TURN BACK THE CLOCK!
Every so often, a patient comes in asking about the one procedure that would have the most impact with the least amount of downtime. This is especially true for many of our male patients as they may not be as apt to adhere to an anti-aging maintenance program. Dermal fillers for volume loss, Neurotoxins such as Botox for wrinkles, and a medical grade skin care regimen are all valid and very consistent at delivering remarkable results. However, with the Non-Surgical or Liquid Facelift approach, sagging or loose upper and lower eyelids are limited in their correction. Fine lines across the midface and loose skin at the jawline are not easily corrected with combination therapy and may require regular maintenance. With a Fractionated Laser Resurfacing Procedure, you will get just that- a total resurfacing of your entire face/neck, tightening of the upper and lower eyelids as well as better definition of your jawline. For patients with a history of acne scars, this resurfacing miracle will diminish their scars anywhere from 50-90%.
WHAT IS FRACTIONATED CO2?
Fractionated Laser Resurfacing is advanced laser technology at its best. It is laser for skin resurfacing by removing the outer layers of damaged skin, revealing the underlying skin which is softer, smoother and younger in appearance. There are currently two modalities being used for skin resurfacing; CO2 and Erbium laser. The Erbium laser removes fine to moderate lines, while the CO2 laser is geared towards deeper facial lines and wrinkles. Ultimately, it is the Gold Standard in removing layers of skin tissue in a fractionated method to help reduce “age-spots”, fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, uneven coloration, skin laxity, textural irregularities, dull tone, and a thinned collagen layer of the face, neck, and chest.
Fractionated CO2 Laser is the treatment of choice for patients that are searching for the one treatment that will give them the best outcome in the shortest amount of time. For patients that are consistent with their anti-aging regimen and are ready to take it to the next level, CO2 laser is simply the icing on the cake.
Before & 2 weeks after Fractionated CO2 Laser Treatment performed by Dr. Christine.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT BEFORE MY PROCEDURE?
Once you have expressed interest in the Fractionated CO2 Treatment, you will meet with Dr. Christine for a thorough consultation to assess your skin type, treatment areas you desire to address and expectations. A detailed history of your medical history as well as any medications or supplements you are taking will be reviewed. You will receive a prescription for Acyclovir or Valtrex for prophylaxis against cold sores.
Depending on your skin color, ethnicity of origin, you may be started on a preparatory medical cream compounded by a pharmacist. This step is decided on an individual bases. You will be provided with preparation material that details your treatment, including a list of required post care creams that you can easily find over the counter.
PROCEDURE DAY
On the day of your procedure, you will bring your personal items with you to our office. Numbing cream will be applied to ensure your comfort. You may bring your favorite book or tablet with you or simply indulge in one of our office magazines. Your procedure may take about one hour and a staff member will immediately provide you with chilled, moist towels to apply to your treated area. Our entire staff is solely dedicated to your procedure and ensuring your comfort every step of the way.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER MY PROCEDURE?
Most patients require up to 7 days for recovery, but it all depends on their body’s healing ability. Dr. Christine encourages her patients to rest up and catch up on books or movies of their choice for the first 2-3 days. Avoid any sun or heat exposure, so best to leave your home after sundown if you wish to take a walk or run errands. Sunscreen to be applied whenever you are outside and a protective hat is strongly recommended for added protection.
Typical Healing Schedule:
Day 1 Swelling is normal. Apply cold moist towels over the face on-off & aquaphor coating face in between cooling periods.
Day 2 Swelling is still normal for most patients. Repeat above from Day 1.
Day 3 50-70% less swelling. Aquaphor coating entire treated area until a quarter size area of skin peels. you may begin using Oxygenetix cover up when outside as needed.
Day 4 -5 Once some peeling begins, STOP aquaphor & start Cetaphil Lotion or Oxygenetix moisturizer during your awake hours.
Day 5 On Continue with hydration/heavy moisturizers that promote healing, sunscreen when outside and Oxygenetix cover up as needed.
You will be seen for follow up 2 weeks post your treatment. Dr. Christine and her staff are available to answer any of your questions or concerns from day 1 and will hold your hands throughout your healing process. Results at your 2 week follow-up are astounding and continue to improve for up to 6 months post procedure date.
Before & 2 weeks post Fractionated CO2 Laser resurfacing treatment of the Left side. No other services performed on this patient before her After photo.
Before & 2 weeks post Fractionated CO2 Laser resurfacing treatment of the Right side. No other services performed on this patient before her After photo.
In the above photos, please note this patient before her Fractionated CO2 Laser Procedure and two weeks after. Several changes are to be noted here including, the pigment changes on her entire left/right side, wrinkle reduction and resolution of midface/cheeks/lower face, elimination of wrinkles and smoother skin around the eyes area as well as elimination of horizontal wrinkles above her right/ left eyebrows. Frontal view shows drastic resolution of wrinkles below and above the eye along with skin tightening. It appears as though surgical excision of the skin around the eyes was performed. These non-surgical results were achieved with less downtime, no scarring and at a fraction of the cost of a surgical facelift. Pink hue of her skin is normal and an expected outcome this early in her healing process. the redness may last anywhere from 2-6 months and is easily camouflaged with a tinted sunscreen or makeup.