There is a lot of talk out there about “Fractional Laser Resurfacing”.
Here is some information to help clarify what that means and why the public is so excited about this treatment.

For those of us not ready for surgical procedures….Fractional laser resurfacing can provide the next best thing. This technology allows fractionated light from the laser to go beneath the skin surface to heat the dermal layer and initiate the stimulation of collagen through the body’s own ability to heal. Because the light is “fractionated” some of the skin stays in tact so the healing process is shortened.

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing repairs enlarged pores,acne scars and improves the texture and tone of the skin. The procedure requires approximately one week of minimal down time. This down time varies depending on the intensity of the energy level selected. You get to determine what setting you would like used. The post healing process is more visible than it is painful. Typically, the first day it feels like a bad sunburn, some swelling may occur depending on the intensity level chosen. The sunburn look turns to a dark brown stage followed by peeling that begins on about day three.

The fun part is when your new, blemish free skin becomes visible. The hardest part is to be patient while the collagen building process
occurs. Improvements will continue over 3-6 months. Your body needs time to build up the new, stronger collagen level in your skin. It is not instantaneous but don’t worry your friends will notice the dullness removed, the youthful glow and the toning and tightening that continues to improve in the months to come!

The laser will sufficiently damage the hair follicles so that about ten days after being treated the hairs will begin to evacuate themselves from the skin (much like a splinter will , only with no pain). You will be able to see the process as the hair begins to fall out. Now you have the result you have hoped for. But , wait a minute, while you may seem mostly hair free in the treated area (and you are very happy about this), this will only last for about 3-4 more weeks. Then your ready for your second treatment. This pattern will repeat itself until you have completed about six treatments. After which you should have way less, if any visible hair in the treated area. The great thing about the LHR process is that for about half of the time between treatments you will be generally hair free and after the six treatments you will be good to go for years.

It is critical in our experience, to be committed to a scheduled treatment regimen at 5-6 week intervals. As the new cycle of hair growth occurs the laser needs to be applied. The schedule and the hair growth cycles work together such that your growth cycles will get in sync with your treatments and you will get the hair reduction/removal you are hoping for.

The end result will be softer smoother, hairless looking skin area that will feel soft and smooth much like the underside of a (typical) females’ forearm. Also the visibility of the pores where the hair once grew will decrease markedly if not completely disappear.

We have gotten the best results using the Candela GentleLase Mini. It’s the fastest, least painful and most effective laser that we have found and our clients heartily agree. As an example, treating a females’ underarms or bikini area takes less than ten minutes, then they’re on their way back to work or play or wherever.

Stay out of the sun and stay on schedule, don’t wax, tweeze, or depiltate between treatments and this process works wonderfully well. Be sure you are a good candidate and that your laser center and laser operator are well trained and very good at operating the laser safely and effectively. There are many great Q&As for LHR at Evanesque.

Is laser hair removal painful? Each patient is different; therefore some patients associate laser hair removal as painful. There are various types of laser hair removal and therefore the level of pain associated with each can be different, depending on the technique that is used to remove the hair.  For example, Evanesque uses a special device called GentleLASE Dynamic Cooling Device in conjunction with the laser. This device sprays the upper layers of skin with a cooling burst of cryogen just prior to the laser pulse for added comfort. A demonstration video using this technique can be viewed on our website. A beam of light is used to destroy the hair follicle, which is required for hair to grow. The light is used to create heat which destroys the follicle upon impact. At this point, the hair removal process has been successful in removing the hair. A cool gel is used to protect the skin from the intense light.

Is laser hair removal permanent? Often, patients require multiple treatments to gain the results that they wish for, the permanent removal of hair from a certain area of the body. Laser hair removal often slows the growth of the hair as the follicle must repair itself in order to re-grow hair, but to see permanent results multiple treatments of laser hair removal therapy must be completed. Results can be seen from months to several years depending on the course of treatment that has been completed.

There are many reasons that laser hair removal is completed. Patients pay very well for the procedure, which is used as an alternative to shaving, waxing and other painful and less effective methods of hair removal.

There are various risks to undergoing the laser hair treatment course, these include; the inability for the laser to remove short hairs from the body, the lightening of the skin where the laser treatment procedure has been completed, darkening of the skin where the treatment has been performed, blistering due to the high levels of heat which are created from the lights which are used during the laser hair treatment, growth changes when new hair appears in the area that has been lasered. Complications can occur, depending on the type of your skin and the sensitivity levels which are seen in the skin after the procedure has been completed.

Photos are taken at the procedure which can help to narrow the course of treatment and show the patient the before and after picture. Speaking with the laser technician can ensure that all of your expectations are met throughout the course of the treatment. Costs depend on the area that is being treated as well as the setting in which the laser treatments are being offered. 

What is Microcurrent treatment? Microcurrent treatments use small electrical pulses to promote collagen production in the skin and create the appearance of tighter skin. The muscles and tissues deep within the skin are stimulated to enhance the production of collagen. After one treatment you can experience tighter appearing skin with the appearance of lifted eyebrows and skin that has a decreased sagging appearance. Microcurrent treatments are often short-term and must be used repeatedly to see long term effects. There is no damage to the skin during Microcurrent treatments, as opposed to other methods which try to achieve the same results such as facelifts and laser rejuvenation of the skin.

What is Microdermabrasion? Microdermabrasion is often referred to as microderm as patients and doctors familiar with the procedure. Each of these different types of Microdermabrasion procedures contribute to removing the first layer of the skin which may have been susceptible to damage. The superficial layer of the skin is removed to create a youthful appearance which is similar to the Microcurrent treatments. Crystals are used in combination with abrasive textures which are used to remove the dead skin cells from the top layer, increasing the overall appearance and texture of the skin while improving the appearance of the complexion.

What are the costs of the two types of skin treatments? The cost of Microdermabrasion can range from $75.00 to $350.00 for each treatment depending on the type of Microdermabrasion being completed, the tools that are used to complete the treatment and the office that the treatment is being completed at. Microcurrent treatments range in price from $150.00 to $350.00 and can be completed at a local spa or dermatologist’s office.

Where is the damage in your skin? Is your damage superficial on the top of the skin, or does the damage lies in the cells underneath the skin? Depending on where you wish to see results will determine the type of treatment that you ultimately choose. A consultation can be available from the spa to determine which treatment will yield the best results for you. This consultation can be followed by scheduling the treatment that you feel best for the problem. 

More Medical Spa Videos to Come
This is my first video of hopefully many more in the future. My wife Barbara and I, our tech Sherrie, as well as some special guests, will be sharing with you some frequently asked questions, as well as some videos and instructions on many common med spa services in Dallas including laser hair removal, Botox, Microdermabrasion, Micro-current in order to remove the mystery and any fear you may have about getting one of these services for yourself. Join us on our journey as we begin blogging.