2 Carlson Parkway Suite 120 Wayzata, MN 55447

ProFractional Laser TreatmentMinneapolis, MN

No matter your age or stage of life, fine lines and wrinkles can diminish both your appearance and confidence. As collagen production depletes and the dermal structure loosens, your face tends to lose its supple texture and youthful glow. When combined with the effects of gravity, sun exposure, and other harmful toxins, the natural aging process can make your skin look tired and dull. At Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics in Wayzata, MN, we offer a variety of minimally invasive facial rejuvenation treatments for those seeking to correct the effects of age and achieve a smoother, more refreshed appearance.

Board-certified physician Dr. Leslie Smith is proud to provide ProFractional Laser Resurfacing to help patients rejuvenate their complexion from the inside out. With this highly developed technology, her experienced team has helped countless men and women of all skin types and tones correct various kinds of skin concerns and reclaim plumper, more radiant profile. As either a stand-alone or combined treatment, Dr. Smith offers ProFractional resurfacing to help patients minimize blemishes and achieve healthier-looking skin.

What is ProFractional Laser Resurfacing?

The ProFractional laser is a minimally invasive ablative treatment that creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin to stimulate collagen production and resurface the outer layer. The laser targets only a fraction of the treatment area at a time, leaving the surrounding skin intact and allowing for a quicker recovery time than many other resurfacing procedures. As collagen production continues over the coming months, the dermal structure becomes stronger and gradually remodels the surface skin. With minimal discomfort and downtime, the ProFractional laser can help to soften signs of aging, erase sun damage and produce a brighter, more youthful complexion.

Dr. Smith is a highly recognized cosmetic skin specialist. She trusts ProFractional laser technology as one of the safest and most effective ways to revitalize dull, faded or blemished skin. In your consultation, our team of cosmetic experts will analyze your condition, skin type and needs to design a personalized treatment plan that caters to your concerns and desired look. Depending on your goals, we may suggest ProFractional laser as a single treatment or in combination with another procedure for more dramatic results.

How Does It Work?

Collagen is an essential protein that keeps the skin looking young and healthy. Over time, the body produces less and less collagen, which gradually diminishes the tone, texture, and clarity of your skin. The ProFractional laser works by delivering energy into the skin in a grid-like pattern to target problem areas. This process triggers the body’s natural healing response, which regenerates collagen growth and strengthens the dermal support. By reinforcing the face’s structural tissue, this treatment serves to remodel the surface skin to reveal a softer, smoother texture and a clearer, more vibrant complexion.

What Concerns Can Be Treated?

The ProFractional laser is one of the safest and most versatile resurfacing treatments available today. By eliminating damaged tissue and regenerating new, healthier skin, this procedure can address various skin concerns, including:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Blemishes and textural irregularities
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Rough, dull or dry skin

About the Procedure

Dr. Smith has the best laser technicians trained in ProFractional technology. Your laser tech will customize your procedure and adjust the depth of the technology according to your needs, skin type, and aesthetic goals. They will take every measure to ensure a safe process and satisfying, personalized results. ProFractional laser resurfacing is a relatively comfortable treatment. However, depending on the depth required for your skin and condition, they may recommend a local anesthetic or apply a numbing cream to increase patient comfort.

Once the area has been numbed and you are comfortable, a specialized hand-piece will be used to deliver the laser energy into your skin. Most patients describe the sensation as similar to the snap of a rubber band. Depending on the size of the treatment area, your procedure may take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes. The laser will trigger the body’s healing response to encourage collagen production, which will continue over the coming weeks and months.

ProFractional laser resurfacing is generally most effective when completed in a series of one to five treatments spaced three to six weeks apart. However, during your consultation, we will work with you to design an individualized treatment plan that caters to your goals and lifestyle. You may also choose to under laser resurfacing to complement the effects of another procedure, such as skin tightening, Botox or microdermabrasion.

ProFractional Laser Resurfacing Recovery

Immediately following the procedure, your skin will be red, tender and swollen, which will feel similar to a sunburn. You may feel slightly uncomfortable for the first one to three days, though the side effects will begin to ease thereafter. It may take three to five days for your skin to heal completely. However, you can apply makeup after day three, which is when most patients feel comfortable returning to work. While you may experience some discomfort, the recovery period for the ProFractional laser is relatively quick and straightforward compared to other resurfacing procedures.

Results from ProFractional Laser

You will begin to notice improvements in your skin soon after it heals from the treatment. After one to two weeks, your skin will be brighter, and the texture will be soft and smooth. You will see more dramatic results over the coming weeks and months as the skin continues to recover and collagen production increases. After your treatment series, your skin will be visibly tighter and firmer with a more even tone and texture and a refreshed overall appearance.

Benefits of ProFractional Laser Skin Resurfacing

  • Minimally invasive – only a fraction of the skin is treated
  • Relatively comfortable procedure – only numbing cream is required to minimize discomfort
  • Quick process – treatment sessions range from 15 to 60 minutes
  • Fast recovery – most patients return to work within 3 to 5 days
  • Safe and effective – minimal risks and excellent results

ProFractional Laser FAQ’s

What is an ablative laser?

An ablative laser works by removing the outer layer of skin to reveal newer and healthier skin underneath. Non-ablative lasers aim to enhance the skin by heating the underlying tissue, without harming the surface, to stimulate collagen production. Though ablative lasers are slightly more invasive and require more downtime, they are known to be significantly more effective than non-ablative treatments. While non-ablative lasers can improve the tone and texture of your skin, ablative procedures, like ProFractional resurfacing, can address these concerns and more, including facial discoloration, scarring, and wrinkles.

Can ProFractional laser remove pre-cancerous cells?

By vaporizing the top layers of skin, the ProFractional laser can also remove pre-cancerous growths. The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which begin in the top layer of skin (the epidermis) and are often related to sun exposure. When pre-cancerous cells are left to grow, they can develop into cancer and spread to other areas of the body. The ProFractional laser eliminates pre-cancerous cells before they progress. Additionally, as the laser promotes collagen production, the area heals more evenly and in harmony with the surrounding tissue. The result is a smooth, healthy surface and an even skin tone.

What areas can be treated?

The ProFractional laser can be used on almost any area of skin requiring correction. The most common areas of treatment include the face, neck, and décolletage. If you have skin concerns on other parts of your body, we will customize your procedure accordingly.

Who is a suitable candidate?

The ProFractional laser is suitable for men and women who are in overall good health and seeking to revitalize their appearance. Anyone who wishes to reduce the effects of age and sun damage without surgical correction may be a candidate for this procedure. From young adults who are genetically predisposed to certain skin conditions to older men and women with aged or sun-damaged skin, the ProFractional laser can address various skin concerns simultaneously while restoring a youthful glow to your appearance.

In your consultation, we will examine your condition and listen to your concerns to ensure ProFractional laser resurfacing is an appropriate course of treatment. Generally, this method is safe and effective for all skin types and tones and can produce excellent results for men and women of all ages.

Schedule Your Consultation Today at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics

ProFractional laser resurfacing is a revolutionary treatment that boasts countless benefits for your skin. At Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics in Wayzata, MN, we have performed this procedure to help men and women of all ages and conditions minimize imperfections and achieve a more radiant, youthful appearance. For patients in the Minneapolis St. Paul area and beyond, this exciting technique may be what you need to restore a beautiful tone, texture, and clarity to your skin. If you are interested in experiencing these benefits, contact premier skin specialist Dr. Leslie Smith at (952) 460-1970 to schedule your consultation today!