At Elite Plastic Surgery, we are dedicated to giving our patients the best service with the best results. For patients looking to improve the appearance of their wrinkles or reduce the prominence of scarring, we offer ProFractional Resurfacing. This procedure is great for those of us who are constantly on the go and do not have the space in our schedules for downtime!
What is ProFractional Therapy?
ProFractional Therapy is a quick and comfortable laser procedure with little downtime, used for improving the overall appearance of your skin. This skin resurfacing procedure can be used to improve the look of sun-damaged, acne-scarred skin, as well as smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. The treatment is performed in your physician’s office and can be custom tailored to your specific skin conditions and desired outcome.
How ProFractional Resurfacing Works
ProFractional uses a tiny laser beam to treat thousands of pinpoint areas of your skin. Because only a fraction of your skin is directly treated with the laser, the surrounding untreated tissue promotes rapid healing. This skin’s wound healing response creates new collagen which add firmness and resilience to the skin. This healing and collagen production results in the skin tightening in the area of treatment. This improves the appearance of the skin and reduces wrinkles and scars.
Who Is a Good Candidate for ProFractional Laser Therapy?
Based on an assessment of your skin condition and cosmetic goals, your physician may choose to use ProFractional whenever a combination of resurfacing with minimal downtime is desired. Be sure to discuss your options with your doctor to ensure the best results.
What Areas Can Be Treated With Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Most skin areas can be treated. Popular treatment areas are the face and neck, though many people also treat the chest and hands. You should discuss your needs with your physician.
How Many Laser Skin Therapy Treatments Will I Need?
Excellent results can be obtained in just one treatment, though the number of treatments may vary from patient to patient. Your physician can personalize a plan based on your specific needs and may choose to combine ProFractional Therapy with other aesthetic procedures to further personalize your treatment.
What To Expect During ProFractional Therapy
To prepare for the procedure, your skin will be cleaned in the treatment area and your eyes will be protected with safety shields. A laser hand piece will then be positioned gently on the skin. When the laser energy is applied, you will hear a rapid succession of snapping sounds – don’t be alarmed, this is normal! Your doctor will move the hand piece around to adjacent locations until the entire treatment area has been covered.
The procedure normally takes 15 to 30 minutes. ProFractional therapy is widely regarded as a comfortable procedure, usually tolerated with the use of a topical numbing cream or a local anesthetic, depending on the depth of treatment.
ProFractional Therapy Recovery
Immediately following the procedure you may experience mild redness and a sensation resembling sunburn. Your physician will advise you on specific after-treatment care recommendations, which may include analgesics and application of an ointment to keep the skin moist. Complete healing typically occurs within a few days and most patients usually feel comfortable enough to get back to work and apply makeup a day or two after the treatment. There will likely be some swelling that will subside within several days following the treatment.
How Will My Skin Feel Immediately After Treatment?
You may be given skin care products and instructions on how to use them. Your skin will be sensitive to ultra-violet light after the procedure, so you must avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. It is recommended that you always use some level of solar protection to avoid sun damage and premature aging of your skin.
ProFractional Laser Resurfacing Results
As your skin heals in the days following your treatment, you may notice a general tightening effect. However, the true benefit of ProFractional is the collagen remodeling that occurs during the 4 to 6 months following your treatment.
Schedule a Consultation
For more information on ProFractional Therapy, call Elite Plastic Surgery at (616) 459-1907. Elite Plastic Surgery serves Grand Rapids MI and surrounding areas.
