Fractional Laser

Fractional Laser Treatment

What is fractional laser skin resurfacing?

The fractional laser is a device that delivers precise laser microbeams of laser light in the lower layers of the skin. It creates deep and narrow columns of tissue coagulation that stimulates the body’s natural healing process. The deep penetration below the skin’s surface eliminates damaged skin cells, and they are rapidly replaced with new and healthy skin cells. 

You’ll experience both immediate and progressive results– right after healing is complete, your skin will be glowing brighter with a smooth, more even tone. And as the deeper levels of the skin continue to heal for the next 3-6 months, you will continue to see more improvement and more healthy rejuvenation.

This skin restoring procedure can be used to treat the:

• Face
• Neck
• Chest
• Arms
• Hands

The iPixel device we use truly makes this a state-of-the-art procedure. It can be customized by the number of pulses and pattern used. Both the 7x7 and 9x9 pattern allow for fluency and accuracy during treatment. 

What are the benefits of fractional laser treatments?

With fractional laser treatments, you will experience long-lasting results with very little downtime. Not only is the quality and overall appearance of the skin restored, it can help improve a wide range of individual skin concerns such as:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Deep lines
• Uneven tone or texture
• Sun damage
• Pigmentation issues
• Pore size
• Scars
• Photodamage

Such a small fraction of the skin is injured during this treatment that recovery time and downtime is minimized compared to other laser resurfacing treatments. The surrounding skin is unharmed during treatment, and the wounds are able to rapidly heal.

How does the fractional laser work?

This fractional laser treatment is unique, because it combines the impactful results of ablative laser technique with the comfort a patient would experience with that of a non-ablative technique. Strong results are achieved without the pain, discomfort, and downtime experienced with other laser treatments.

During the treatment, the beams of the pixel laser are split up into more beams to make either a 7x7 or 9x9 pattern. The beams go through the epidermis and the upper dermis to create microscopic heat zones. The laser beams go deeper the more pulses are used by your provider.

Think of your skin as a digital photo that is delicately touched up one spot at a time. Fractional treatment, likewise, affects a fraction of tissue at a time with thousands of microscopic laser columns—each just one-tenth the diameter of a hair follicle. 

Your body takes care of the rest. The laser columns stimulate a natural healing process that works from the inside out by replacing damaged tissue with younger and healthier skin.

What should I expect during the consultation and treatment process?

At your initial consultation, our team will assess your skin, patient history, and goals to determine a personalized treatment plan for you. The number of treatment sessions recommended will depend on your skin’s condition and can be spaced out about a month apart.

During your consultation, we will go over each step of preparation before your first treatment session. Scheduling your treatment session should be strategic, because prior you will need to:

• Avoid sun exposure or any artificial tanning for 3-4 weeks before
• Discontinue using any Retin-A products 2 weeks before
• Stay hydrated the week of to speed up the recovery process

You will come to your treatment session without any makeup or skin care products on. During the treatment, you can expect:

• Your face will be thoroughly cleaned and then topical numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area  
• You’ll be given protective eyewear to keep on during the procedure
• The applicator is moved over the treatment area bit by bit
• You may experience mild discomfort and a heating sensation 
• Treatment will last between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area 

Recovery time varies depending on the depth and strength of the treatment, but most will experience redness and swelling for the first day or two. Your skin will start to crust and peel. Full healing is expected between 7 and 14 days after.

Results of this treatment are considered permanent and can last for 1-2 years afterwards. Your skin will continue to age as time goes on, so it will be ideal for you to keep up with a healthy skincare routine between visits. You may need to re-visit for maintenance treatments depending on how your skin responds.

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