Women and men who are looking to improve the appearance and quality of their skin in a non-surgical manner may benefit from ProFractional Laser Resurfacing. This quick and comfortable treatment uses a specialized laser to generate the body’s own healing process and improve skin complexion. Best of all, it requires less downtime than traditional ablative skin resurfacing! Contact our Quincy or Plymouth office today and request a ProFractional Laser Resurfacing consultation.
ABOUT PROFRACTIONAL LASER
Sciton’s ProFractional laser is an ablative laser treatment that reduces signs of aging and skin imperfections.
This deep resurfacing treatment addresses issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, acne scars, uneven skin texture, and more. The strength of the laser wavelengths can be adjusted depending on the patient’s particular concerns and the extent of treatment that is required. This ProFractional laser treatment renews, thickens, and improves skin quality and complexion without the lengthy downtime that is normally required with other forms of laser treatments.
Integrated Dermatology’s Quincy and Plymouth patients love ProFractional because it is quick and effective. This is a fantastic treatment for different skin types, even those with sensitive skin. The handheld applicator allows the skin expert to deliver precisely controlled treatment at various levels to meet the patient’s exact needs.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The ProFractional laser creates micro-perforations in the skin, treating thousands of pinpoint areas on the skin. The created microcolumns reach deep into the dermis, ablating only a fraction of the tissue within the treatment area. By not ablating the entire surface area of the skin, recovery is faster.
The laser energy administered helps stimulate the body’s natural healing process to encourage collagen and elastin production.
Naturally occurring substances in the body are known for volumizing, firming, and rejuvenating the skin, which in turn reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and other skin imperfections. After treatment, patients benefit from a reduced recovery period, yet still, achieve profound results.
WHAT DOES THE PROFRACTIONAL LASER TREAT?
Profractional laser treatments can be used for a variety of skin conditions, including:
Scars or acne scars
Fine lines
Wrinkles
Age and sun spots
Freckles
Damaged skin from sun exposure
Uneven texture
Discoloration
ProFractional laser can be used on any part of the body but is commonly administered on the face, neck, chest, and hands.
PROFRACTIONAL LASER VS. CHEMICAL PEELS
When it comes to treating our skin and the concerns that develop, Integrated Dermatology offers both ProFractional laser resurfacing and chemical peels. The purpose of these two treatments are similar; however, the way they provide results are different. ProFractional uses microbeam laser technology to target a portion of damaged tissue and trigger collagen production. By only treating a fraction of the tissue, this allows the unharmed tissue to aid in a faster recovery. This laser has the ability to adjust the strength of treatment, providing results for an array of skin imperfections.
Chemical peels, on the other hand, target all of the skin within the treatment area, not just the specific area of concern. The special chemical solution causes the top layers of skin to flake and peel off which will allow the new, healthy skin to surface. One treatment is not better than the other, it simply depends on the patient’s particular concerns and what it is that he or she is looking to achieve. During an initial consultation, patients can discuss with the specialist which treatment would be the best fit for their needs.
GOOD CANDIDATES
Good candidates for ProFractional laser resurfacing are men and women who are looking to diminish the look of skin imperfections on a particular area of the body, normally the face and/or neck, through non-surgical treatment. Patients should be in good health and have no current skin conditions. The ProFractional laser is great for most skin types and tones and can treat a wide range of skin concerns, from more superficial concerns to imperfections that lie deep within the dermis.
In order to find out if ProFractional laser treatments are a good fit for you, contact our office and schedule a consultation.
CONSULTATION
During the initial consultation, Dr. Reed will ask the patient about his or her concerns and what their expectations and goals are. Once this has been discussed, the patient will be asked about their medical history, any current skin conditions, and routine medications to ensure safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Dr. Reed will then examine the skin within the area(s) of concern to identify the particular issues and determine if the patient is an ideal candidate for this treatment, although most patients are considered good candidates. During this time, the doctor and the patient will construct a personalized treatment plan that will help achieve the patient’s aesthetic goals. Through this, the doctor will be able to provide the patient with an individualized quote for the cost of the treatment.
