Fractional laser skin resurfacing procedure does not involve the entire skin, but only a portion of it. The laser beam penetrates the selected layer of the skin and leaves microscopic holes in it, forming a micro-area surrounded by intact tissue. Their cells (fibroblasts in the skin) are activated and the laser-damaged area of the skin begins to regenerate. The laser beam delivers a large amount of energy to the skin, which stimulates the natural production of collagen and accelerates skin renewal.
This procedure perfectly renews the skin without surgery or injections, and the results are often obvious and satisfying after just one procedure.
Laser fractional rejuvenation of the skin is a safe and effective procedure, particularly suitable if you want to reduce unevenness, scarring, pigmentation, wrinkles and brighten the skin.
What are the advantages of fractional laser skin resurfacing?
The main advantages of this laser procedure are:
- results are visible after the first procedure;
- the skin that has been treated with the laser is regenerated;
- you can solve several skin problems in one procedure.
What skin problems does the fractional laser skin resurfacing procedure solve?
Fractional laser skin resurfacing procedure:
- smooths fine, medium and deep wrinkles;
- firms the skin;
- smooths various types of scars: after acne, trauma, surgery, burns;
- unifies the complexion and brightens the skin;
- eliminates stretch marks;
- tightens enlarged skin pores;
- removes pigmented skin spots;
- is suitable for all skin types.
Laser skin resurfacing procedure can be applied to the face as well as to other areas: chin, neck, décolleté, hands, localised scars. You will be able to enjoy the effects of the procedure after about a month.
How long does the laser skin resurfacing procedure take?
With a doctor’s consultation, the procedure takes 60 to 90 minutes.
Are there any side effects of the skin resurfacing procedure?
How the skin will look after the procedure depends on the area that was treated with the laser. Normally it will be red, slightly swollen and hot.
Scabs and blisters may form and the skin may peel as it heals.
In rare cases, skin pigmentation changes may occur, where areas of skin affected by the laser become lighter or darker compared to the surrounding skin. These effects will subside after a while.
IMPORTANT: At Primum Estetica, a test on the skin of the forearm is carried out before the scheduled procedure and evaluated five days after the procedure. After this test, the doctor decides whether the procedure is possible.
In very rare cases, scarring or skin cracks may occur.
How do I prepare for the laser skin resurfacing procedure?
The success of the laser fractional rejuvenation of the skin procedure depends largely on how you prepare the area of skin to be treated for the procedure:
- Avoid ultraviolet sunlight for 4 weeks, do not visit a solarium, do not sunbathe.
- Wash your face with a mild cleanser for 4 weeks before the procedure and do not use acid or other exfoliating procedures.
- Do not use cosmetic products containing retinol for 2 weeks before the procedure.
- Do not undergo hair removal or laser hair removal procedures for 2 weeks before the procedure.
- Do not take antibiotics for 2 weeks before the procedure.
- Refrain from taking blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) at least 3 days before the procedure.
Inform your doctor a few days before the procedure:
- if you have undergone plastic or reconstructive surgery;
- if you have a history of herpes (herpes virus);
- if you are taking any medication.
Your skin must be healthy and free of inflammatory signs before the procedure.
How many laser skin resurfacing procedures should I have?
The number of procedures depends on your goals. For problems such as the removal of fine lines and wrinkles, minor skin irregularities, even skin tone, and the reduction of enlarged pores, 1 procedure is often sufficient. For more serious skin problems, 2-3 procedures may be necessary. For scar removal, 3-5 procedures are usually performed.
Is laser skin resurfacing procedure painful?
To make you feel comfortable during the procedure, an anaesthetic cream is applied to the area of the skin to be treated before the procedure.
When is laser skin resurfacing procedure not possible?
The procedure is not performed:
- during pregnancy;
- for patients with autoimmune diseases;
- when undergoing chemotherapy procedures;
- in cases of impaired skin healing and/or scarring;
- in cases of disorders and diseases affecting blood coagulation.
How do I take care of my skin after a laser skin resurfacing procedure?
During the consultation, the doctor who performs the procedure explains in detail how to take care of the skin after the procedure, what products to use and what to avoid.
The general recommendations are:
- Don’t be alarmed, the first day after the procedure the area affected by the laser will look like a severe sunburn.
- After the procedure, cool the area affected by the laser every hour for about 10 minutes with a cooling ice compress, which you can buy at the pharmacy before the procedure; do not apply a bare pack to the skin, wrap it in a clean towel; repeat the procedure 6 times.
- Apply generously the cream recommended by your doctor 4 times a day until the skin has healed (3-7 days).
- Avoid hot water, bathing and showering for 2 days; afterwards, when showering, protect the affected areas by avoiding the water jet and rinsing with lukewarm water.
- Do not scratch, scrape, peel or apply anything to the skin.
- Sleep on a higher pillow for 2 nights after the procedure, so that your head is slightly elevated.
- Do not exercise for 3 days after the procedure.
- Do not go to the sauna for 1 week after the procedure.
- Do not use cosmetics containing retinoids or glycolic products for 2 weeks.
- Do not use chemical or other aggressive exfoliation for 4 weeks after the procedure.
- Avoid direct sunlight for at least 6 weeks and use sunscreen with SPF 50 or more.
The procedure is performed with the DEKA SmartXide DOT/RF CO2 medical laser, which incorporates a radiofrequency source – this combination is considered to be the gold standard for skin resurfacing because:
- After just one procedure, wrinkles are reduced and skin elasticity is improved.
- It is perfectly adaptable to different areas of the face and body and to different skin types.
- It is safe for particularly sensitive areas: around the eyes, neck and décolleté.
- Pulse shape design (PSD) technology causes little thermal damage to the tissues and minimal invasion, resulting in a faster healing process.
