treatment for Fractional Laser Resurfacing at our dermatology office in Venice dermatologist treating Fractional Laser Resurfacing
Fractional Laser Resurfacing is a technology that provides the advantages of traditional resurfacing methods, without the discomfort and inconvenience of a long healing period, and without the risk.
Most traditional resurfacing methods treat the entire skin surface by stripping or removing the entire top (epidermal) layer of skin. This creates a visible wound, and results in the loss of the skin’s protective function. Fractional Laser Resurfacing works in a different manner – by treating microscopic sections of the skin. This leaves undamaged skin around each treated area to act as a barrier and a reservoir for rapid healing. Fractional Laser resurfacing leaves no open wounds, so there is no downtime for the patient.
Fractional Laser Resurfacing uses an invisible laser beam the size of a human hair in diameter. The beam passes through the upper layer of skin to make a microscopic wound in the underlying collagen. Undamaged cells surrounding the treated area will move into the treated area to heal it. In one session, although millions of these microscopic areas are created, 80% skin is left undamaged, which allows for rapid healing. No visible wounds are created during treatment, so there is no downtime. The skin will look mildly “bronzed” for a few days.
The treatment is usually performed in the doctor’s office. The doctor will prescribe topical anesthetic for the patient to apply at home, 2 hours before treatment. Right before treatment, the anesthetic cream is removed and the treatment area is cleansed. A water-soluble food-coloring dye is then applied to the cleaned skin. This dye enables the laser to accurately track the skin during treatment. The doctor may re-apply an anesthetic ointment over the blue dye.
During treatment, the laser passed over the skin using an overlapping technique. The laser passes are tracked, and the doctor will make between 4-8 passes over each area. The skin is kept cool with an appliance that blows cold air. The doctor may provide the patient with injections of anesthetic, if needed. Treatment time takes approximately 30 minutes.
For optimum results, a set of 4-6 treatments spaced at least one week apart are recommended. Collagen regeneration and skin tightening continue to occur over the 3 to 6 month period after treatment.
Fractional Laser Resurfacing can be used to treat sun-damaged skin, fine wrinkles, age spots and sun spots, acne, scarring, rosacea, and striae (stretch marks).