Fractional Skin Resurfacing
If you are thinking about skin resurfacing then this is the treatment for you. The Lux 1540 is the newest fractional laser for enhancement of the skin’s appearance for treating unwanted lines and acne scars. Fractional non-ablative skin resurfacing is the only method that offers both excellent results and reasonable social downtime. Patients can treat pigmentation, acne scars, fine lines to deep wrinkles, while tightening and toning the skin.
“In my opinion, fractional resurfacing has proven to be the gold standard for the treatment of many skin conditions. This includes fine wrinkles, acne scars and melasma,” said Vic Narurkar, M.D., a dermatologist in private practice in San Francisco, Calif. “In fact, in my practice, fractional resurfacing has virtually replaced ablative resurfacing because we are achieving consistent results, without all the risks associated with ablative procedures, assuming there is proper patient selection.”
What is Fractional Laser Rejuvenation and how does it work?
Fractional Laser Rejuvenation (FLR) is the latest technology used to reverse the signs of aging. FLR is the most effective anti-aging laser ever developed. This non-surgical procedure smoothes and rejuvenates the tone, colour, dexterity and elasticity of tissue and can address any area of the body.
FLR technology works through the creation of tiny columns in the skin, known as micro-thermal treatment zones. This treatment penetrates deep into the dermal layer and eliminates dead tissue cells, unwanted pigmentation, or even long term sun damage. FLR’s real genius, however, is found in what it leaves untouched. FLR uses an intermittent technology which selectively heat treats every other skin column allowing adjacent tissue to remain unaffected. The untreated areas maintain tissue stability and allow for quick recovery. This is what gives it the name “fractional,” for FLR only fractionally treats areas of the skin to promote quicker healing of tissue than if the entire area were treated unselectively. And when the natural healing process occurs new, healthier, tighter tissue replaces the old.
How is FLR different from other Laser treatments?
Unlike older ablative laser technology which removes the top layer of skin, FLR produces tiny micro-dermal wounds separated by nodes of untreated healthy tissue. Unaffected tissue contains living cells that promote rapid healing of the outer tissue while FLR stimulates new collagen production deep in the dermal layer that continues for up to six months.
What improvements are achieved?
This type of laser treatment will improve the look of scars, lighten pigmentation, lessen fine lines and wrinkles while tightening and toning the skin due to collagen stimulation. Improvements are generally seen in 2 to 3 months with long lasting results.
Will I feel pain or discomfort?
The treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed prior to the procedure. Following this, a topical anesthetic cream is applied to numb the treatment area. The treatment does heat the skin and swelling occurs quickly. Your skin will be hot for approximately 3-4 hours post treatment. A topical anesthetic is again applied post treatment for comfort and ice packs are recommended to help with the swelling.
How long does a treatment take?
The total time required for a full face treatment is 3 hours. During the first hour the skin is frozen using two applications of topical anesthetic 30 minutes apart. The treatment proper will take approximately two more hours to complete.
What will I look like after the treatment?
The patient will appear to have a mild sunburn following the treatment. The degree of redness and swelling is dependent upon each patient’s skin and treatment. Swelling usually subsides in a couple of days and a patient’s skin will have a pinkish tone up to a week which is an indication of the healing process deep in the dermal layer. Some may even experience peeling. The good news is that patients’ may apply cosmetics soon after treatment. In short, there is about one week of social downtime for most patients.
What are the results of the treatment?
The healing process following a FLR treatment may be attended by the following: a patient’s skin may have a bronzed appearance for 3 to 14 days, depending on the extent of the treatment. A patient may also experience the flaking of skin as the treatment area will naturally exfoliate as replenished tissue replaces dead tissue. The use of moisturizer will help with the appearance of flaking. As a protective measure, a patient is advised to apply sunscreen twice daily to protect skin from sun exposure during the healing phase and several months after treatment.
Who are the best candidates for this treatment?
Clients who have concerns with maturing skin issues will all benefit from this type of treatment. It is an aggressive treatment and the results are satisfying. Clients with concerns regarding acne scarring, skin texture and hyperpigmentation, will see great benefits from the "Fraxel" treatment. Fine lines and wrinkles are noticeably improved, as well as the tone of the skin due to the lifting of sun damage.
How many treatments are needed?
Visible results are seen after just 1 treatment, but at least 3 treatments are usually needed for optimal results and up to 4 or 5 treatments may be required for those with long-term sun damage. Treatments are spaced intermittently every 4 weeks.
