Additional Information
| Laser Treatment | Half Face, Eyes, Full Face, Forehead, Cheeks, Forearm, Neck, Decolletage, Chin, Hands, Lip |
|---|---|
| Sessions | One session, Three sessions, Five sessions |
Fractional Laser
$300.00–$6,000.00
The most advanced Er:bium Glass Fiber Laser (wavelength :1550nm) available today for laser resurfacing. This new advance in laser resurfacing technology allows us to dramatically improve your skin with fewer risks and less down time than the older CO2 laser resurfacing technology (ablative).
What is it used to treat?
Fractional laser treatment is used for the treatment of facial lines and wrinkles (rhytides) and skin pigmentation associated with photo aging, surgical and acne scarring, and chloasma.
Fractional laser treatment can be used on any part of the body, but is particularly useful on the neck, chest and hands when compared to traditional ablative modalities. Fractional laser treatment may also be of benefit for poikiloderma of Civatte and stretch marks.
How does it work?
To understand how fractional laser treatment works a basic understanding of skin structure is required. Briefly skin consists of 3 layers, the epidermis (uppermost layer), dermis (mid-lay) and subcutis (lower fat layer). The epidermis contains pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for skin colouring. The dermis is made up of collagen and elastin fibres that provide skin with strength, toughness, elasticity and pliability (click here for detailed information on skin structure).
As the body ages, the appearance and characteristics of the skin alter. The epidermis becomes thinner so blemishes become more visible, and collagen in the dermis is gradually lost which contributes to the formation of facial lines, sagging skin and wrinkles.
Fractional laser treatment works by targeting both the epidermis and dermis. It does this by delivering a laser beam that is divided into thousands of tiny but deep columns of treatment into the skin. These are called microthermal treatment zones (MTZs). Within each MTZ old epidermal pigmented cells are expelled and penetration of collagen in the dermis causes a reaction that leads to collagen remodelling and new collagen formation. By using MTZs, the laser targets and treats intensively within the zone whilst surrounding healthy tissue remain intact and unaffected. This fractional treatment results in a faster healing process than if all tissue in the treatment area was exposed to the laser.
How is a Fractional treatment different from other laser skin rejuvenation procedures?
Traditionally, two kinds of laser treatment have been available for cosmetic skin treatment: ablative and non-ablative. Typical ablative treatments, which use a high temperature to vaporize unwanted tissue, can be effective – but with significant side effects and several weeks of recovery time. Non-ablative treatments, meanwhile, have very few side effects and low downtime, but they commonly require numerous treatments to produce more modest results.
Fractional laser treatment delivers the potency of ablative treatments with the gentle safety of non-ablative lasers. So you get the best of both worlds: dramatic results and less downtime.
What does the procedure involve?
The following is an outline of the Fractional laser procedure:
Pre-treatment assessment / preparation
Main Treatments
- Define problem areas and tailor a treatment pattern to target the areas for correction.
- Take pre-treatment photographs.
- Patient needs to remove all jewellery and makeup. Wash face with cleansing lotion and water prior to treatment.
- An anaesthetic cream is applied to the treatment area. It takes about 45-60 minutes for the anaesthetic to take full effect.
- The anaesthetic cream is removed and a gliding gel is then applied to the treatment area, which helps the laser to lay down an even MTZ spot pattern.
Application of Fractional Laser
- Treatment time will depend on the areas being treated, but a full face will take around 30 minutes.
- The pain associated with the procedure is dependent on the energy delivered to the treatment site. It is essential that the strong anaesthetic cream provided with the Fractional laser is used.
- A cooling mask is used to reduce the discomfort during the procedure.
Post-Treatment and Recovery
- Patients may experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour after the procedure.
- Swelling is usually minimal and should resolve in 2-3 days.
- The skin will have a pinkish tone for 3-5 days.
- Within 24 hours new epidermal skin develops and the skin will have a bronze appearance that can last between 3-14 days. Flaking of the skin may also occur as new skin replaces dead skin tissue. This can be treated with a moisturising cream.
- During the healing phase and for several months after treatment, it is recommended that the treatment area be protected using a moisturising sun block with an SPF of at least 30+. Protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats should also be used.
Four to five treatments with Fractional Laser is required, depending on the energy level used. These are spaced one month apart. The results are not immediate and are slowly progressive, with optimal improvement visible over a three to four month period. This timeframe and treatment regimen allows for complete healing and replacement of damaged tissue with new collagen and elastin, and viable healthy skin cell growth.
Can the excess pigmentation come back?
Common pigmented lesions do not return. Some lesions may return after a period of several months to a year. However, the procedure can be repeated with similar results. The conditions that we treat vary in extent and severity from client to client. Consequently, each client response to any treatment does vary, and we are unable to guarantee individual results.
