As we age, the tone and texture of our skin changes. Fine lines around our eyes and mouth as well as forehead wrinkles begin to appear. On top of that, age spots and blemishes may develop, causing the texture of our skin to appear coarse and uneven.
We can use light and laser-based skin resurfacing technologies to smooth out and balance the skin- thus improving overall skin tone, elasticity and texture. They help reducing superficial pigmentation and pore size, while helping to bolster the skin against future aging. Additionally, these advanced skin treatments can improve the appearance of acne scars.
For aged skin, laser skin resurfacing treatments can remove years of damage in as little as one quick treatment. Patients who present acne scars, fine lines & wrinkles, irregular texture and even sun-induced “blotchiness” or redness can benefit from laser skin resurfacing.
However, there are several types of skin resurfacing available. A consultation is critical to choosing what is right for you.
How do you define skin resurfacing?
The term skin resurfacing can be defined as using “lasers” to help improve skin texture and appearance. Laser skin resurfacing targets the outer layer of your skin while simultaneously heating the layers underneath. This heating promotes collagen production. Your body naturally stops producing collagen in your 30’s. New collagen fibers will help produce skin that is smoother and firmer to the touch.
Why did we put “lasers” in quotations? We did that because we have a unique option for Fractional Ablative Resurfacing. It is Pixel RF – Micro Plasma™ Technology. Lasers use light. Pixel RF uses radiofrequency to ablate and tighten the skin. This is the best technology created for resurfacing and tightening the skin. It is safe for all skin types. Finally!
Depending on your individual needs, we might recommend Micro Plasma Pixel RF, fractional ablative, or non-ablative resurfacing.
Three Types of Resurfacing:
- Fractional Ablative Resurfacing removes the outer layers of the skin.
If you think you might want an aggressive treatment to achieve quick results like the photos below, you might want a fractional ablative skin resurfacing, or our Erbium Laser Treatment.
2. Pixel RF Micro Plasma is based on UniPolar™ RF-based technology. The PixelRF treatment tips with Micro Plasma Technology™ create multiple controlled, micro-perforations within small zones of thermal injury, similar to the pattern created by many fractionated skin resurfacing lasers. During the procedure, just a small portion of the tissue is ablated. The remaining tissue supplies the healing that leads to the elimination of irregular epidermal pigmentation, tightening of dermal collagen and the smoothing that results from the generation of new collagen. The use of In-Motion™ Micro Plasma Technology, ablates and heats the skin through a controlled, focused delivery of energy, PixelRFtreats just the targeted tissue. The healthy skin around the treated area then helps to accelerate the healing process. This improves results and reduces down time. The radio frequency stimulates collagen to tighten the skin.
3. Non-ablative Resurfacing, on the other hand, does not remove any skin layers.
For less aggressive treatments, like our “lunchtime laser,” you might want to try our ClearLift. ClearLift is our non-ablative resurfacing. It will require more treatments, but you can return to your activities immediately and there is no downtime.
Expectations:
Non-ablative laser treatments do not pose as great of a risk for side effects, but you may need multiple treatments to achieve your desired results. On the other hand, ablative lasers might achieve your desires in one treatment. Remember though that with ablative laser, you will have downtime.
What are skin resurfacing laser treatments good for?
Skin resurfacing treatments are safe, effective and are suitable for all skin types. Patient downtime varies, as each of our fractional lasers have different thermal effects and ablation capabilities. Patients can choose a light treatment with a shorter recovery time, or to have a stronger procedure to achieve long lasting anti aging results.
