FRACTIONAL LASER FOR ACNE SCARS

What is Fractional Laser? Why is it used for laser acne scar therapy?

Tiny, evenly spaced holes are “drilled” into the skin (to the level of the dermis). Normal skin is left intact between these tissue columns, meaning that the recovery time is reduced. The purpose of this controlled injury to the skin is to stimulate growth of new collagen. After the treatment from the injury your body start to promote new collagen to improve the scars.

Yes. Lasers which cut the skin are associated with downtime. The downtime relates to redness with the potential for oozing until the fractional “holes” have closed over. However, if you can find the requisite seven to ten days of downtime, the results can be dramatic.

Be aware that many laser providers offer “fractional laser without downtime”; good results – let alone great results – are not possible if there cannot be downtime.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “….your results depend largely on the skills of the person performing the laser treatment. Dermatologists are at the forefront of researching and treating scars with lasers”. We completely agree with this statement. There are many, many “laser clinics” out there and the results that you get depend far more on who is doing your procedure than the brand of fractional laser that is being used….. At Derm.ca, Ildikό Juhasz performs the fractional laser in the clinic; you are in great hands with her – she has performed over 10,000 laser procedures in her career.

The procedure can be painful but at derm.ca we make your experience as comfortable with full local anesthesia. After the treatment you will feel a strong sunburn-type sensation in your skin. If pain control is required after the procedure, it is usually nothing more than extra strength Tylenol.

Lighter skin tones respond best. If you have darker skin, pre-bleaching of the skin with topical home therapy is possible to maximize the benefits of the procedure and minimize the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation.

We will review the entire process during your complementary consultation but be aware of the following:

We will review the entire process during your complementary consultation but be aware of the following:

• Ensure that you are able to have the necessary downtime in your schedule (7 – 10 days).
• Anticipate the need for antibacterial and antiviral medications so as to minimize the likelihood of infection.
• If you are taking topical retinoids, glycolic acid, aspirin or vitamin E or any blood thinners, please discontinue these if possible ten days prior to the procedure
• Do not arrive with a suntan; this increases the burn risk and decreases the efficacy of the procedure. Please do not tan after the procedure either.