Are the wrinkle results permanent?
The collagen stimulus is semi-permanent, however, you may have to come back for a touchup once or twice a year to keep the results fresh.
What are the side effects and complications?
Fractional laser treatment appears to be well tolerated by most patients. Shaving or application of make-up can be done soon after treatment. In most cases, patients can return to work directly after treatments or the following day, depending upon their skin condition and treatment.
Some of the side effects and complications that may occur after aggressive or high level treatments include:
- Excessive desquamation (scaling, peeling) and some crusting.
- Swelling for up to one week after treatment – this can be helped by applying an ice pack at 10-minute intervals for the first 24 hours.
- Post inflammatory pigmentation occurs more commonly in patients with a history of melasma or post.
- Inflammatory hyper pigmentation (more common in patients of darker skin types).
Fractional Laser can help treat the following conditions:
- Reduction and possible removal of fine lines and wrinkles caused by sunlight or early aging wrinkles, on the lower eyelid or brow line, around mouth, forehead, cheek as well as crow’s-feet.
- Burn debridement, laser skin resurfacing.
- Reducing stretch marks.
- Reduction of age spots and blemishes, acne scar.
- Repair of sun damaged skin on the face, neck, shoulders and hands.
- Improvement of deeper wrinkles, light surgical scares, rough and large pores.
- Hispanic and lighter toned black skin.
- Firm up skin tone.
- Reduce mild pigment irregularities.
- Improve your complexion.
Session Design
- No of treatments: 3 – 5 treatments
- Treatment interval: 4 – 6 weeks
- Treatment time: 90 – 120 minutes
Contraindication
- Have other skin remodeling operations, such as dermabrasion within 7 days
- Injection Botox within 3 months
- E-light(IPL) treatment within 1 month
- Radio frequency treatment within 7 days
- Co2 fractional laser within 1 months
- ND-YAG Q-switched laser treatment (ablative treatment) within 1 months
- Hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, physical scars
- Skin disease or inflammation of the skin
- Pregnant women
- People who are allergic to light
- Mental disorder
- Do not want to accept the risk or prevent solarization after operation
- Taking retinoic acid drugs recently within 7 days
- People who have open scars, severe cardiopathy.
- People who have done chemical peel or laser treatment in the last one months.
- Should inform your clinician if you have any permanent makeup before beginning the treatment
- Stop use of Accutane 6-12 months before any treatments
1-2 WEEK BEFORE TREATMENT:
- Buy several bags of ice packs/frozen peas
- Buy Cetaphil or another gentle cleanser
- Stop use of Asprin, Advil and Aleve if possible. Tylenol is ok.
- Stop use of all Retinols/Retin-A
- Renova, Tazorac, “anti-aging” products
- Stop use of all glycolic acid treatments
- Avoid sun exposure 2 weeks prior to your treatment
- Stop minocycline, doxycycline and tetracycline
- Stop waxing
- Stop abrasive scrubs and microdermabrasion treatments
- Call your doctor if you have a history of cold sores- you may need a prescription for Valtrex or Famvir to begin the day before
DAY OF TREATMENT:
- VERY IMPORTANT – BE ON TIME – You will need the full time for numbing and photos
- Eat a meal 1-2 hours before your treatment – this prevents feeling jittery with the numbing cream
- No caffeine for 4 hours before your treatment
- Wear comfortable/ washable sweats or clothes
- Arrive with no make-up or eye contacts
- Bring a wide brimmed hat to your appointment to wear after your treatment
- Are you pregnant or breast feeding? If so, you are not a candidate at this time
- Tendency to hyperpigment?
- Talk to your doctor about starting a bleaching regimen four weeks before your treatment series
Here are examples of instructions your doctor might give you for care after your Fractional treatment.
- Ice for ten minutes every hour for the next 5 – 6 hours to reduce swelling. Use a bag of frozen peas covered with a thin clean cloth / towel.
- Avoid scratching or rubbing the treated skin – do not put adhesive dressings over treated areas.
- Men may shave 1-2 days post-treatment but be gentle
- Avoid all saunas and hot tubs. Showers can be taken, but avoid hot water and direct shower spray to treatment area for 3 days following treatment.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 48-72 hours (this includes all yoga).
- Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24-48 hours.
- Sleep with 1-2 extra pillows at night to keep head raised for the two nights.
- Avoid direct sunlight for a minimum of 4 weeks after your treatment and wear a sun block with 10% zinc or titanium for the next 4 weeks. If actively outdoors, you should reapply your sunscreen every 2-4 hours and wear a wide-brimmed hat
- Do not use any retinoid, Retin-A or glycolic products for 1-2 weeks post-procedure. Do not use any non prescription creams without checking with your doctor first.
- Refrain from any chemical peel treatments or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks post-procedure.
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