Fractional Erbium Laser

Fractional Erbium Laser - Frequently Asked Questions

► What is fractional laser skin resurfacing?
Fractional laser skin resurfacing is an exciting new technology that corrects many dermatological and cosmetic skin conditions with increased comfort and minimal post-treatment pain and care.
Which cosmetic conditions will the Naturalase Fractional Erbium 2940 laser improve?
The fractional erbium 2940 laser improves fine lines and wrinkles, rolling acne scars, sun damage and mild skin laxity.  The Naturalase Erbium is the most powerful and effective laser in its class.

► How do fractional laser treatments work?
Fractional laser treatments create micro-thermal tunnels deep into the skin.  The laser ablates (or vaporizes) the microscopic columns of skin while leaving the surrounding tissue untreated.  The body’s natural healing process creates new, healthy collagen to replace the columns of affected tissue.  Once healed, skin texture improves and lines soften.  The results are gradual and people can continue to see improvements in their skin for three months after their last fractional laser treatment.
What are the benefits of fractional laser resurfacing?

Fractional laser skin resurfacing has three significant benefits compared to the traditional laser skin resurfacing:

► 1. Increased Comfort:  The fractional array of microbeams does not cause bulk damage as traditional ablative skin resurfacing.  As a result, the procedure is much gentler.
► 2. Increased Safety:  Following a fractional ablative procedure, each tiny microbeam re-epithelializes (i.e. regrows the missing tissue and closes over) typically within 24 hours.  This minimizes the risk of scarring, infection or long-term pigmentation changes.
► 3. Decreased Downtime:  Depending on the type of treatment, most fractional laser patients can return to normal activities within a matter of days.

► How many treatments will I need?
Depending on the skin condition being treated, most patients will require 3-5 treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart.

► What does “downtime mean?
“Downtime refers to the period of time following a laser treatment where patients may choose not to appear in public while their skin is still red or swollen.  One of the key benefits of fractional laser treatments is that downtime is significantly minimized.  Downtime can be as short as 4 days as compared to traditional full-surface resurfacing which can result in weeks to months of downtime while producing the same cosmetic results.

► What should I expect during my fractional laser treatment?
The laser will make a “popping sound as the laser transforms the laser beam into the tiny microbeams.  You may feel a slight sting which is lessened by the use of topical anesthetic cream.

►What should I expect after my fractional laser treatment?
Immediately following the treatment, the skin will be red, swollen and patients will experience a warm, stinging sensation.  Some patients may also experience pin-point areas of bleeding.  These effects are normal and indicate a successful treatment.  Any swelling and redness will dissipate within several days.  As the micro-tunnels heal, the skin will feel dry and begin to slough or peel.

►What is the difference between the Naturalase Fractional Erbium 2940 and the “Fraxel laser?
Both lasers use the fractional technology.  However, the Fraxel 1550 laser is a non-ablative laser and uses a shorter wavelength of penetration into the skin (1550 nanometers).  Research has shown that ablative lasers, such as the Naturalase Fractional Erbium 2940, produce better cosmetic results.

►Who should NOT have the fractional laser treatment?
Anyone who has an active bacterial and viral skin infection, has used any medications containing gold, has taken Accutane (isotretinoin) within 6 months, has scleroderma or has a personal or family history of vitiligo.

►Can the fractional laser be used on specific areas on my face like above my upper lip for “smoker’s lines or around my eyes for “crow’s feet?
Yes.  The laser can target specific areas of concern.  However, many people wish to have the whole face treated to improve overall skin complexion.  In addition to the laser, BOTOX and certain fillers can also be used to achieve the best results in these areas.