Profractional Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing removes skin layer by layer with precision. The new skin cells that form during healing give the skin a tighter, younger looking surface. The procedure can be done alone or with other cosmetic surgeries on the face.

ProFractional Resurfacing In Birmingham

The ProFractional laser is a quick and efficient procedure used for improving the overall appearance of your skin.

ProFractional can be used to improve a wide variety of skin conditions, but is primarily used for:

• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Tightening of the skin
• Post-traumatic scars
• Acne scars
• Aging and sun-damaged skin

What Should I Do Before My ProFractional Laser Resurfacing Treatment?

There are some steps you can take to get the best results from ProFractional laser treatment.

Tell us if you get cold sores or fever blisters around your mouth, because laser skin resurfacing can trigger breakouts.

Do not take any medications or supplements—such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E—that can affect clotting for 10 days before surgery.

If you smoke, you should stop for two weeks before and after the procedure.

Dr. Ellen may prescribe an antibiotic medication beforehand to prevent bacterial infections and also an antiviral medication if you are prone to cold sores or fever blisters.

How Is ProFractional Laser Resurfacing Performed In Troy?

Laser resurfacing is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll not have to stay overnight.

For small areas, our laser esthetician will numb the areas to be treated with a topical anesthetic. Occasionally a local sedation or oral sedation may be recommended.

Treating just parts of the face takes about 30 to 45 minutes. A full-face treatment takes up to two hours.

Following the laser procedure, our laser esthetician will apply a topical dressing to the treated areas. After 24 hours, you will need to clean the treated areas four to five times a day and then apply an ointment. A kit will need to be purchased to ensure the integrity of the skin and treatment.

Swelling after laser skin resurfacing is normal. You may be prescribed a steroid to manage swelling around your eyes. Sleeping on an extra pillow can also ease swelling.

You may feel itching or stinging for 12 to 72 hours after the procedure. Five to seven days after laser resurfacing, your skin will become dry and peel.

Healing typically takes 10 to 21 days. Once the skin heals, you can wear oil-free makeup to minimize redness, which usually fades in two to three months. Social downtime can range from 5-14 days depending on how aggressively you choose to treat your concerns.

How Should I Care For My Skin Following ProFractional Laser Resurfacing?

You will also probably notice that your skin is lighter for a while after surgery. It is particularly important that you use a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen, which screens ultraviolet B and ultraviolet A rays, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

It is also important to keep your new skin well moisturized. If you use Retin A or glycolic acid products, you should be able to start using them again after about six weeks or when Dr. Ellen says you can.

If you are a man or woman with skin damage from over-exposure to the sun, acne scarring, or facial wrinkles, we encourage you to contact plastic surgeon Dr. Ellen for a consultation in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Dr. Ellen and her staff are eager to answer your questions about ProFractional laser treatments. Please send us an email or call our office today at 248-220-6760 to schedule a consultation.