Laser Skin Resurfacing

What is Fractionated Laser Resurfacing?

This is the adapted use of the conventional Ablative Laser resulting in “Fractional Photothermolysis”. Instead of targeting the whole top layer of skin the fractionated Laser targets smaller spaced areas leaving undamaged skin in between. This causes a much reduced amount of damage allowing the skin to heal much quicker than if the area was fully ablated. Though this technique can be applied to a non-ablative laser again its efficacy is far inferior to the fractionated ablative laser.

What type of Laser Resurfacing do you offer?

We offer Fractionated CO2 Laser Resurfacing or Fractionated CO2 Ablative Photothermolysis treatment.

What can Laser Resurfacing be used to treat?

Primarily it rejuvenates by promoting the skin to increase its cellular turnover and lay down new collagen. It is mainly used to reduces and remove fine lines, refine the texture of scarred and pitted skin, reduce age spots & blemishes and help to repair sun damage on the face, neck, shoulders and hands.

How do I prepare for skin tightening treatment?

Your skin should be thoroughly cleansed and dried, removing any makeup, creams, oils, topical anaesthetics or self-tanning products before laser treatment. The intended treatment area should not be exposed to sunlight or tanning booth light for 14 days prior to treatment. Treatment is repeated after the skin has healed sufficiently.

How is the procedure carried out?

Firstly a thorough consultation is carried out to determine your expectations from treatment and to let you know what results you can expect. Analysis of your skin is carried out to determine any contraindications to treatment and any risk factors that may be involved for your individual case.

The area of concern is then treated by the laser, small areas are treated sequentially. This will result in a mild redness of the skin and some temporary white dots. The white dots show the areas where the laser has penetrated the skin and vapourised the tissue. The white dots disappear after a few minutes but the redness will remain. A typical treatment of the full face takes approx. 30 minutes.

Once complete we apply cold microfibre masks to cool the area treated as quickly as possible. The cold microfibre masks are replaced as needed to reduce any heat that can result from the vasodilation following treatment.

How does the skin tightening treatment work?

The laser creates a beam of intense infra-red that deeply penetrates the skin tissue, causing a ‘zone’ of heat. This stimulates collagen and results in tighter, more youthful looking skin. See the Laser Tightening Science below for more a more detailed explanation.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

The number of sessions is approximately 3 or less but this depends on the area being treated and the condition of your skin. Many factors impact the efficacy of individual laser treatments, including the severity of the condition being treated. You will see improvement following the FIRST treatment, as your skin heals it will visibly tighten, pulling all the wrinkles taut.

How will I Look and Feel After the Procedure?

Though this is a far less intensive procedure than full ablation there is damage to the skin and as a result there will be some redness and possible swelling after the treatment which can last from 2 – 7 days. Although it is possible to return to work immediately most people take approximately 5 days off work, or have the procedure done on a Wednesday/ Thursday as after a few days the skin can discolour to a dark brown before it is naturally exfoliated. The skin can be quite flaky for 2 – 3 weeks.

What Instructions Do I Need to Follow After Having the Procedure?

• After 2-3 days it is possible to use light make-up to camouflage skin redness but try to avoid heavy foundations if possible as is important to let your skin breathe as much as possible whilst it is healing.
• Use a non-greasy moisturiser daily to help the skin to heal, avoid creams with active ingredients such as AHAs or Retinoids.
• Avoid sun exposure for 6 weeks and wear a daily SPF of 30 or higher.
• Do not sleep on the area treated and if possible keep the area slightly raised for the first couple of nights to help avoid swelling.
• Cool compresses or aloe vera gel can be used if required to relieve the burning/stinging sensation in the first few days.

Condra-indications:

• Active herpes (cold sore) infection or other skin infection e.g. impetigo or rosacea at treatment sitePatients who have used isotretinoin in the last 12 months e.g. roaccutane.
• Any patient who has had intense UV exposure in the previous 8 weeks either from sunbathing or sunbeds.
• Care must be taken with patients who have a darker skin type.

What are the Risks Associated with the Skin Resurfacing Procedure

• Redness and swelling for a few days (redness may last for a few weeks).
• Burning and stinging sensation at the treatment site for a few days.
• Activation of the cold sore virus – if you suffer from cold sores we will give you a prophylactic course of acyclovir to prevent an outbreak.
• Infection of the treated area – you may be given a prophylactic course of antibiotics if a large area is treated.
• Hypo/hyperpigmentation of the treated area especially in those patients with a darker skin type and those who do not strictly adhere to the advice regarding skin preparation and aftercare.