Laser skin resurfacing can improve the appearance of your face by selectively targeting the superficial layers of skin that contain fine lines or wrinkles, scars and hyperpigmentation. Laser skin resurfacing is now a very safe and common procedure that many people are choosing rather than more invasive surgical procedures. Fractional resurfacing laser treatments can be used to improve the following skin conditions:

• Pigmentation problems (especially brown pigment)
• Age spots, sun spots and sun damage
• Moderate to severe wrinkles
• Textural irregularities
• Lip lines
• Acne scars
• Surgical scars
• Skin laxity (sagging skin)

How long does a fractional resurfacing procedure take?

Fractional laser resurfacing treatments are generally quick, lasting around 30 minutes to an hour. The length of the procedure depends on how many areas of the face, neck or chest are being treated.

How many fractional laser resurfacing treatments will I need?

Patients usually need a series of laser treatments in order to see the best results. Our doctors will usually recommend 1-4 laser treatments, every 4-12 weeks. The exact number of treatments varies and depends on the needs of the patient and factors such as age, skin type, etc.

What are the side effects of fractional resurfacing?

Fractional laser resurfacing side effects are mild.  There will be periocular swelling primarily for the first 2 days post treatment.  The skin will be “raw” and re-epithelialize over 3-5 days.  Typically patients can return to make-up on the 5^th day.  The healing period depends on the parameters where some patients may need more aggressive settings to address the underlying condition

When will I see the results of the fractional resurfacing treatment?

Visible results from fractional resurfacing laser treatments can vary. There are essentially two stages of results: immediate and progressive. Immediately after your first laser treatment your skin will feel smoother, look brighter and the tone will become more even at 1 week. Your skin will continue to improve over the next six months as you have more treatments and the deeper layers of skin continue to improve.

How long do the effects of the fractional resurfacing laser last?

The results of the laser treatment are long lasting, but not permanent. The better your take care of your skin and protect it from the sun, the longer the results will last. You might need annual touch-up treatments to keep your skin looking its best.

How much downtime should I expect after a fractional resurfacing treatment?

There is minimal downtime after a fractional resurfacing laser treatment. Right after the procedure your skin will probably appear red and slightly swollen, but this will fade within 2-5 days. For milder treatments, many patients are able to cover up the redness the next day and return to work or daily activities, but typically a return to make-up occurs around day 5.  Additionally, many patients experience some skin peeling within the first week after the treatment. Using a moisturizer will help reduce the appearance of flakey skin.  Visit my blog at www.cosmeticdoctalk.com and there is an entry with daily photos post laser treatment.

Does fractional laser resurfacing treatments hurt?

Many patients compare laser resurfacing treatments to being snapped with a rubber band combined with heat. To minimize the discomfort or pain a topical anesthetic is applied prior to the procedure. After the treatment some patients experience a tingling sensation similar to that of a sunburn, but this normally goes away within a few hours.

How much does fractional resurfacing cost?

The cost of fractional laser resurfacing varies depending on what laser is used and the size of the area that is being treated. We would be more than happy to give you a personalized fractional resurfacing treatment plan and cost estimate during a consultation with one of our expert laser dermatologists.