PROFRACTIONAL LASER TREATMENT
ProFractional treatments are about 30 minutes long and are very tolerable. Before beginning the treatment, numbing cream is applied. In certain cases, a local anesthesia can be administered to help reduce discomfort during the treatment, although this is uncommon. To begin the treatment, the handheld applicator is placed on the skin and emits microbeam laser energy. During the procedure, the laser will treat thousands of pinpoint areas on the skin, leaving the surrounding tissue completely unharmed. The targeted tissue will induce the body’s natural healing process and stimulate collagen production to repair the skin. In areas where there is more scarring, patients may experience pinpoint bleeding during treatment, but this is very common and will subside shortly after the procedure is finished. Once the ProFractional treatment is complete, the doctor will explain proper aftercare and the recovery expectations.
RECOVERY
Immediately following treatment, patients may experience some redness similar to that of mild sunburn. The redness will begin to subside after 3-5 days, depending on the depth of treatment. Overall, healing times will vary from patient to patient and more extensive treatment will cause for a longer recovery period. Patients will be more sensitive to sun exposure and should avoid direct sun until their skin has fully healed from treatment.
It is important for patients to use sun protection, such as sunscreen, at all times to protect the skin from further sun damage and unwanted signs of aging.
RESULTS
ProFractional laser treatments can be done in a series of up to four treatments scheduled several weeks apart. We recommend our patients to finish out the recommended number of treatments to receive optimal results. After the skin has healed, patients will experience complete skin rejuvenation. The quality of the skin will be more thick and firm, while also appearing more youthful and rejuvenated. Scars, wrinkles, and fine lines will be noticeably reduced. The skin will appear smooth and even in texture and complexion.
ADDITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
At Integrated Dermatology, Dr. Kenneth Reed can combine Profractional laser treatments with other available anti-aging services in his practice. He also offers comparable treatments for patients who do not qualify as ideal candidates for ProFractional laser treatments. This can be discussed in greater detail during the initial consultation.
BOTOX
Botox can be used to reduce and help prevent wrinkles that form on the face over time. Crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles develop on the skin after repeated contractions of the facial muscles. Botox resolves this by temporarily preventing the muscles from contracting, diminishing existing wrinkles and reducing the chances of new wrinkles from forming. Botox injections provide youthful results that can be long-lasting with recurrent injections; about every 3 months.
DERMAL FILLERS
Dermal fillers can be used to replenish or add volume to the face. Patients can use fillers such as Juvederm, Bellafill, and Radiesse to enhance their current features or correct diminishing volume. Depending on the area that the patient is looking to treat, the doctor will recommend the particular dermal filler that will provide the desired results. The results of this treatment can be maintained through regular injections. Depending on the filler, results can last up to 1 year. Dermal fillers are often combined with ProFractional laser treatments for an even complexion and enhanced facial features.
SKINTYTE
SkinTyte uses light energy to help correct skin laxity on certain areas of the face and body. This treatment is beneficial for patients who have sagging skin on the cheeks, jowls, neck, chest, upper arms, etc but do not need a full facelift. This will trigger the body’s natural production of collagen which will cause the skin to tighten. This treatment can be paired with ProFractional laser treatments to create a comprehensive treatment for damaged or aging skin.
BBL PHOTO REJUVENATION
BBL Photo Rejuvenation uses broadband light to heat the skin and cause the body to naturally produce collagen, which will, in turn, improve the skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance. This treatment is non-invasive and non-ablative, allowing it to be easily paired with another skin rejuvenating treatment. This treatment helps surface issues, whereas the ProFractional laser treatment will treat the dermis.
PRICING
The cost of ProFractional laser resurfacing will depend on the patient’s specific case and if they opt to receive additional treatments. Dr. Reed will work with each patient to understand their goals and find the most effective way to provide optimal results. A custom quote will be provided at the end of the consultation visit.
If you want to learn more about the Sciton Profractional laser or any other treatments available at Integrated Dermatology, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Come find out if you are a viable candidate for this revolutionary laser procedure that can reduce imperfections and drastically improve the texture, tone, and appearance of your skin.