2 Carlson Parkway Suite 120 Wayzata, MN 55447

The Lowdown on ProFractional Laser

skin resurfacing in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Are you in search of a way to revive winter-weary skin without surgery or an extended recovery period? ProFractional laser treatments might be the solution for you. This procedure, offered at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics, combines the best of different types of laser treatments to give you full rejuvenation and minimize a variety of concerns. ProFractional lasers have become the go-to aesthetic procedure for many men and women that are looking for quick refreshment and long-term results.

The ProFractional Difference

ProFractional lasers work in a different way from other types of laser devices. Like ablative lasers, fractional treatments can work deeply into the dermal layers to stimulate noticeable results. However, unlike ablative treatments, damage to the surrounding skin and underlying tissue is minimal, which means a more comfortable treatment without the extended recovery period. In this way, fractional lasers mimic non-ablative laser procedures, but the fractional approach allows for deeper benefits and more dramatic results.

Fractional lasers take a unique approach to skin rejuvenation. These devices create micro-injuries that work deep into the dermal layers in a sort of grid pattern. The penetration stimulates the body’s healing responses, resulting in increased collagen production and cell regeneration. Those processes create healthier, more beautiful skin over time, without damaging the entire dermis or removing outer layers of skin that necessitate a longer healing process overall.

Treatment Benefits

ProFractional laser treatments offer full skin rejuvenation, but they also address a host of specific skin concerns:

  • Sun damage like fine lines and age spots
  • Deeper facial wrinkles
  • Shallow scarring from acne and other causes
  • Stretch marks
  • Irregular skin texture and tone

The procedure is usually recommended for the face, but it can also be a good option for other areas of sun-exposed skin like the chest and backs of the hands.

Comfortable Treatment, Minimal Recovery

Dr. Smith usually performs ProFractional laser treatments using either topical numbing cream or a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during your session. A handheld applicator is run over the surface of the skin in the treatment area, delivering the laser pulses at the precise depth determined for the amount of correction needed. Most of these procedures take 30 minutes or less to complete once the anesthetic has taken effect.

Recovery from ProFractional laser treatments is typically fairly quick and comfortable. For the first few days, you may be sporting skin redness that looks similar to a sunburn. Your skin may also feel slightly tender to the touch. It is imperative you protect your skin from the sun during this initial recovery time to prevent complications from UV exposure. Patients will usually be comfortable returning to work within a day or two and the skin is fully healed within two to three days.

Gradual, Long-Lasting Results

You may see positive improvement in your skin shortly after your very first ProFractional treatment session. However, we usually recommend a series of treatments, spaced about one month apart, to achieve the best outcome. The number of sessions will depend on your specific issues and how well your skin responds to the laser. Most patients achieve full results within one to five sessions.

The results of your ProFractional treatments will continue to improve in the weeks following your procedures, as the body’s natural healing process kicks in to further enhance the results of the laser. You may even see positive changes continue for up to six months after your last treatment sessions. Those full results will be long-lasting, with the need for an occasional touch-up procedure to maintain them completely.

ProFractional laser treatments are one of the most efficient ways to reverse aging signs and refresh your complexion today. To find out if you are a good candidate for this procedure, contact Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics today at 952-460-1970.