Fine Lines & Wrinkles: FAQ
What causes fine lines and wrinkles?
Fine lines and wrinkles are an unavoidable part of the aging process. As we grow older our skin becomes dryer and less elastic. Most people begin to develop fine lines and wrinkles by the age of 30 or 35. However, overexposure to the sun can greatly enhance the aging process. Sun exposure promotes the formation of deep wrinkles and furrows, along with changes in pigment and skin texture.
How can someone avoid fine lines and wrinkles?
Avoiding overexposure to the sun should be the key element of any skin care regimen. Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 should be used on the face every day. Staying out of the sun when it is at its peak (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.) is also advisable.
How does laser resurfacing treat fine lines and wrinkles?
With facial resurfacing, a high-energy beam of infrared light is used to vaporize lines, wrinkles, scars, dark spots and other skin irregularities, layer by layer. This process also stimulates the formation of dermal collagen to improve elasticity and support for the skin.
Are laser resurfacing treatments safe?
Lasers have been used in cosmetic surgery for more than 20 years and have been proven to provide safe, predictable and effective results when used by trained physicians on appropriately selected patients. Alternative treatments, such as deep chemical peels and dermabrasion, have largely been replaced by laser procedures due to the precision and uniformity that laser resurfacing provides.
What recovery time is needed for facial resurfacing?
With moderate to deep resurfacing, the skin goes through an initial healing period, which includes crusting that typically lasts seven to ten days. At this point, most patients return to normal activities and makeup may be applied. The fresh, new skin will be reddish pink, a good sign that healing is taking place and that blood is nourishing the growth of new skin cells. This redness gradually fades within four to twelve weeks depending on skin type and depth of laser treatment. Lightly resurfaced patients can typically return to normal activities within four to five days, and redness disappears within three to five weeks. Of course, adhering to physician's instructions for post-operative care will aid in the healing process.
What is ActiveFX?
ActiveFX uses a high-energy beam of laser light that interacts with the skin’s surface causing the upper layer to peel off and regenerate a layer of new skin resulting in improved scar color and texture. The laser beam is applied in a fractional pattern, leaving “bridges” of untouched skin. This technique makes the healing process much faster and enables you to return to normal activities sooner.
What is DeepFX ?
DeepFX uses laser microbeams that precisely target the deep dermal layers of the skin. Each laser pulse removes a narrow column of scar tissue and simultaneously creates a controlled narrow band of surrounding injury which stimulates new collagen production deep in the dermis (inner layer of skin). The new collagen is produced in an organized manner, rather than the disorganized collagen matrix of a scar, resulting in the softening and smoothing of scars and improved texture and mobility.
UltraPulse CO2 Fractional Treatments
What is UltraPulse?
UltraPulse is the most powerful fractional CO2 laser system available.
How does the UltraPulse technology work?
UltraPulse combines the abilities of ActiveFX™ to treat fine lines and DeepFX™ to treat deeper wrinkles and scars. Through this versatile system, the laser eradicates damaged and discolored tissue quickly, and results in more collagen formation and long-term remodeling.
Is it safe?
Yes, UltraPulse is safe for most people and is considered the gold standard of CO2 lasers. It has been proven for more than 34 FDA-cleared indications and referenced in more than 90 peer-reviewed publications.
How does DeepFX work?
The laser uses a beam of light smaller than a human hair to create tiny holes in your skin. The holes are placed using a computer scanner to control depth of treatment as well as the amount of tissue treated. Only a fraction of the skin is treated in any one treatment, leaving surrounding, untouched areas of the skin to expedite the regenerative process.
Where can DeepFX be applied?
DeepFX is commonly used to provide soft and smooth skin on the face, around the lips and eyes, on the upper chest, neck, hands and arms.
Is it safe?
DeepFX is safe for most people, however it should not be used if you have taken AccutaneTM in the past 12 months, have a history of keloid formulation, poor wound healing or demonstrate excessive or unusually prolonged erythema (i.e., redness of the skin resulting from inflammation), hyperpigmentation or hyperpigmentation upon laser test patching. Consult your doctor and ask if DeepFX is right for you.
How long does the procedure take?
The treatment takes approximately 20 minutes. However, an hour should be allotted as some physicians may apply an anesthetic cream prior to treatment to aid with comfort.
What is the healing process for DeepFX treatment?
Since only a small portion of skin is touched by the laser, healing time is typically about a week depending upon treatment protocol. Over the course of this time, patients should avoid direct exposure to sunlight and follow a gentle washing and moisturizing regimen. Patients can also expect some skin to flake.
How long does it take to see results?
Deep wrinkles, skin texture and scars are dramatically improved with just a single treatment with DeepFX. The skin may then continue to firm even months after the procedure.
How does ActiveFX work?
The laser beam is applied in a fractional pattern in order to create columns of thermal damage on the surface of the skin to stimulate new collagen. The columns are spaced out so that the remaining tissue is spared, which results in a faster healing process.
Where can ActiveFX be applied?
The procedure can be used to effectively to treat fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration, as well as other effects of aging and sun damage.
Is it safe?
ActiveFX is safe for most people.
How long does the procedure take?
The ActiveFX treatment typically lasts less than 20 minutes. However, an hour should be allotted as some physicians may apply a topical anesthetic cream prior to treatment to aid with comfort.
What is the healing process for ActiveFX treatment?
Patients experience warmth, similar to sunburn after treatment. During this time, a gentle washing and moisturizing regimen is recommended. Skin will then flake off within two days. After four to seven days, make-up can typically be applied. Pinkness is often gone after about a week.
How long does it take to see results?
ActiveFX delivers results after just a single treatment. Most effects of the treatment, such as the stimulation of new collagen and plumping of the skin occur right away.1 However, results will gradually continue to show improvement for up to six months after the procedure. If skin is properly taken care of, this can last for several years.
1. Ross E, McKinlay J, Anderson R. Why Does Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing Work? Archives of Dermatology. 135; 444-454, 1999.