Barbara Kowalczyk, FNP-BC
Board-certified nurse practitioner · Director of Medical Spa Services
Leads injectable treatment planning and has directed medical spa services at the Downers Grove practice since 2019, following an ICU nursing background.
Laser · Carol Stream, IL
Skin Resurfacing near Carol Stream, IL
Updated September 2026 · Independent review
Non-ablative skin resurfacing on a fractional platform such as ResurFX remodels skin from below without removing the surface layer, improving scars, stretch marks, texture, and tone. It needs three to five sessions three to four weeks apart and has minimal downtime — usually a day of redness. Near Carol Stream, IL, the closest practice covered on this site is Skin Med Spa at 960 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, roughly 20 minutes away, where laser and skin treatments are performed by a licensed esthetician and certified laser technician.
Nearest practice
Skin Med Spa
960 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Mon–Tue & Thu–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 10am–3pm · closed Wed & Sun
Licensed esthetician / laser tech
~20 minutes from Carol Stream. No Carol Stream address exists.
How does Skin Resurfacing actually work?
Fractional non-ablative lasers create columns of controlled heat injury in the dermis while leaving the outer epidermis intact. Your body repairs those columns with new collagen over the following weeks. Because the surface is preserved, recovery is short and the risk of pigment change is lower than with ablative resurfacing — the trade is that results build gradually across a course rather than appearing after one dramatic session.
Who is a good candidate for Skin Resurfacing?
Adults with acne scarring, surgical scars, stretch marks, uneven texture, or early fine lines who cannot take meaningful downtime, including patients with deeper skin tones who want a lower-pigment-risk option.
Who should skip it?
Anyone with an active infection, anyone recently on isotretinoin, anyone pregnant, and anyone expecting one-session transformation of deep scarring.
Who should be performing it?
A licensed medical professional or state-certified laser operator working under physician supervision, trained on your specific device.
Skin Resurfacing near Carol Stream at a glance
| Treatment | Skin Resurfacing |
|---|---|
| Category | Laser |
| Who performs it | Licensed esthetician / certified laser technician |
| Sessions typically needed | Three to five sessions three to four weeks apart. |
| Downtime | Redness and mild swelling for 24–48 hours, sometimes a light bronzed appearance. Makeup usually fine the next day. |
| How long results last | Collagen changes persist for years; new ageing and new scarring are not prevented. |
| How it is priced | Per session per area. |
| Typical market cost | Commonly $350–$800 per session depending on area size. |
| Nearest location | 960 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515 — ~20 min from Carol Stream |
| Financing | Cherry payment plans |
| Price published by the practice | No — request it in writing at consultation |
Cost figures are typical Chicago-area market ranges for context, not quotes from this practice.
Ask these before booking Skin Resurfacing
- Which device and wavelength, and why non-ablative rather than ablative for me?
- How many sessions do you expect for my scarring specifically?
- Is this the right choice for my skin tone, or would something else carry less pigment risk?
- Should this be combined with microneedling or subcision for my scar type?
Red flags specific to Skin Resurfacing
- Promising complete scar removal
- Selling a single session as a course
- No assessment of which scar types you have
- Device not named
What patients say about Skin Resurfacing
Quoted verbatim from public Google, Yelp, and practice-website reviews — nothing here is written or paraphrased by us. 2 of the reviews below name Skin Resurfacing directly. Across its public profile the practice shows 4.9 stars from 298 reviews.
On Results
"Never have I felt more beautiful inside and out, thanks to Barb and Mike opening Skin Med Spa in Downers Grove!!! I have had a ton of their offered services done and have been satisfied each and every time! Botox, love it. Laser treatment, love it! Lips, always looking beautiful and last such a long time! Hair removal was a must too! Sometimes we don't know what we want but just know we need a "pick me up", Barb and Mike are very professional and can be trusted to help guide you on your way to feeling and looking the best you ever have!! Highly recommend you give them a call, and stop in."
On Expertise
"I'm only 33 but my sun spots have become increasingly dark over the years. I visited businesses that recommended expensive topical creams. It was until I came to Skin Med Spa that they suggest laser treatment to help. They walked me through options and helped to explain each process. I've also received injections and have been very happy with my results. This has been a great center to help with my facial skin needs!"
On Atmosphere
★★★★★
"Enjoyed the event 23rd of April! Now I got to get my treatment. They are professional the spa is absolutely Beyoutiful and I'm over the moon on my experience & how my treatment came out. This spa is a class of it own. Barb & Mike and the Skin Med spa family are welcoming, absolutely professional & spa is impeccable. Will be looking forward to many more treatments with you all. As well as my whole family. Grateful, we came across each other! 5 stars across the board."
On Expertise
★★★★★
"Michael, as well as the rest of the staff are very knowledgeable and professional. The whole team is very nice! I will definitely be coming back. I would recommend this place to anyone!"
On Consultation
★★★★★
"Barbara was very thorough in explaining all types of procedures that I considered, what works best and cost. I would definitely recommend her."
On Results
★★★★★
"Barb is a magician! Absolutely love my results and looking to get more services done here. Already referred my aunt!"
Who would treat you, and what to verify
Michael Fressola, ACNP-BC
Board-certified acute care nurse practitioner
A Rush University graduate with roughly two decades in cosmetic treatments and surgery, previously a partner at a surgery center and advanced cosmetic practice.
Noelle Trost, LE
Certified laser technician & licensed esthetician
Performs laser resurfacing, hair removal, IPL, and medical-grade facial protocols.
Illinois licenses are public. Look up any provider through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation before your first treatment.
Frequently asked questions — Skin Resurfacing near Carol Stream
Before you book
Get an itemized price in writing, confirm which licensed provider is treating you, and ask to see the product or device. This site takes no bookings — the practice handles all of that at (630) 541-8413.