Exemplary methods and systems can be provided for resurfacing of skin that include formation of a plurality of small holes, e.g., having widths greater than about 0.2 mm and less than about 0.7 mm or 0.5 mm, using ablative electromagnetic radiation, e.g., optical energy. An optically transparent plate or window can be pressed over a surface of the skin tissue as the holes are ablated to disrupt formation of a thermal cuff around the holes. Compressive or tensile forces can then be applied to the treated region of the skin tissue as the damage heals to facilitate hole closure and provide enhanced and/or directional shrinkage of the treated skin area.