TThe Fractional Laser Treatment is an innovative system that rejuvenates the skin’s appearance, smooth’s wrinkles and minimizes other signs of aging such as sun spots or skin irregularities. Fractional requires virtually no downtime, so skin can be treated and you can return to your normal routine and activities immediately.
Fractional Laser Treatment at a Glance
How Does Fractional Laser Treatment Work?
Fractional Laser Treatment is an innovative treatment that uses highly controlled lasers to create minute thermal interactions in small points along the treatment area. These interactions cause the underlying collagen to rebuild itself, smoothing out lines and wrinkles and evening out skin tone. While thousands of microscopic areas are treated, the surrounding untreated areas act as healing aides, helping the skin to recover more quickly. There is no downtime and no visible skin oozing or scabbing. Most people describe the first days after treatment like having a mild sunburn.
What Does Fractional Laser Treatments Treat?
Fractional Laser Treatment smooth’s out fine lines and wrinkles and corrects skin discoloration. Skin damaged from sun exposure melasma (not generally sun related) and lentigos (freckles) on the face, neck, chest or hands are all treatable.
What are Fractional Laser Treatments Like?
Fractional Laser Treatments require no following downtime. You can return to your normal activities following your session.
An anesthetic cream is also applied that typically takes 45 to 60 minutes to activate. Once the anesthetic is working the laser is applied with a handheld device. The laser treatment typically lasts 25 to 30 minutes, but depends on the amount of surface treated. Most people describe the laser treatment as feeling “prickly,” but not painful. Afterwards the blue tint is washed from your face and you can return to your normal activities.
You may notice slight swelling or reddening the first two days after treatment. This can be minimized with make-up. Most people compare the recovery period to a mild sunburn. Your face will be flushed (and then “tanned” or bronzed) for a week or so and your skin will begin to flake off. This is part of the healing process, allowing your skin to recover and for collagen to be regenerated.
Most people have about five Fractional Laser Treatments, spaced approximately two weeks apart.
Does It Hurt and What Can Go Wrong?
A topical anesthetic is applied to minimize any potential discomfort. Most people describe the treatment sensation as prickly, but not uncomfortable. Any treatment comes with the possibility of risks or complications, but because Fractional is non-ablative, risks are very rare. In fact, Fractional’s innovative technology reduces the potential for skin irregularities or scarring often associated with laser peels.
What Should I Expect from Fraxel Laser Treatments?
Fractional Laser Treatments penetrate the epidermis causing regeneration of collagen below the skin’s surface. This means that final results will slowly reveal themselves over time and may not be fully visible for up to six months after treatment. However, most people report beginning to see results about one week.
For more information about Fractional Laser Treatments, we encourage you to call to schedule an in-office consultation 571-539-6002.
