Face Doctors Clinic offers fractional resurfacing via our Pixel laser, which emits laser energy in small spots that are about as wide as a human hair. This energy is absorbed by water in our skin which then strips the epidermis, or the outer layer of the skin in a pattern that corresponds with these tiny dots. Healthy undamaged cells then move into these microscopically damaged areas to heal and rejuvenate the wounds. In contrast a non-fractional model would strip the whole outer layer of skin. Fractional ablative lasers are able to rejuvenate the skin without the downtime and risk associated with a fully ablative laser. While the Pixel laser is available in both fractionated and non-fractionated options, we opted for the fractionated version as the safer option. Fractionated lasers have a lower risk of scarring and pigmentation changes.

Patients should expect further improvements over months as their skin continues to remodel with new collagen.

Unlike ablative resurfacing, non-ablative resurfacing does not target the outer skin or epidermis and instead targets the deeper layers to stimulate collagen production. Both ablative and non-ablative lasers are useful in facial rejuvenation, with ablative lasers better able to target pigmentation and superficial wrinkles, and non-ablative lasers providing some tightening of the skin. Since aging involves damage to both the outer and deeper skin layers, both options may be used at separate times to provide the largest benefit.

Yes, the result is permanent.

People with fine wrinkles, uneven skin texture, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, age spots or scarring may benefit.

Typically topic anaesthetic or anaesthetic cream is applied to numb the area. A laser is passed over the skin which leaves tiny dots on the skin. After treatment a cold pack is applied to reduce the mild burning sensation that patients may experience.

After ablative laser resurfacing, the treated skin red and itchy. A thick occlusive ointment will be applied to the skin to reduce the chance of infection and a sunscreen will be applied. Ice packs may be applied to assist with a burning sensation. Once the new skin completely covers the treated area, typically after one week, regular cosmetic products can be applies. Your skin might stay red or pink for up to 2 weeks, however, once the skin heals you will notice an immediate difference in skin quality.

In some patients, the desired result may be achieved with only one fractional resurfacing session, however, in severely wrinkled or photo-damaged skin, up to 3 treatments may be required.

Skin resurfacing can also be achieved with microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Microdermabrasion tends to be very superficial and cannot produce the results of a medium depth chemical peel or a fractionated resurfacing laser. Chemical peels can come in various strengths and have their own advantages, for example, a salicylic acid peel is great for treating active acne by unblocking pores while a Jessner peel is great for phot-rejuvenation. By combining peels in a single session we can treat different problems such as acne and superficial wrinkling at the same time.

The more superficial the resurfacing, the safer the treatment. However, some risks of resurfacing include, hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin), scarring (rare) and infection. The risks can be greatly reduced by appropriate pre and post-treatment care.