What is a Fractional Laser Resurfacing Treatment?
Fractional Erbium Laser Resurfacing is one of the most advanced laser procedures available for aging skin, acne scarring, and sun-damage. This is a safe and non-surgical option to obtaining softer, smoother, more youthful skin. Best of all, it can require minimal downtime. This particular laser and radiofrequency technology create tiny microthermal patches in the middle layer of skin, damaging collagen and aged skin cells, helping the generation of collagen and healthy cell renewal.
One can divide the Fractional Resurfacing devices into 2 broad categories:
Fractional Laser Resurfacing: These devices use a laser to create small discrete micro-thermal channels or defects in the skin. The laser is attracted to water contained in the outer layer of the skin. A fractional ablative laser typically creates a large number of ablative defects in the skin but leaves patches of skin between the thermal defects untreated.
It is the proportionate, or fractional nature of these lasers (leaving adjacent skin untreated) that gave rise to the term “fractional”. The adjacent uninjured skin serves as a reservoir to heal the un-injured skin and account for the rapid healing of fractional resurfacing compared to older laser resurfacing techniques from the 1990’s and early part of the new millennium, where the entire surface of the skin was removed and healing occurred slowly from below.
Fractional CO2, and Fractional Erbium Glass are the common fractional resurfacing lasers and, SpaMedica has several different Fractional CO2’s and Erbium lasers.
Fractional Radiofrequency Resurfacing (RF): Fractional Radiofrequency (RF) Devices typically use silicone needles to deliver a fractionated RF electrical impulse into deep layers of the skin and/or fat. Fractional RF devices have the advantage of Fractional Lasers, in that the surface of the skin is not ablated as the needle carrying the thermal energy is coated and does not contact the superficial skin.
These devices are skin fractional, in that, some tissue adjacent to the needle can be left uninjured to act as the reservoir for healing. The needles can be used selectively to penetrate different depths the under skin and fat, creating very strong thermal contraction and wrinkle reduction without superficial reactions.
The disadvantage of the fractional RF over fractional laser resurfacing is that those patients with very superficial skin aging, benefit more from a laser, as the outside of the skin requires more significant improvement.
The advantages of seeking consultation and treatment at SpaMedica, is we are Canada’s largest private laser facility and have all the best fractional resurfacing devices, both laser and RF and can customize the right laser or RF device, or combined devices for your needs.
Who is a Fractional Laser Resurfacing Candidate?
In general, fractional skin resurfacing lasers and radiofrequency devices can treat a wide variety of different skin problems You are a good candidate for this non-invasive resurfacing treatment if you:
- Want to correct fine, moderate or deep lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, back, chest, or hands.
- Wish to minimize acne scarring or surgical scars.
- Have precancerous lesions.
- Want to tighten up lax skin
- Lessen enlarged pores
- Desire to look younger with more defined skin texture and tone.
- If you understand that the results are not as dramatic as a surgical procedure.
When speaking with our team, be up-front and honest about your expectations as they will be able to suggest alternative surgeries or laser treatments.
How Much Does Fractional Laser and RF Laser Cost?
The cost of fractional laser and RF laser treatments varies based on your specific needs and treatment plan. Contact us to discuss your options and get a personalized quote.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From a Fractional Laser or RF?
Your skin will likely be red or pink 2-3 hours post treatment. The following day, you can experience slight puffiness (especially around the eye and mouth) and mild tenderness. Mild swelling can last anywhere from 24-72 hours depending on the energy used during treatment.
After RF (Fractora Laser), you will experience some micro-scabbing, this will slough off on its own in between 5-7 days. Do not pick, rub, or scratch scabs, and do not exfoliate for 10 days following treatment. Your skin may be slightly itchy for 48-72 as you heal.
How Long Does a Fractional Erbium Laser Take?
Arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment, as the area will be numbed before your treatment. The treatment itself takes around 30 minutes.
Benefits of a Fractional Erbium Laser
Youthful Glow: Less than a week or two after the treatment, this fractional laser or RF resurfacing will leave your skin with a ‘shine’ or ‘glow,’ giving you a fresh, youthful look in a short amount of time.
