Laser Skin Treatments in Pittsburgh
How a Fraxel® DUAL Laser Works
The Fraxel® DUAL laser is a non-ablative fractional laser used for skin resurfacing. A fractional laser like this one actively treats every zone of the skin, leaving the surrounding skin untouched. It literally treats a “fraction” of your skin, allowing you to heal much faster afterward. The laser targets aging and damaged skin by producing thousands of deep microscopic treatment zones, called MTZs. As old, pigmented epidermal cells are eliminated, the laser applies heat deep into the dermis to tight skin and stimulate collagen production. We use the word “non-ablative” to describe this laser because it uses lower energy than ablative lasers. An ablative laser essentially removes the outer layer of skin completely and requires a much longer recovery time.
This laser used to go by the name Fraxel® re:store, but it still offers the option of two treatment modes of varying wavelengths. The 1550nm penetrates deep into the layers of the skin to have the best effect on deep lines and scarring, especially certain acne scars. Although the number is bigger, the 1927nm does not penetrate the skin as deeply, so it is best suited for correcting skin texture and tone issues, including superficial sun damage.
Either laser can help you achieve healthier, tighter skin!
Skin Treatments with a Fraxel® DUAL Laser
Skincare professionals use this specific laser to resurface the skin and treat aesthetic skin concerns, including uneven skin tone or changes in pigmentation, acne or surgical scars, sun damage, stretch marks, and lines and wrinkles.
Studies show that most patients need up to six treatments to help resolve their skin concerns, spaced up to six weeks apart to allow for healing. Certain skin concerns or skin types may require fewer or more treatments. The medical professionals at Cosmetic Laser Centers can help to determine how many you’ll need based on the results you want to achieve.
What Happens During the Fraxel® DUAL Treatment?
First, your medical provider will cleanse the area of skin to be treated. The provider then passes the laser over the treatment area, overlapping them both horizontally and vertically. You may feel a mild prickling or burning sensation, which some of our clients compare to getting a tattoo, but patients generally have no issues with withstanding the sensation. The entire procedure usually takes no more than 25 minutes. Your provider may apply a topical anesthetic prior to the procedure, as well as a coolant during your treatment session.
You can return to your normal routine after your laser treatment, but you could experience some slight redness. Keep your treated skin well-moisturized and protected from the sun. Try to avoid sleeping on the treated area, which can cause swelling. You can use a cold pack to relieve any continuing skin pain.
How a Fraxel® re:pair Laser Skin Treatment Works
The Fraxel® re:pair is a more aggressive laser than the Fraxel® DUAL because it is ablative and will require post-treatment wound care. It is still a fractional laser, however. Like the DUAL, it produces MTZs to resurface your skin, but removes damaged, old skin cells to encourage your body’s natural healing process to replace destroyed skin cells with luminescent, radiant ones.
Skin Resurfacing with a Fraxel® re:pair Laser
Because it is a stronger laser, patients find they require only one treatment session to see results for skin concerns like severe sun damage, age spots, and widespread fine lines and wrinkles.
What Happens During the Fraxel® re:pair Skin Resurfacing Treatment?
Just as we would with any skin treatments, we start by cleansing the treatment area. In the case of ablative lasers, we provide an anesthetic, and then pass the laser over the treatment area.
There is some preparation you must undergo before receiving this ablative laser resurfacing procedure. First, one of our medical providers will need to conduct a physical exam and discuss your medical history. Once your procedure is scheduled, you must avoid medications that affect blood clotting, including Vitamin E, for ten days before. You cannot smoke two weeks before or after the procedure.
After your ablative skin resurfacing, you’ll need to clean the treated area and apply ointment to prevent scabs from forming. Your medical provider will advise you on the frequency. Complete healing takes up to 21 days, during which you can expect swelling, itching, and stinging for up to 72 hours, followed by old skin peeling off up to seven days after treatment. During your entire healing process, you can use only oil-free make-up for up to three months, avoid sun exposure, and keep your new skin well-moisturized.
Although the healing process sounds complicated and lengthy, our patients find that the beautiful, smoother skin they get in the end was completely worth it.
Which is Best for My Skin?
If you’re looking for brighter, more rejuvenated skin, laser resurfacing may help you reach your goal. To determine which type of laser treatment is best for you, you’ll need to speak to one of our medical providers in person.
Where Can I Find Laser Skin Treatments Near Me?
To receive cosmetic laser skin treatments and other professional skin care, visit Cosmetic Laser Centers, located in Warrendale, between Wexford and Cranberry at 16000 Perry Highway, Suite 2, or in Robinson Township, at 6507 Robinson Centre Drive.
Our team of medical providers are certified to use several types of lasers to help you improve the look and feel of your skin you live in. Aside from laser skin treatments, enjoy pampering and beautification from our licensed estheticians, slim down with CoolSculpting, appear more youthful with Botox and other dermal fillers, and clear your skin with light therapy. No matter what goals you have for your skin, we can easily help you reach them.
To schedule an appointment for a laser skin care treatment or other service, call us at 724-935-4200. Visit our website for more information about our practice.