When it comes to non-ablative laser resurfacing, fractional lasers distribute heat into your skin through numerous tiny, deep columns known as microthermal treatment zones. The purpose of the treatment is to eliminate old epidermal pigmented cells and deposit heat deep into your epidermis to stimulate collagen remodeling that will tighten your skin. The surrounding tissue remains unaffected. The fractional method allows faster healing of your skin than if the whole area was treated. Tighter and healthier skin replaces wrinkled skin with this procedure. This approach reduces the recovery period and the chances of complications occurring. In some cases, multiple sessions may be required. Here is what you need to know about the procedure.
What the procedure entails
Non-ablative skin resurfacing uses a laser to improve the appearance of wrinkles, minor scars, and brown spots by creating heat in the skin without injuring the skin’s surface. The heat produced by the laser promotes the generation of collagen and this causes the skin to tighten and to appear healthy, and young. Non-ablative lasers are often fractioned so as to deliver heat into multiple, tiny and deep columns without injuring the normal surrounding skin surface. Prior to the procedure, a medical esthetician will assess your medical history and perform a skin analysis. Let your esthetician know if you have a history of cold sores or related disorders. This is also the perfect time to discuss what you would expect from the treatment, the benefits of the procedure as well as the potential risks involved. Here is what you should avoid prior to the procedure.
- Avoid taking aspirin and other blood thinners
- Do not use deodorants, perfumes, and other potential irritants in the treatment area
- Avoid excessive sun exposure or tanning
When is the procedure appropriate?
As mentioned before, non-ablative fractional resurfacing plays an instrumental role in helping improve the appearance of skin conditions such as wrinkles, stretch marks, melasma, sun-damaged skin, scars, and age spots. If you have unrealistic expectations of the procedure or you have certain prolonged health conditions, this procedure is not appropriate for you. The procedure is not necessarily painful but you may experience some discomfort. However, your medical esthetician will apply a topical anesthetic to reduce the discomfort if necessary. Pain is normally very insignificant.
What to expect after the procedure
After non-ablative fractional resurfacing, the recovery time is minimal. Improvement is steady and can take a few months to be fully effective. A series of treatments may be necessary in some cases. Here’s what you need to know after the procedure.
- Avoid sun exposure after the treatment and apply sunscreen daily
- apply a cold compress to alleviate pain
- Avoid sleeping on the treated area to avoid prolonged swelling
- Keep the treated area well moisturized
- You can camouflage the redness caused by the treatment with makeup without any negative effects
- You can go back to work right after the procedure
Treatment may be painful or not
The sensation felt during laser treatments is equated to a rubber band snapping against the skin. Nevertheless, what non-ablative fractional resurfacing feels like depends on your tolerance for pain, the area, and depth of treatment, as well as the laser itself. Deeper ablative laser treatments may require intravenous sedation or local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Non-ablative laser treatments involve passing laser through the skin deep into the dermis without removing any skin layers thus causing little to no pain so a relevant numbing cream will do the job. You can expect a certain degree of tenderness in the treatment area after the procedure. Your medical esthetician will prescribe safe ways to control discomfort after laser resurfacing if necessary.
Darker skin does not necessarily exclude you from the procedure
There is a common fallacy that laser resurfacing is only safe for fair skin types. It is true that particular lasers pose a higher risk for cell damage, hypo-pigmentation, or discoloration in the dark skin; but there are effective and safe resurfacing options. The only and best way to guarantee an effective and safe laser treatment for your skin type is to consult with a medical esthetician who has experience, and knowledge in laser resurfacing procedures. Do not go for someone just because they are offering a great deal or because of their brand name. Book your free consultation with Mederm Esthetics Laser Clinic and one of our senior medical estheticians will be glad to go through all your skin concerns and advise a treatment plan that will be best suited for you.
Please call or email Mederm Esthetics Laser Clinic about our services or to schedule your consultation.
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Phone : 905-597-2887
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Email : info@medermesthetics.com