What is the difference between a Rejuvenation Facial and a Feathering Facial? Both are Elite IQ laser facials at Opal Medical Clinic & Aesthetics in Calgary. A Feathering Facial uses gentle bulk heating to tighten skin and stimulate collagen, so it suits fine lines, early laxity, and mild unevenness. A Rejuvenation Facial is more intense and focuses on pigment, redness, and broken capillaries to even out your complexion. Rejuvenation is recommended for lighter skin types (1 to 3), while feathering is generally suited to a wider range of skin tones. A consultation confirms the right choice for you.
Introduction
If you’ve looked at the facial menu at Opal Medical Clinic & Aesthetics, you’ve probably noticed two names that sound similar: the Feathering Facial and the Rejuvenation Facial. Both promise brighter, smoother, more youthful-looking skin. So how do you choose?
The key thing to know is that these are not traditional spa facials with steam and creams. They are laser-based facials performed with the Elite IQ laser under a physician-led clinic. That means the treatment you pick should match your skin type and your main concern, whether that’s fine lines, sun spots, redness or an uneven tone.
In this guide, our Calgary team explains how each facial works, who it suits, what it feels like, what to avoid before and after, and how to decide.
What Are Laser Facials at Opal Medical Clinic?
Opal MD offers two laser facials using the Elite IQ platform:
- Feathering Facial: a gentler laser facial focused on skin tightening and collagen renewal
- Rejuvenation Facial: a more intense laser facial focused on colour correction (browns and reds)
Both sit under our Facials menu and are delivered in a medical setting where your skin type, health history and goals are reviewed first. That’s one of the benefits of choosing a physician-led aesthetics clinic rather than a standalone spa.
The Feathering Facial Explained
Best for: fine lines, early skin laxity, uneven tone and general refresh.
How it works
The Elite IQ laser uses bulk heating to gently warm the deeper layers of the skin. This helps break down worn collagen and elastin and encourages your body to produce new collagen, leading to tightening and a smoother texture. It also helps with pigmentation from sun damage, redness and small capillaries.
What it feels like
Most patients feel warmth similar to a mild sunburn. It is comfortable and bearable, and the heat and redness usually settle within minutes.
Results and schedule
You may see a difference after one treatment. For best results, we recommend 3 treatments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart.
Cost
$300 per session or 3 sessions for $600 (pricing at time of writing; please confirm when booking).
The Rejuvenation Facial Explained
Best for: sun spots, brown pigmentation, redness and visible capillaries.
How it works
The Elite IQ laser light is attracted to pigment in the skin. It breaks the pigment into smaller fragments so it can fade, leaving a more even skin tone. It also targets small capillaries, which helps reduce visible redness and broken vessels. The treatment is designed to tighten and even out the complexion by addressing the “reds and browns.”
What it feels like
You’ll feel warmth, similar to a sunburn sensation. Because this facial is more intense than the Feathering Facial, expect it to feel stronger, though the heat and redness typically settle within minutes.
Results and schedule
You may notice results after one session. We recommend 3 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Cost
$350 per session or 3 sessions for $750 (pricing at time of writing; please confirm when booking).
Skin type note
The Rejuvenation Facial is recommended only for skin types 1 to 3 on the Fitzpatrick scale. If you tan easily or have deeper skin tones, your clinician will discuss safer options with you.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feathering Facial | Rejuvenation Facial | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Elite IQ laser | Elite IQ laser |
| Main goal | Tighten skin, boost collagen | Even out tone, treat pigment and redness |
| Targets | Fine lines, mild laxity, some pigment and redness | Sun spots, redness, broken capillaries |
| Intensity | Gentler | More intense |
| Sensation | Warm, like mild sunburn | Warm, stronger sunburn feeling |
| Skin types | Avoid skin types 5 and 6 | Skin types 1 to 3 only |
| Recommended series | 3 sessions, 3 to 4 weeks apart | 3 sessions, 4 to 6 weeks apart |
| Price | $300 or 3 for $600 | $350 or 3 for $750 |
Which Facial Is Right for You?
Choose the Feathering Facial if you:
- Want smoother, firmer-looking skin with a gentle approach
- Have fine lines or early loss of firmness
- Want a lower-intensity first laser facial
- Have mild unevenness rather than strong pigmentation
Choose the Rejuvenation Facial if you:
- Have visible sun spots or brown patches
- Notice redness, flushing or small broken capillaries
- Want a more noticeable colour-correcting result
- Fall within skin types 1 to 3
Not sure? Book a consultation. Your clinician will assess your skin type, concerns and history before recommending a plan. Some patients also pair facials with other treatments such as RF Microneedling (Potenza) for texture and firmness or Hyperpigmentation and Sunspot treatment for stronger pigment concerns. If redness is your main issue, ask about Vascular Lesion treatment.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
- Consultation and assessment: Your practitioner reviews your skin, goals and medical history, and confirms there are no reasons to avoid the treatment.
