Skin resurfacing

The ResurFX™ fractional laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that targets aging and sun-damaged skin with thousands of microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into your skin and push out the old, sun damaged skin cells (the tiny pixels). This process stimulates the body’s natural healing process to encourage collagen growth. And since the laser treats only a fraction of tissue at a time, it leaves the surrounding tissue intact, which promotes rapid healing for faster results. 

The ResurFX™ fractional laser is a state-of-the-art, non-ablative skin resurfacing technology. ResurFX™ fractional laser stimulates the production of new collagen and elastic fibers in the deeper layers of the skin. Stimulating new collagen production is the key to more radiant, youthful-looking skin. The ResurFX™ technology enables your provider to achieve excellent clinical results over a sequence of treatments while keeping your comfort maximal and downtime minimal.

Risks may include redness, swelling, change of pigmentation, or scarring. 

After treatment, you will experience redness, swelling or, after a few days, a bronzed appearance. Most swelling will be noticeable on the first morning after treatment. Swelling usually lasts two to three days.Most patients can resume their daily activities the very same day. Typically your provider should advise you to stay out of the direct sun for a few days following the treatment and to apply sunscreen.

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

• Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 4 weeks prior to your treatment.
• Avoid retinol and glycolic acid products for one week prior to your treatment.
• Have your Valtrex prescription filled and take starting 1 day before the treatment (if necessary).
• Wait 2 weeks after Botox injections and 4 weeks after fillers before your IPL treatment.
• Shave the area if there is hair. If you have a beard, trim to what would be equivalent to a "2 day shadow."
• Drink plenty of water starting 1-2 days before treatment. The procedure tends to dry out your skin.

THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT

• Wear or bring a button-down shirt so as not to pull anything over the face after treatment.
• Arrive to your appointment clean faced without make-up 30 minutes prior for numbing of the area.
• Allow 1 hour for your appointment.

AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT

• Apply cold compresses to the area for 10 minutes of every hour on the day of treatment, until bedtime, if needed.
• You can take an antihistamine to also minimize swelling.
• Noticeable pinkness over the next few weeks. Most resolves during the 1st week. A rosy "glow" can remain several weeks. Heat sensation can be noticeable for 1-3 hours following your treatment.
• Your skin may feel dry, peel, or flake. You may notice a "sandpaper" texture a few days after treatment. This is the treated tissue working its way out of your body as new fresh skin is regenerated.
• Crusting is rare; however, if it does occur a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin® can be applied 2-3 times a day for 3 days. Please call us if you experience this uncommon reaction.
• Itchiness can occur and an OTC antihistamine can be taken to avoid scratching the delicate skin.
• Use the PCA Post Procedure Kit for 3-5 days to help heal the skin.
• After days 3-5 post-treatment, continue regular PCA Facial Wash. PCA or Skin Ceuticals Retionals application may be resumed 1 week post procedure, or when the skin is no longer sensitive.
• Do not wear make-up for 2 days. Continue gentle cleansing and moisturizing over the next few days.
• Keep treated area clean; avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive exercise, perspiring, swimming, yoga or exposing skin to heat and sun for one week.
• Avoid harsh topical products such as retinols and glycolic acid products for one week after.
• Avoid direct sunlight on the treated area and use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater for 4-6 weeks after your treatment. We recommend the PCA or Skin Cecuticals Sunscreen. If sun exposure is necessary, wear a hat that covers the treated area.

The Lumenis® ResurFX™ laser treatments work with your skin to stimulate deep collagen regeneration over a sequence of treatments. Typically, about 3 sessions are needed to improve skin texture visibly. But, after the first treatment, you may notice changes in pores' dimensions. Typically, results are achieved after 3-5 sessions in 4-5 weeks intervals. However, you may continue to see improvements for up to six months following the treatment.

Lumenis® energy-based laser treatments are not suitable for everyone and carry some risks. ResurFX™ is unsuitable for active infections, viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases, inflammatory skin conditions, or skin cancer. Risks may include redness, swelling, scarring, or a pigmentation change. Be sure to consult with your treatment provider before choosing this treatment. 

This laser treatment yields very good results on its own but can be combined with other treatments to reach skin care goals. Complementary treatments include microneedling, collagen stimulators, chemical peels and medical grade skin care.