Laser Skin Resurfacing

When you are looking for advanced skin resurfacing for the renewal of facial and body tissues, something that goes beyond chemical peels or microdermabrasion, it may be time to utilize the latest in laser technology. Laser skin resurfacing offers several options for fractional ablative and non-ablative methods.

FRACTIONAL ABLATIVE VS. NON-ABLATIVE RESURFACING

Fractional ablative laser skin resurfacing removes columns of the tissue, while non-ablative (or fractional laser) treatment heats isolated columns of tissue. Fractional laser skin resurfacing targets small, neatly spaced treatment areas while simultaneously protecting surrounding skin. This arrangement allows for the aggressive and relatively quick treatment of the skin’s surface with reduced risk of thermal damage.

At Senza Aesthetic Medicine, we offer both fractional ablative (using the DEKA DOT) and fractional non-ablative (using the Fraxel laser) treatments.

What is Fraxel laser treatment?

Fraxel laser treatment (FLT) was created by Reliant Technologies and is a new aesthetic solution that repairs aging and sun-damaged skin in pixeled patterns. At Senza, we describe the Fraxel laser as a next-generation laser skin resurfacing method, similar to digital photo-editing software but for your skin. Think of your skin as a digitized photo in need of high-quality restoration. To delicately restore an old photograph, you would focus on repairing each pixel within the picture; this is the same method used when applying the Fraxel laser treatment.

WHAT IS THE DEKA DOT FRACTIONAL CO2 LASER TREATMENT?

The DEKA DOT Fractional CO2 laser is a new ablative skin resurfacing treatment that penetrates deep below the upper layer of skin to stimulate the body’s collagen and elastin production. The revolutionary laser improves an array of conditions, from acne scars to wrinkles and melasma, to create drastic results.

CO2 resurfacing lasers are among the most commonly used lasers in aesthetic medicine, but DEKA DOT is unique because it’s less invasive and utilizes the fractional laser technique. Instead of using one large laser beam to disrupt skin tissues, a fractional laser emits many tiny beams that target a fraction of the skin at a time, leaving surrounding skin untouched. Because of this, the advanced DEKA DOT fractional CO2 promotes faster healing and less recovery time.

What Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Treat?

The Fraxel laser treatment is FDA approved for skin resurfacing procedures addressing fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and pigmented lesions (melasma, age spots, sun spots and dyschromia) on the face and body.

How Do Laser Resurfacing Treatments Work?

Fraxel Non-ablative Resurfacing

When applied to the skin, the Fraxel laser creates thousands of small columns in treatment zones invisible to the naked eye, targeting flawed skin without disturbing the surrounding healthy tissue. Fraxel is the only laser device designed to resurface the skin without penetrating the protective outer layer. This fractional treatment resurfaces 20 to 25 percent of the face or body treatment area at any one time, permitting healthy tissue to rapidly heal damaged cells. FLT reaches deep into the dermal layer to begin collagen remodeling in underlying layers, allowing the body’s natural healing systems to create new, healthy tissue that removes imperfections.

DEKA DOT Fractional CO2 Ablative Resurfacing

Alternatively, fractional ablative treatments like DEKA DOT can more aggressively resurface the skin should you have advanced sun damage and discoloration. Fractional ablative laser procedures require additional recovery time since we are stripping the surface of your skin and the body needs time to repair and heal the new layer. Patients with extensive damage to the skin are often recommended for fractional ablative laser treatments.

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Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQ's

What Areas Can Be Treated With Laser Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing can address blemishes and signs of aging on many areas of the face and body. The most common treatment areas include the face, neck, chest/décolleté, back of the hands, arms and legs. If you have a specific area of your face or body you’d like addressed, contact Senza Aesthetic Medicine to see if you can benefit from laser skin resurfacing treatments.

When undergoing laser resurfacing on the body, your skin may need more time to heal compared to facial resurfacing treatments. For body treatments, plan to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing in the treatment area for the first few days to avoid irritation and sweating.

How Long Does a Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment Take?

These laser treatments, which include the application of a topical anesthetic, typically take an hour to an hour and a half. Some patients can return to their usual activities (including work and social obligations) the same day. Other patients require slightly more recovery time depending on the condition of the skin and depth of treatment. There is no lengthy recovery for Fraxel, no anesthesia risks or side effects, and the treatment is tolerable.

Is There Research Backing Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatments?

Based on clinical experience, doctors are reporting a noticeable improvement in patients after three to five treatments. In our practice, we have observed improvements in uneven skin color, tone, and wrinkles around the eye area. Fraxel laser skin resurfacing results are comparable to other traditional modalities associated with more significant side effects and downtime.

Are There Any Side Effects After Laser Skin Resurfacing?

We have not experienced any significant adverse side effects, but we have seen a small incidence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darker patches of skin) with no reported cases of hypopigmentation (lighter patches of skin). We look for cell turnover and peeling to evaluate these effects.

After treatment, the skin tends to appear pinkish-red for a few days, with slight swelling immediately afterward. When there is good blood circulation, the skin will turn pink. This reaction is normal and signifies that the dermal tissue has begun the repair process.

Based on the depth of laser treatment, whether we’ve used ablative or non-ablative methods, there may be moderate swelling in the treatment area for a couple of days. This repair process starts with a bronzing of the skin that lasts anywhere from three days to two weeks after treatment, followed by a flaking of the dead tissue as the rejuvenated epidermal skin replaces damaged cells.

Is Laser Resurfacing Painful?

Treatment is tolerable and, for many patients, virtually pain-free. We use a topical anesthetic ointment that alleviates any pain sensation as well as contact cooling during laser applications to improve patient comfort. Patients can shave and apply makeup after treatment.

Are Your Patients Satisfied With Their Results?

Senza patients are thrilled with our laser treatments, and we often receive word-of-mouth referrals. What makes laser skin resurfacing such a success is that every patient who receives treatment experiences significant cosmetic enhancements. Patients see consistent results with a softer, smoother and more toned face and body, plus ongoing improvements that leave you with vibrant, healthy and youthful skin.

Is There an Ideal Candidate for Treatment?

Patients over 40 years old with a significant amount of sun damage, age spots and scarring are the ideal candidates for laser skin resurfacing treatments. Fraxel laser treatment appeals to patients who want results with minimal downtime or risks.

Can Fraxel Be Used With Other Non-invasive Treatments?

At Senza, we routinely combine treatments such as Botox, fillers and other minimally invasive treatments with laser skin resurfacing.

How Long Do the Results of Laser Skin Resurfacing Last?

Results will vary by patient, but the best results come from healthy skin care regimens as advised by Dr. Rasi. Adequate sun protection and touch-up sessions can improve skin quality for years following the initial treatment series.