What is laser resurfacing and fractional resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing has long been the gold standard for the treatment of uneven pigmentation and skin texture. There are two main kinds of laser resurfacing: confluent resurfacing where the entire facial skin is resurfaced, and fractional resurfacing, where a portion of the skin (columns of skin) is resurfaced.
Laser resurfacing involves the use of laser energy to target the top layer of the skin. The top most layer of the skin is vaporised and sealed. This is accompanied by an immediate wound healing response, as well as a more gradual thermal response which causes new collagen formation. In confluent resurfacing, the top layer of the skin (epidermis) is removed and renewed. Fractional resurfacing allows the laser energy to penetrate more deeply, but healing can take place rapidly from columns of unaffected skin to allow a reasonable healing time.
Confluent resurfacing is helpful for improvement of epidermal imperfections and signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles, discolouration and general skin texture. Fractional resurfacing allows a deeper resurfacing whilst minimising down time associated with such resurfacing and is typically more effective for deeper lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, irregular skin texture and skin scarring.
At Aesthetic Harmony, we offer both confluent and fractional resurfacing using the Cutera Pearl and Pearl Fractional systems respectively. These Er:YSGG 2790nm lasers offer an ideal balance between clinical results and fast recovery time. Occasionally both procedures are used during the same treatment session to allow enhanced clinical outcomes, this is termed Pearl Fusion.
Who is a suitable candidate?
This treatment will suit patients with paler skin types who want to improve evenness of their skin tone and skin texture. The improved collagen production will improve the buoyancy of the skin.
We tailor the type and level of treatment depending on the conditions to be treated.
The depth of the treatment can be adjusted to suit the patient, fine tuning the degree of improvement versus the amount of downtime.
What to expect?
An initial consultation and examination is essential for treatment planning. Pre-treatment skin preparation forms an integral part of the treatment, as is ongoing skincare, to maximise the effect of the resurfacing procedure and to avoid or minimise the risk of side effects.
Topical anaesthetic is applied before the treatment to improve the comfort level. Typically, there is a week or two of social downtime depending on the type of procedure performed. We will provide the necessary aftercare and follow up to ensure optimal healing.
How are we unique?
The entire patient journey at Aesthetic Harmony is medically focused. We have a full suite of lasers and energy-based devices to target almost every skin type and skin concern. We use laser resurfacing as part of the overall treatment plan to improve your skin. We will choose the right treatment or the best combination of treatments that are tailored to your skin type and skin diagnosis to achieve your aesthetic goals.
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