending such a layered, personalized skin rejuvenation path can align perfectly with your brand promise.
Get the Best Laser Treatments at Hourglass Aesthetics
The range of laser, light, and RF-based treatments offered by Hourglass Aesthetics positions them as a full-service skin rejuvenation hub, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time “skin athlete.” With access to both gentle maintenance therapies and deep resurfacing or remodeling technologies, clients can choose what fits their skin and lifestyle best , and evolve their plan as their skin changes.
Hourglass Aesthetics is proud to be a leading provider of laser skin rejuvenation treatments in Lexington, KY, where we also offer fan-favorite Morpheus8. Call us today at (859) 904-5274 to schedule your consultation and discover what laser treatment is best for your skin type and concerns.