- Treatment: You’ll feel warmth as the laser passes over the skin. It’s comfortable and typically settles within minutes.
- Aftercare: You’ll go home with skin-protection advice and instructions.
To book, use our consultation page.
Before and After: Aftercare Tips
Following aftercare protects your results and reduces side effects.
- Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours
- Avoid direct sun, tanning beds and self-tanner. For the Feathering Facial we advise avoiding sun and tanning for 4 weeks before and after treatment.
- Apply SPF 30 or higher every day
- Avoid retinoids, benzoyl peroxide and acid-based products (salicylic, glycolic, lactic acid) after treatment
- Skip heat exposure such as hot tubs and saunas after a Feathering Facial
- Keep skin hydrated and use gentle products
A good home routine makes a visible difference. Browse our medical-grade skin care options, including Alumier and Zo Obagi, and ask your clinician what suits your skin.
Possible Side Effects and Who Should Avoid Them
Common side effects: redness and a sunburn-like feeling that usually settles quickly.
Rare side effects: burning, blistering and scarring.
Who should avoid these treatments:
- People who are pregnant
- People with recent sun tanning, tanning bed use or self-tanner
- Skin types 5 and 6 (Feathering) or skin types 4, 5 and 6 (Rejuvenation)
Your clinician will go through this with you before treatment. Be honest about sun exposure and any skincare products you use.
Best Time of Year for Laser Facials in Calgary
Fall and winter are generally the best seasons for laser facials in Calgary, because there is less strong sun exposure while your skin heals. Winter also brings cold, dry air, so keep your skin moisturized and protected. Read our guide on the best time for sunspot and laser treatments in Calgary for more detail.
Why Choose Opal Medical Clinic for Facials in Calgary?
Opal Medical Clinic & Aesthetics combines family medicine and medical aesthetics under one roof in Calgary SE. Our founder, Dr. Faiza Upal (MD, CCFP), specializes in both family medicine and aesthetics.
- Physician-led, CCFP-certified care
- Elite IQ laser technology
- Personalized plans based on your skin type and goals
- Convenient Calgary SE location serving Ogden, Forest Lawn, Southview and nearby communities
- Financing options available: see our financing page
Not sure what to look for in a clinic? Read our checklist: 7 Things to Look for in a Calgary SE Aesthetics Clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a feathering facial and a rejuvenation facial?
Both use the Elite IQ laser. The Feathering Facial is gentler and focuses on tightening and collagen renewal. The Rejuvenation Facial is more intense and targets pigment, redness and broken capillaries.
Are these facials safe for all skin types?
No. The Rejuvenation Facial is recommended for skin types 1 to 3. The Feathering Facial should be avoided for skin types 5 and 6. A consultation confirms what is safe for your skin.
Which facial is better for sun spots?
The Rejuvenation Facial is designed to target brown pigmentation and redness. For stronger pigmentation, ask about our dedicated sunspot treatment.
Which facial is better for fine lines?
The Feathering Facial is better suited to fine lines and early loss of firmness because it promotes collagen renewal through gentle heating.
Does a laser facial hurt?
Most patients describe a warm, sunburn-like sensation. It’s comfortable and usually settles within minutes. The Rejuvenation Facial feels stronger than the Feathering Facial.
How many sessions do I need?
We recommend a series of 3. Space Feathering Facials 3 to 4 weeks apart and Rejuvenation Facials 4 to 6 weeks apart.
How much do they cost?
The Feathering Facial is $300 per session or 3 for $600. The Rejuvenation Facial is $350 per session or 3 for $750. Please confirm current pricing when you book.
Is there downtime?
Most people have redness and a sunburn-like feeling that settles quickly. Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours, and avoid sun exposure and tanning.
Can I get a laser facial if I’m pregnant?
No. Pregnancy is a contraindication for both treatments.
How do I book a facial in Calgary?
Call (403) 300-1553, email admin@opalmdclinic.com or use our contact page.
Book Your Facial Consultation in Calgary
The best facial is the one that matches your skin type and your goals. Our team will help you decide between the Feathering and Rejuvenation Facial and build a plan that fits your skin, schedule and budget.
Book your appointment at Opal Medical Clinic & Aesthetics today.
- Phone: (403) 300-1553
- Email: admin@opalmdclinic.com
- Address: Unit #3, 7005 18th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2C 1Y1
- Book a Consultation | All Facials | Contact Us
Want more skin and wellness tips? Browse the Opal Medical Clinic blog.