Reduce Wrinkles and Pores: Fractional laser or RF resurfacing can reduce the appearance of wrinkles 50-90% depending upon the intensity of the settings and recovery time allotted. Enlarged macropores, white stretch marks and other texture skin irregularities can also show significant improvement.
Tighten Lax Skin: Depending upon the Fractional Radiofrequency technology or device used, you can achieve noticeably tighter, smoother and even lifted appearing skin. This can be helpful on the face, jawline, neck, chest, arms and above the knee.
Minimizes Scarring: Unlike other acne scarring alternatives, this treatment fixes many skin issues in a relatively small number of sessions (as little as 1-3 treatments) with minimal side effects and healing time.
Sun Damaged Skin: Whether you suffer from brown spots or long-term loss of collagen in your skin due to photo-damage, we can precisely control the depth and the extent to which the treatment will work.
Ideal for Older Patients: Fractional laser and RF resurfacing technologies are the perfect alternatives to other more superficial skin treatments, like micro-needling, as it deeply penetrates the dermis while regenerating a new layer of fresh skin to improve texture, wrinkles, and tighter skin. Older patients with wrinkles, laxity, enlarged pores and photodamage and Fractional radiofrequency resurfacing can significantly improve all of these issues at once.
Fractional Laser Resurfacing Risks
- May cause a flare-up of the herpes virus and a preventative dose of Valtrex oral antiviral is given routinely
- If you have tanned or darker skin, non-ablative laser resurfacing can cause hyperpigmentation, so a fractional RF resurfacing device is used.
- Mild swelling and redness usually last for hours or days.
- Although rare, non-ablative laser resurfacing can cause blistering and scarring.
Dr. Chen might caution against laser resurfacing if you:
- Have active acne.
- Have recently taken certain acne medications in the past year.
- Have an uncontrolled autoimmune disease or a weak immune system.
- Tend to form scars easily.
- Have unrealistic expectations.
Why Choose SpaMedica for Fractional Laser Resurfacing Treatment?
SpaMedica is recognized as one of Canada’s very top private Laser Skin Care Facilities thanks to our state-of-the-art laser equipment, relaxed procedure rooms, experienced and expertly trained nurses and aestheticians. With over 50 Aesthetic lasers, SpaMedica is Canada’s largest and best known cosmetic laser skin centre.
Our Fractional Laser and RF procedures can deliver fast recovery times, minimal discomfort, and long-lasting gradual improvement.
Fractional Erbium Laser vs. CO2 Fractional Laser
Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatment: While non-surgical, this treatment is considered to be more invasive than other skin resurfacing treatments, which is why it achieves such noticeable results.
Fractional Erbium Laser Resurfacing Treatment: Generally compared to micro-needling, the procedure targets tissue that is deeper below the surface, resulting in improved collagen production.
How is a Fractional Laser Resurfacing Performed?
Once we’ve reviewed your medical history and given you a proper physical assessment, we will walk you through the procedure, aftercare and recovery expectations.
How to Prepare for this Laser Treatment
- Avoid excessive sun exposure for approximately 2-3 weeks before your treatment.
- Stop applying any “irritating” skin products, such as retinoids, at least 24 hours before your appointment.
- If you plan to take anxiety or pain medication before the procedure, please plan for someone to bring you home.
- Arrive on time for your laser treatment with cleansed skin. Do not arrive with any makeup/mascara, lotions, powders, or perfumes on or around the areas that will be treated.
- If you cut your facial hair, shave the morning of the treatment but do not apply lotions or aftershave.
- Contact lenses should be removed before treatment.
What to Expect After Fractional Laser Resurfacing
Your recovery will depend upon the severity of your skin concerns and the intensity of the settings and fractional device(s) used. While, with milder fractional laser and RF treatments you can often expect a shorter recovery period and fewer side effects than other, more aggressive Fractional Laser and RF skin treatments, you should still expect your skin to appear pink or red post the procedure, with some swelling. Health Canada has found these treatments to be safe and effective for treating fine lines and moderate wrinkles.
Fractional Laser Resurfacing Recovery & Timeline
Typically, most side effects will subside after a couple weeks for milder treatments and 1-3 months for more aggressive procedures. The skin will regenerate in roughly 10 days post-surgery. Once your treated areas have healed, we suggest utilizing a green-based makeup to tone down the redness of your skin.
