Fractional Laser Resurfacing

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Patient Education Center.

The Newest Generation of Non-Surgical Rejuvenation

The Palomar 1540 Laser is a laser technology for rejuvenation of the skin. Approved by the U.S. FDA, the Palomar 1540 improves fine and moderate wrinkles, acne and other scars, as well as loss of skin firmness and tone.

The Palomar 1540 can be of benefit to nearly anyone with concerns about the appearance of their skin and safely provides rejuvenation of the face, neck, chest or hands. In addition, it is a great complement to PhotoFacial for treating pigmentation changes and to the Palomar 2940 for optimal results in ablative and non-ablative skin resurfacing.

How it works

The 1540 Laser produces an array of high-precision microbeams that create column-shaped wounds deep within the dermis. On the surface, these wounds are too small to be seen without magnification and occupy only a fraction of the surface area treated. The spared skin surface between the thermal impact zones contains healthy cells that promote rapid renewal of the outer skin. Within the dermis, the microscopic wounds stimulate the production of new collagen to produce a smoother, firmer skin texture.

What to expect

After cleansing the skin a topical anesthetic cream is applied. Next, the cold surface of the 1540 Laser is applied to the skin while you hold and direct a hose that blows comfortable chilled air onto the areas being treated. Brief pulses of warmth are usually felt with each gentle pulse of the laser. After treatment your skin may be slightly red and mildly swollen for a few hours. You will receive a GentleWaves™ treatment (read about this treatment in the Versa Medi-Spa section of this binder), and are free to go about your normal activities so long as you continuously wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen until your treatment cycle is completed. Any flaking or peeling that occurs is minimal and can easily be taken care of with a little moisturizer. Additional treatments are performed at three week intervals with a minimum of 3 treatments recommended. Improvement in the skin develops as the effects of dermal remodeling continue over a three-month period after treatment.

Palomar 2940 Fractional Ablative Skin Resurfacing

The Palomar 2940 Fractionated Skin Resurfacing Laser System is, perhaps, the most advanced technology for resurfacing and remodeling skin. For over two years, this instrument has been in use at Van Dam Dermatology & Laser Center. The 2940 laser:

Restores a youthful look and feel to the skin
Removes irregular pigmentation and age spots
Improves fine lines and wrinkles
Improves skin texture
Improves skin elasticity and firmness

The 2940 laser technology simultaneously delivers two levels of skin rejuvenation:

Superficial skin renewal: Precisely-controlled beams of laser energy erase superficial pigment irregularities with minimal discomfort and downtime (3-4 days).
Deep skin renewal: Thousands of microscopic laser beams tunnel into the skin creating a gridwork of nearly invisible wounds that form new collagen as they heal. This reduces wrinkles and creates smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin with (with 1-3 additional days of downtime).

A topical anesthetic is applied 1 hour prior to treatment. During treatment, patients report a low level of discomfort (4-5 on a 10 point-scale). Following treatment there may be 18-36 hours of minor oozing from the tiny wounds; however, recovery is fast - within 4 to 7 days cosmetics may be applied with your return to daily social life.

2940 laser treatment options include:

Full face
Peri-orbital area (around the the eyes)
Peri-oral area (around the lips)
Neck
Chest, arms or hands

This may be a one-time procedure; however, it is safe to repeat the procedure and this is often desirable in order to achieve optimal results.