A non-ablative Er:YAG lift for skin losing firmness, density and elasticity. The beam works purely through a thermal effect — with no vaporisation of the epidermis, no healing period and a lower risk of complications. Designed for anyone who cannot afford any recovery time.
The Er:YAG laser beam, using Fotona's unique SMOOTH technology, works on the skin purely through a thermal effect — controlled energy delivery deep into the skin, with no ablation (no vaporisation of the epidermis). Light at a wavelength of 2940 nm stimulates the shortening of existing collagen fibres and the formation of new collagen, leading to a strong lifting, firming and tightening effect. SMOOTH mode is recommended for patients who do not yet have visible wrinkles but need deeper firming and smoothing for loose, thin skin. As the treatment does not cause epidermal shedding, it requires no healing period and suits anyone who cannot take time away from their professional life.
The non-ablative SMOOTH lift is the deepest-acting mode available on the Fotona Er:YAG handpiece. The beam's energy is absorbed by water in the skin, which heats the tissue (a thermal effect) and, in turn, strongly stimulates every layer of the skin to regenerate collagen and elastin through neocollagenesis. The SMOOTH pulse mode fires three pulses in very rapid succession, reaching considerably deeper than a single impulse. The result is a change in skin structure at every level — from the epidermis to the dermis — firming, thickening, restoring elasticity and improving firmness.
The SMOOTH lift is part of our Fotona laser lift portfolio — alongside Fotona 4D, PIANO, Endolift and SmoothEye. In total, we have performed 25,931 laser treatments.
Source: Versum and Booksy reports, as of 30 June 2026.
Energy absorbed by water in the skin — heating the tissue with no vaporisation of the epidermis (a thermal effect).
Three impulses fired in very rapid succession reach considerably deeper than a single Er:YAG impulse.
Stimulates every layer of the skin to shorten and rebuild collagen and elastin fibres — for lasting firmness.
SMOOTH is the deepest-acting mode of the Fotona Er:YAG handpiece. For patient comfort, the skin is cooled during the treatment with a Cryo6 medical cooling device. The treatment involves no healing period and a lower risk of complications.
We use this treatment for 2 indications. It works a little differently for each — below we explain exactly what it does in each case.
Er:YAG in SMOOTH mode delivers energy purely as heat, with no ablation — the epidermis is not vaporised, so the skin does not peel and there is no downtime. It shrinks existing fibres and stimulates the growth of new ones, so part of the effect is visible immediately, while the rest builds over the following weeks.
02The absence of ablation matters especially on the neck — the skin here is thinner and heals more slowly than on the face, and SMOOTH mode leaves the epidermis intact. You can have the treatment without stepping away from your daily routine.
Wondering which indication matches your situation? See all indications or ask us at your consultation.
The non-ablative Er:YAG lift (SMOOTH mode) is documented in the scientific literature. The studies below relate to Er:YAG technology — the mechanism shared by the SMOOTH lift. Sources: PubMed and PubMed Central.
Repeated Er:YAG irradiation effectively denatures and remodels dermal collagen in vivo, with less epidermal damage than classic Er:YAG resurfacing.
PubMed →Repeated Er:YAG pulses produce deep, controlled coagulation of dermal collagen — the basis of the tightening and firming effect.
PubMed →This study describes non-ablative soft-tissue resurfacing using repeated Er:YAG pulses: bulk heating contracts existing collagen and stimulates the formation of new collagen.
PubMed Central →The cited studies relate to Er:YAG laser technology, not a specific device brand. The number of sessions is set individually by our specialist; results may vary depending on skin condition.
The session itself involves treating the chosen area of skin with the Er:YAG handpiece in SMOOTH mode to warm the skin. This usually takes 1–2 passes with the handpiece, depending on patient comfort. The laser is active for around 15 minutes. The treatment is not painful, and the skin is cooled with a Cryo6 cooling device for comfort. Afterwards, a light reddish-brown skin tone and minimal flaking may appear after a few days — with no downtime.
Our specialist rules out contraindications and plans the treatment areas.
The skin is cooled for comfort during treatment.
1–2 passes with the Er:YAG handpiece, around 15 minutes of laser time.
No healing period — you can return to your daily routine straight away.
The treatment requires no downtime, but it is worth protecting your skin for a few days afterwards. Slight redness and minimal flaking are normal and temporary.
For at least 4 weeks, avoid tanning the treated area; use a high UVA+UVB filter.
For 5 days, skip the sauna, intense exercise and anything that dilates blood vessels.
Use gentle cleansers (Cetaphil) and soothing creams; avoid exfoliants, soap and alcohol-based toners.
Good hydration supports healing and the lifting effect between sessions.
Book a follow-up around 6 weeks after your last session to assess the results.
This information is for educational purposes. Your specialist will provide detailed recommendations; results and healing vary by individual.
Authentic photos from our Velvet Skin Clinic locations in Warsaw (Świętokrzyska — City Centre, Niepodległości — Mokotów).


The price depends on the area treated. For the full effect, a course of 3–6 sessions is recommended, carried out every 4–6 weeks. We agree the plan and price during your consultation.
“In Velvet Skin Clinic, you can truly feel exceptional.” (translated from Polish)
Lena Libera · 2025Google review“Extremely pleasant service and professionalism at every step — I recommend it!” (translated from Polish)
anna goetz · 2024Google review“What sets this place apart from others like it? The people — qualified, competent and very friendly staff. An individual approach and good-quality equipment, guaranteeing safety and comfortable treatments. I recommend it!” (translated from Polish)
Kinga Piotrowska · 2018Google reviewEvery case is assessed individually by our specialist during the consultation. Alongside temporary contraindications (recent tanning, retinoids, antibiotics, cold sores), the following are absolute contraindications:
SMOOTH is a non-ablative lift using the Fotona Er:YAG laser (2940 nm). The beam heats the skin without vaporising the epidermis, shortening existing collagen fibres and stimulating the formation of new ones. The result is firmer, thicker, tighter skin with no downtime.
SMOOTH uses the Er:YAG laser (2940 nm) with a triple pulse working from the epidermis to the dermis. PIANO is an Nd:YAG mode (1064 nm) for bulk, deep heating of a larger tissue volume. The choice depends on skin thickness and wrinkle depth — our specialist selects the right mode for you.
No. The treatment is non-ablative — it does not vaporise the epidermis, so it requires no healing period. Slight redness and minimal flaking may appear after a few days, but you can return to your daily activities straight away.
For the full effect, a course of 3–6 sessions is recommended, carried out every 4–6 weeks. Collagen stimulation builds with each session. Our specialist tailors the number of sessions to your skin condition and goals.
Yes. SMOOTH mode is also used to firm body skin, for example the abdomen after pregnancy or weight loss. The area and settings are agreed during your consultation.
Prices start from 500 zł and depend on the area treated. We agree the exact price at your consultation. You will find our full price list on the pricing page, and you can book a consultation online or by phone.
Treatments at Velvet Skin Clinic are performed by qualified cosmetologists with years of experience in laser therapy, hi-tech devices and skincare treatments. After your consultation, we match the method and specialist to your skin and your goals.








00-116 Warszawa · opposite the Palace of Culture and Science
tel. 500 53 30 30
The publications underpinning this treatment — with PMID identifiers and an evidence-strength rating.