FAQs

Is fractional resurfacing right for me?
Resurfacing is a safe and effective treatment for most skin types. It can be used on almost all parts of the body. Resurfacing corrects years of damage to the skin.

Who is a candidate for this fractional resurfacing?
Fractional resurfacing treats mild to moderate wrinkles, sun damage, smokers lines, open pores, discolored areas, scaring?acne and traumatic, melasma, rosacea and dark circles under the eyes. There are few restrictions on individuals who can undergo this procedure.

What does fractional resurfacing treat?
Fractional resurfacing treats mild to moderate wrinkles, sun damage, actinic keratosis, solar lentigines (sun spots), dyschromia (changes in the pigment ), some vascular lesions and roseacea. Although there are no perfect treatments for scaring, resurfacing will smooth and soften scars from acne or trauma.

Will it hurt?
Prior to the procedure a topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area. During the treatment you will feel a mild sting or snapping sensation. After the procedure you will feel like you have a sun burn. Pain is minimal and only occasionally over the counter pain medication is needed.

I have sun damage on my chest and arms too. Can this treat those areas?
Resurfacing can be done on the face, neck, arms, shoulders, chest, decolletage,, arms and almost anywhere on the body.

Will it effect my beard?
Resurfacing can permanently remove some hair and make the remaining hair white and fine. If you plan on growing facial hair, treat around that area.

Will I miss work?
You will be able to return to your normal activities almost immediately. You should avoid exercise for a few days. You will have a red face and lotion on your face for 4-7 days. Many people are able to use make up at day 3 or 4 to cover the redness.

What about the dark circles under my eyes?
As we age the skin under the eye get thin and the dark circles that appear show the venous pooling under the eye. Resurfacing will significantly improve the dark circles under your eyes.

How does it treat the wrinkles?
The fractional laser works in two ways. First the laser causes immediate skin tightening so you will see an improvement as the redness resolves. Secondly the laser stimulates remodeling of the existing collagen and stimulates production of new collagen for 6 months. Collagen is the substance that adds strength, tightens skin and adds a layer to make the skin more smooth.

What does it do for the texture of the skin?
The fractional laser will remove a significant portion of the top layer of the skin. This allows the new skin to be brighter, smooth and more healthy looking. The laser causes tightening of the skin which will improve pore size.

Why have I developed spots on my face? Will resurfacing help?
The damage to skin comes from sun shine, smoking and environmental toxins. The fractional resurfacing laser will remove sun damage (spots and irregular texture) and discoloration from other causes as well.

How long does it last?
That depends on how you care for your skin after the procedure. Remember sunlight and smoking account for the vast majority of skin damage we have.This again emphasizes the importance of avoiding the things that damage our skin. With proper skin care the results should be obvious for many years.

What about my eye lids?
After topical anesthetic, corneal shields can be put in place and the laser can treat up to the lower eyelash and from the upper eye lash to the eyebrow. This will tighten the skin and reduce the redundant skin in the upper eyelid.