There is a story we hear quite often with our patients. The old song and dance about growing up looking forward to spring and summer to slather on the baby oil and fry baby fry. Think about it, just a short time ago being tan was a way of life and the only ads remembered for sun care were the ones with the Coppertone baby and the puppy pulling down her swimsuit to reveal a sunburn. Ouch! Yeah… times have changed.
If we only knew then what we know now, there would have been a lot more umbrellas, hats, and zinc oxide in our lives. Over the years, all that time spent in the sun can seem to creep up on us in the form of brown sunspots, melasma, and dull skin on the face, neck, chest as well as arms and hands. In fact, it can sometimes take up to 10 years for past sun damage to creep to the surface of our skin.
As the importance of a broad spectrum sunscreen came into the forefront, many of us stopped the burning and tanning phase and became sunscreen fanatics, but the damage was already done, and we all wish we could erase the history of those baby oil days. Well, here’s your chance… the CO2 Fractional Laser is a way to clear up the damaged skin and rejuvenate the surrounding tissue, allowing for a healthy, clear complexion. The way it works is quite fascinating. Crazy cool modern technology! This treatment has given many of our patients new baby-smooth skin again.
Glowing testimonials make this a popular non-surgical alternative. Yeah, we’ve come a long way, baby!
Are you wondering if this treatment is right for you? Here are a few FAQs to help you decide:
So How Does it Work and What Does it Do?
Fractional CO2 Laser skin resurfacing can improve the appearance, the resiliency, and elasticity of your face, neck or anywhere you choose by selectively targeting the superficial layers of skin that contain fine lines or wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation. Laser skin resurfacing is now a very safe and common procedure that many people are choosing rather than more invasive surgical procedures.
Fractional resurfacing laser treatments can be used to improve the following skin conditions:
Pigmentation problems (especially brown pigment)
Age spots, sun spots and sun damage
Minimum to moderate wrinkles
Textural irregularities
Lip lines
Acne scars
Surgical scars
How long does a fractional resurfacing procedure take?
Fractional laser resurfacing treatments are generally quick, lasting around 30 minutes to an hour. The length of the procedure depends on how many areas of the face, neck, or chest are being treated.
How many fractional laser resurfacing treatments will I need?
Many patients see a significant result and are happy after only 1 treatment. Others may need a series of laser treatments in order to see the best results. Some patients renew their skin tone once a year with a CO2 laser treatment, depending on their sun exposure. The exact number of treatments varies and depends on the needs of the patient and factors such as age, skin type, etc.
When will I see the results of the fractional resurfacing treatment?
Visible results from fractional resurfacing laser treatments can vary. There are essentially two stages of results: immediate and progressive. It usually takes one week after your laser treatment your skin to begin to feel smoother, look brighter and for the tone to become more even. Your skin will continue to improve over the next several weeks or months as your beautiful new skin color, tone, and texture begins to shine.
How long do the effects of the fractional resurfacing laser last?
The results of the laser treatment are long lasting, but not permanent. The better your take care of your skin and protect it from the sun, the longer the results will last. You might need annual touch-up treatments to keep your skin looking its best.
How much downtime should I expect after a fractional resurfacing treatment?
There is minimal downtime after a fractional resurfacing laser treatment. Right after the procedure, your skin will probably appear red and slightly swollen, but this will fade, and many patients are able to cover up the redness the next day. Immediately after the treatment, your body naturally starts working by replacing aged tissue with new ones. Within 2-4 days after the procedure, you will notice your skin to be visibly smoother, healthier, and younger looking. Results will continue to improve over time. Patients can resume their normal active lifestyle immediately, although your skin’s appearance will appear pink/red similar to a sunburn for the first week or two.
This procedure will a restore a luminous natural glow that has been lost as a result of age and sun damage.
Ready for brighter, smoother skin? Call us at English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center at (501) 227-9556 to schedule your appointment.
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