The signs of aging don't just occur because we grow older. Scientific research has discovered the various factors that influence a person's aging process. Some of the biological factors involved include a marked decline in collagen production and the degradation of fatty tissue beneath the skin. Environmental factors include stress, pollution, and sun exposure. The value of knowing what may be contributing to the signs of aging isn't just that you can mitigate the factors under your control, but that you can also seek the most appropriate treatments for your skin's needs. Profractional laser treatment is a form of non-surgical skin rejuvenation that our team is proud to offer.
Stimulates new collagen growth and improves skin’s tone, texture, fine lines, deeper wrinkles and the appearance of scars.
ProFractional™ 2940 nm – This laser ‘aerates the lawn’, precisely drilling clean, micro-channels into the skin – covering only a small portion of the treatment area to help achieve excellent results without the downtime associated with full-field laser resurfacing. Heat can be added for increased effect.
What is ProFraction Laser Treatment?
ProFractional™ laser technology is a conservative resurfacing technique. It works in the unique manner of targeting only a fraction of the treatment surface. In contrast to traditional CO2 laser resurfacing, which used to be the norm, fractional laser resurfacing creates narrow channels through multiple layers of the skin. The difference isn't depth, it is the areas of skin that are left in between each channel. The intact skin acts as a bridge to healing, enhancing the overall stimulation of healthy new collagen and tissue remodeling. As a fractional resurfacing technique, Profractional laser treatment delivers outstanding results with less downtime than fully ablative laser treatments.
Is a ProFractional Laser Treatment Right for Me?
ProFractional treatment stimulates new collagen growth and improves skin’s tone, texture, fine lines, deeper wrinkles and the appearance of scars. Since only a fraction of the skin is treated at once, optimal results require a series of treatments. Most skin areas can be treated. Popular treatment areas are the face and neck, though many people also treat the chest and hands. You can discuss your needs with our laser technician.
What Conditions Can You Treat with ProFraction Laser Treatment?
One of the effects of Profractional laser treatment is that the dermis is stimulated to produce more collagen in the area of focus. Collagen is the protein that is involved in healing cuts and other injuries. It is also at work on a daily basis to help firm and tighten the skin. Where we stimulate an infusion of collagen, we increase the healing of various wounds and signs of aging. Examples of conditions that may improve after Profractional laser treatment include:
- Fine lines and mild wrinkles
- Crepe-like skin
- Acne scars
- Sun damage
- Pigment irregularities
- Mild skin laxity
- Surgical or traumatic scars
- Melasma
- Stretch marks
How ProFractional Laser Treatment is Performed?
Your skin will be cleaned in the treatment area and your eyes will be protected with safety shields. A laser handpiece will be positioned gently on the skin. Only a fraction of the skin surface is treated at each session. The computer-generated pattern of the laser creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin. Our laser technician can customize the depth of these channels to the needs and features of the patient’s skin and to the amount of downtime that is practical for the patient. The untreated skin adjacent to the treated area allows for much more rapid healing than in conventional laser resurfacing, in which 100 percent of the skin surface is ablated. As the skin heals, new collagen is deposited resulting in better skin quality. The benefits of ProFractional include increased patient comfort, shorter healing times, and results that can range from subtle to dramatic. The procedure normally takes 15 to 30 minutes.
How Long Will the Results of ProFraction Laser Treatment Last?
The results of one or more Profractional laser treatments can be very long-lasting. Because every person is exposed to different genetic and environmental factors, it is difficult to predict how long the results may last across the board. To assist patients with the retention of smooth, youthful skin, we suggest a number of post-treatment care strategies. These may include:
- Use of SPF 30 sunscreen every day. When on vacation or out in the sun, sunscreen must be reapplied often in order to protect the skin from UV damage.
- Use of quality skin care products containing ingredients like retinol. Retinol can accelerate the skin's natural cellular turnover, boosting collagen and evening out discoloration more quickly.
- Consumption and use of antioxidants. Many skin care products contain antioxidants, chemicals that fight free radicals in the skin. Free radicals aren't just in the skin, they are cells in the body that rob energy from other, vital cells. Free radicals are a significant factor in premature aging and can be consumed in foods like blueberries and leafy greens or taken as a supplement.
Recovery Expectations
Immediately following the procedure you may experience mild redness and a sensation resembling sunburn. Our laser technician will advise you on specific after-treatment care recommendations. Complete healing typically occurs within a few days and most patients usually feel comfortable enough to get back to work and apply mineral makeup a day or two after the treatment. There will likely be some swelling that will subside within several days. As your skin heals in the days following your treatment, you may notice a general tightening effect. However, the true benefit of ProFractional occurs 4 to 6 months following your treatment.
Recover & Aftercare for ProFraction Laser Treatment
Patients who undergo Profractional laser treatment can expect redness and mild swelling. Pinpoint dots or scabs may be noticeable on the skin for one to three days, indicating where the micro-channels were created and where the body is sending abundant amounts of collagen. To help expedite tissue healing, patients may apply cold compresses to the treatment area for short periods. Ice or a cold compress may be applied for up to 20 minutes every few hours. To help minimize swelling, patients should sleep with their heads slightly elevated for one or two nights.
Post-treatment discomfort is usually mild enough to tolerate. However, if patients feel more uncomfortable than they'd like, they may take a pain reliever such as Extra Strength Tylenol. The provider may advise against taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication after laser resurfacing. If there are any questions, it is important to contact the provider before taking any new medication. Profractional laser resurfacing patients may receive detailed post-treatment instructions that outline how to wash the face, how often, how to use medication, and how to maintain the skin's moisture barrier. It is important to keep the skin moist as cellular turnover occurs and to refrain from rubbing, picking, or peeling skin that is sloughing off.
How Often Can I Undergo ProFraction Laser Treatment?
Profractional laser treatment may be adjusted to the patient's needs and skin type. A number of sessions may be scheduled at intervals of 2 to 3 weeks to correct moderate to severe signs of aging. After the desired improvements are achieved, patients can discuss the kind of maintenance program that will help them better manage the signs of aging that inevitably occur over time. Options for maintaining skin rejuvenation results include medical-grade skin care, professional facials and peels, and periodic laser treatments to prompt continued collagen remodeling.
