FRACTIONAL RESURFACING WITH CO2 LASER
Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing is a major advance in the treatment of aging and sun-damaged skin. This laser provides for fractionated ablative skin resurfacing, which offers greater reduction in aging, wrinkles, skin tightening and scars than non-ablative techniques. There is more recovery time with ablative treatments, although fractionated ablative laser treatments require much less recovery than older ablative methods. This is because the fractionated laser treats columns of skin, leaving some areas intact and allowing for speedier recovery. Generally make-up can be applied about 5-6 days after treatment.
FRACTIONATED RESURFACING IS USED TO TREAT:
- Sun damage and pigmentation of face, neck and chest
- Vertical lip lines
- Lower eyelid lines
- Crows feet
- Facial wrinkles
- Skin sagging
- Acne scarring
LASER RESURFACING
Laser resurfacing is a precise, effective and long-lasting method of skin rejuvenation. The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser precisely ablates the surface of the skin, —a valuable tool for treating a range of aesthetic problems, including wrinkles, sun damage, aging eyelids and acne scarring. No one treatment that is right for everyone- consult an experienced cosmetic physician about what are good choices for you.
Follow one of Dr. Zimmet’s patients, step-by-step, through the fractionated laser resurfacing process as she experiences it firsthand.
ULTRAPULSE TECHNOLOGY
UltraPulse high-energy, short-pulsed carbon dioxide laser technology creates a precise effect on the skin, with a predictable zone of residual thermal damage. Clinically, there is global improvement in the appearance of the skin, with a reduction in age spots, pores, actinic keratoses and wrinkles, and an improvement in overall skin tone.
Since the introduction of laser resurfacing in 1994 we have learned that:
1. CO2 delivers the best effect for deep wrinkles due to its superior ability to provide continued histologic improvement over time.
2. Fewer passes yield the same results with less chance for complications.
3. CO2 can be used less invasively for treating milder indications or for when a shorter recovery time is desired.
4. Darker skin tones can be treated safely and effectively when treatment is superficial.
Upon long term follow-up, physician, patient and biopsy evaluations have proven that clinical benefits persist.
THE LUMENIS ULTRAPULSE CO2 LASER: POWER, SPEED AND VERSATILITY
Power
With 240W of pulse power to tissue, the UltraPulse is 6 times more powerful than any other fractional CO2 laser available. The first CO2 lasers delivered energy in continuous waves. These lasers could not produce very high peak powers for sustained periods, and therefore had limited pulse energy. As a result, charring often occurred when attempting to resurface tissue with practical spot sizes.
240 Watts of power allows the Ultrapulse to treat with safe and effective pulse durations that are less than 1 millisecond.
Speed
Speed comes twofold with the UltraPulse. First the UltraPulse has the highest pulse power and energy of any fractional CO2 laser system marked today. This lends itself to minimal time on tissue, which results in lower collateral thermal damage reducing patient pain and complications.
In addition to the benefit of a short pulse, the scanner has a capability to produce 6oo treatment spots per second and can treat up to a 10mm x 10mm area. The high pulse power also allows the UltraPulse to go up to a 1.3mm treatment spot for the ActiveFX superficial fractional and conventional ablative procedures.
Versatility
In my opinion, the UltraPulse is the most versatile fractional CO2 laser system available. It is capable of offering the full range of fractional resurfacing: DeepFX offers a small, deep spot microablative treatment and ActiveFX offers a large, superficial spot treatment. DeepFX and ActiveFX can be combined to form TotalFX, for total outcomes in the treatment of scars, fine lines, texture, dyschromia and deep wrinkles.
FRACTIONAL RESURFACING USING RF (RADIO FREQUENCY)
Instead of using light to rejuvenate the skin’s appearance, fractional resurfacing uses radio frequency (RF) waves. Using a 3DEEP(C) RF resurfacing applicator, Dr. Zimmet creates a microscopic grid of treatment points on the skin’s surface to specifically target wrinkling, discoloration, acne scars or sagging skin. The applicator’s RF waves transmit energy pulses beneath the skin’s surface, heating the layer of cells responsible for new skin growth and collagen production. Since fractional resurfacing with RF does not harm the skin’s outer layer, the skin is able to heal faster than skin treated with Co2 laser. Patient benefits of fractional RF resurfacing also include quicker treatment times and less downtime.
During and shortly after the treatment, patients experience minimal discomfort that is often compared to a mild sunburn. Three days after the procedure, side effects include redness, mild swelling and minimal peeling/flaking. In the weeks following treatment, patients notice tighter, smoother skin and a reduction in fine lines, wrinkling and skin discoloration. For optimal results, we recommend a series of three fractional RF resurfacing sessions spaced over six month’s time.
FDA approved EndyMed(TM) 3DEEP is a safe and effective fractional RF treatment for patients of all skin-types seeking overall improvement in skin texture and sagging. If you’re just starting to notice fine lines, wrinkles, skin discoloration, acne scarring or minimal skin sagging, you may be a candidate for fractional resurfacing using RF. Fractional resurfacing with Co2 laser may be a better choice for older patients with deeply etched wrinkles, irregular pigmentation or moderate to heavy skin sagging. Since every patient is different, Dr. Zimmet will assess your skin to determine which fractional resurfacing technology- RF or Co2 Laser- is best for your skin type.
