Fractional resurfacing: Innovation in modern aesthetic laser techniques
Fractional resurfacing is the most modern and one of the safest and most effective treatments found today in the field of aesthetic medicine. The treatment is based on a device called CO2 laser which is being used for over three decades in medicine, combining the advantages and results of both the ablative and the non-ablative lasers.
Fractional resurfacing scans the area to be treated selectively, and targets the deeper, collagen and elastin producing, layers of the skin. These two substances keep our skin young and tight. The procedure restructures collagen and triggers skin rejuvenation without any skin damage or peeling (usually occurring in treatmets like deep peelings or common laser resurfacing). Therefore, the patient does not need to“sacrifice” personal time or working time to stay home.
Fractional resurfacing treats effectively fine lines or wrinkles, skin harshness, enlarged pores, acne scars, damages caused by sun exposure and discolorations (e.g.sun spots, freckles, melasma). It can also be used by anyone seeking substantial skin rejuvenation.
In contrast to treatments of the past, fractional resurfacing can be applied not only to our face, but all over our body (neck, cleavage, hands etc.)
Clinical experience has shown that, for most of the patients, 3-4 sessions with an interval of 3-4 weeks between sessions are adequate. More difficult cases like acne scars may need more sessions. The decision on the number of sessions needed will be taken after the initial evaluation by the physician.
An hour before treatment, a special anesthetic cream is applied. Feeling only light “stings”, most patients report that fractional resurfacing is less annoying than laser hair removal. In the end, no patient discontinued treatment because fractional resurfacing was unbearable or he/she felt pain.
After treatment you feel like you are mildy sunburned. Skin redness fading away after 48 hours, can easily be conceald by applying makeup.
Usually, a session lasts around 30 minutes. After treatment, a moisturizer must be applied liberally, sun exposure must be avoided and, of course, the use of sunscreen is imperative.
Results appear gradually. As more collagen is produced in the deep layers of your skin, you gradually look better. Your skin is softer, more even, patches and discolorations disappear. Your face looks young, radiant. Of course, nobody should expect to look 20 years younger the next day after treatment. The results are long term but they don’t last for life. One or two maintenance sessions will be needed every year.
Fractional resurfacing can be applied to younger individuals, as a preventive trearment, to block the appearance of the signs of aging or sun exposure and to maintain the skin’s youthful aspect.
Fractional resurfacing cannot replace or ever come near to the results of a bleharoplasty or a face lift. Nevertheless, it is one of very few non–ablating treatments producing a tightening effect on the skin. Fractional resurfacing can be combined with many other asthetic treatments: botox, injectable hyaluronic acid, mesotherapy, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, spider vein laser etc.
The best time of the year for the above treatments is when there is a low level of sunshine.
The main idea is that fractional resurfacing brings rejuvenation and dramatic change to the skin without the discomforts of an ablative procedure. It is actually a miracle of science!