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Active FX Fractional Laser Resurfacing (video)
What is Fractional Laser Resurfacing?
Lasers have evolved over the past 20 years with substantial improvements in safety and effectiveness. Earlier lasers removed all the epidermis leading to long downtimes of 6-8 weeks with redness, pain and oozing. In addition, these lasers removed all the pigment cells leading to hypopigmentation, which was usually permanent.
In the past 2 years, lasers have been developed which pixellate or remove only tiny sections of skin and leave normal skin "bridges" in between. Because the entire skin is not removed, it repairs itself and grows back in less than a week, including the pigment cells, so there is very little risk of permanent hypopigmentation.
Who is a candidate for fractional laser resurfacing?
This procedure improves many of the signs of premature aging such as fine wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, lax eyelid skin and lax skin under the chin and on the neck. Anyone who wishes to improve the tone, texture and tightness of their skin will have improvement in all these issues with one treatment. The face, neck, chest, arms and hands can be treated.
What can I expect to see immediately following my treatment?
You will experience swelling and a mild sunburn sensation for about 1-2 hours following the treatment. For the first 2-3 days following the treatment the skin will be remain slightly swollen and red. Your skin may appear slightly redder or darker for 3 to 14 days depending on your skin type and treatment level. Natural exfoliation will occur as new skin replaces dead tissue. Therefore, mild flaking and peeling may occur for approximately 4-7 days. Use of a moisturizer will mask the appearance of flaking. We recommend the use of topical Vitamin C serum at least every 2 hours the first 4 days to speed healing.
You may apply mineral based makeup after the skin has healed, usually by Day 4. Some patients are able to return to routine activities, including work and social functions the same day of treatment. Others require a little more time, depending upon their skin condition and the level of treatment. Your treatments can be tailored to have either less or more downtime, depending on your schedule.
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