Contour TRL™

Idaho Sun, Decades of Damage

Living in the Treasure Valley means long summers on the lake, weekends on the ski hill, and year-round high-altitude UV exposure most people never think twice about. Over time, that adds up in ways sunscreen alone cannot undo.

Many patients come to us with sun spots, deep static wrinkles, and rough, uneven texture that have not responded to over-the-counter products or lighter in-office treatments. If you are looking for a more targeted solution and want a provider who understands exactly what your skin needs, Contour TRL may be the right next step to discuss at your consultation.

What Contour TRL Is

Contour TRL is a fully ablative, non-fractional, single-wavelength erbium laser resurfacing treatment designed for deeper sun damage, wrinkles, and skin aging.

• Fully ablative erbium laser that removes the damaged outer layers of skin in a controlled, uniform way
• Non-fractional, treating the entire skin surface rather than a pattern of microscopic columns
• Single wavelength (2940 nm erbium:YAG) with precise depth control
• Targets deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, and uneven texture and pigment
• Stimulates new collagen production over time
• Typically performed as a single treatment rather than a series
• Offered at both our Boise and Meridian locations

What to Expect

• A consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists to confirm you are a good candidate and discuss anesthesia options
• Treatment typically takes place in-office with topical numbing and, for some patients, oral or local anesthesia for comfort
• The procedure itself generally takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the areas treated
• Skin will appear pink to red immediately afterward, similar to a significant sunburn
• Downtime typically runs 5 to 7 days, with peeling, redness, and swelling that gradually resolve
• Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions and follows up closely during your recovery
• Most patients can return to normal activities within a week, though sun avoidance is essential during healing

What Results Look Like

Because Contour TRL works at a deeper level than lighter resurfacing treatments, many patients find their skin's texture, tone, and firmness continue to refine over the following months as new collagen forms.

• Initial improvement in texture and pigment is often visible as the skin heals over the first few weeks
• Continued improvement in fine lines and skin quality can be seen for up to 3 to 6 months
• Results vary based on skin type, degree of sun damage, and individual healing
• Sun protection after treatment is essential to help maintain your results long term

Who Contour TRL Is For

• Adults with significant sun damage from years of Idaho's outdoor lifestyle
• Patients with deeper static wrinkles that have not responded to lighter treatments
• Those with uneven texture, sun spots, or pigment irregularities they would like addressed in a more targeted way
• Patients who want a single, more intensive treatment rather than a series of sessions
• Adults who are able to take time for a recovery period of about a week
• Patients who want to look refreshed and healthy, not overdone
• Not typically recommended for active acne, certain skin conditions, or during pregnancy, which can be discussed at consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Contour TRL different from microneedling or lighter laser treatments?

Contour TRL is a fully ablative, non-fractional laser treatment designed for deeper sun damage and wrinkles. Unlike fractional lasers such as ProFractional or HALO, which treat a pattern of microscopic columns and leave surrounding skin intact, Contour TRL resurfaces the entire treated surface in a single, more intensive session. Treatments like SkinPen microneedling are typically better suited for milder texture concerns and require less downtime. A consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists can help determine which option fits your skin and goals.

Is Contour TRL painful?

Topical numbing and, when appropriate, additional anesthesia are used to keep patients comfortable during treatment. Most patients describe the sensation as manageable with minimal discomfort, and our team monitors comfort closely throughout the procedure.

How much downtime should I plan for?

Most patients experience redness, swelling, and peeling for about 5 to 7 days after treatment. We recommend planning time away from work or major social commitments during this window and following your provided aftercare instructions closely.

Will I need more than one treatment?

Contour TRL is typically performed as a single, more thorough session rather than a series, which is part of why many patients choose it. Your provider will confirm whether your specific concerns may benefit from any additional treatment at your consultation.

Am I a good candidate for Contour TRL?

Good candidates are generally adults with visible sun damage, deeper wrinkles, or textural concerns who are able to take time for recovery. A consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists will confirm whether Contour TRL is appropriate for your skin type and health history.

Why Treasure Valley Dermatology

Contour TRL is a precise, technical treatment, and choosing the right provider matters as much as choosing the right laser.

• Care led by Dr. Dustin Portela, DO, board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and Idaho native, Dr. Kelsey Ferrell, DO, board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, and Dr. Ben Buttars, DO, board-certified dermatologist
• One of only a few practices in the Treasure Valley offering this level of combined medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology expertise under one roof
• 700+ five-star reviews from patients who describe our team as "a breath of fresh air" and say "she genuinely cares about her patients"
• Full-family dermatology care for patients of all ages, from teenagers to retirees
• Two convenient locations in Boise and Meridian serving Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, Star, Kuna, and the surrounding Treasure Valley
• Access to clinical trials and advanced in-office technology, including CoolSculpting, SkinPen, Radiesse, and XTRAC laser

Ready to Talk About Contour TRL?

If years of Idaho sun have left your skin looking tired, textured, or older than you feel, a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists is the best next step. We will walk you through whether Contour TRL is right for your skin and answer every question along the way.

Schedule your consultation today at dermatologyboise.com/schedule-an-appointment or call our Boise or Meridian office. Your skin deserves care from a team that knows exactly what it needs.