Profractional Laser
Profractional laser resurfacing is a quick, comfortable laser procedure that produces a more youthful, refreshed appearance with minimal downtime. The profractional laser can improve the overall appearance of the skin as well as a variety of common skin conditions such as wrinkles, fine lines, scars, acne scars, sun damage, brown spots and uneven skin tone, freckles, enlarged pores and stretch marks. Commonly treated areas include the face, neck, chest and hands.
Profractional laser resurfacing is performed on an outpatient basis in the office setting. A numbing cream may be used to optimize the patient’s comfort. Procedure times will depend on the size and number of areas treated but generally range anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour. During treatment, the laser creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin, treating fractions of the skin while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue and stimulating the production of new collagen.
Recovery following profractional laser resurfacing is generally quick. Patients may experience some mild redness similar to a light sunburn; however, makeup can be worn within one to two days of treatment to help camouflage any remaining redness. Most patients find that they can return to work and other normal activities within one to three days. The treated skin will need to be protected from the sun for a period of time after treatment. Profractional laser resurfacing is typically performed as a series of one to five treatments which may be spaced every three to six weeks apart.
Microlaser
The Microlaser peel is a light to moderate laser resurfacing procedure performed with the Sciton® laser. The Microlaser peel improves skin tone and texture for smoother, healthier and more vibrant looking skin with minimal downtime. It is often referred to as the “weekend” peel because patients can have the procedure done on a Thursday or Friday and return to work on the following Monday.
The Microlaser peel is ideal for individuals who are looking to improve the skin without the lengthy downtime or discomfort associated with other resurfacing procedures. The treatment is tailored to the individual patient to address their specific concerns. Wrinkles, scars, acne scars, pre-cancerous lesions (keratosis), pigmentation problems and sun damage can all be treated. The Microlaser peel is commonly used on the face, neck, hands and chest.
The Microlaser peel is an outpatient procedure which may be performed with a local or topical anesthetic. During treatment, the outermost damaged layers of skin are precisely removed with the laser. The Sciton® laser can be used at varying levels for less extensive resurfacing to a full resurfacing effect.
Patients generally experience less redness, swelling and bruising and a more rapid recovery of two to four days. Improvement can be seen in just a few days. During the first day or two, an ointment will need to be applied to the treatment area. The skin will appear red at first but this will begin to fade by day two and makeup can be worn on day 3 to help camouflage any residual redness. Patients may opt for a repeat treatment after six to twelve months.
Erbium Laser
The Sciton® erbium laser is currently one of the most advanced and sophisticated erbium YAG lasers available for skin resurfacing. Compared to many other lasers and forms of skin resurfacing, the Sciton® laser generally produces more precise resurfacing, increased patient comfort, shorter healing times and fewer side effects.
The Sciton® laser can be used on both the face and body and is safe on most skin types. A variety of skin conditions can be treated including wrinkles, age and sun damage, brown spots, discoloration, and scars. The Sciton® laser can also tighten the skin and improve skin tone.
Sciton® erbium laser resurfacing may be performed with local anesthetics and nerve blocks. During treatment, the activated laser is passed over the skin, precisely removing the damaged outermost layers of skin while sparing the surrounding tissue and promoting the formation of new collagen and elastin. One treatment is typically all that is needed.
The Sciton® laser involves a shorter recovery time for patients with less postoperative swelling and redness compared to other laser resurfacing treatments. Patients may experience some swelling, scabbing and/or crusting. The treated skin will need to be kept moist with ointment during the postoperative period. Most patients can resume normal activities within eight to ten days and makeup can be worn after ten to twelve days. Sun protection must be worn for two to three months after treatment. The skin will appear pink during the first few weeks after treatment and this will fade to reveal a smoother, more youthful look and feel.
