Ablative Skin Resurfacing Fractional Technology

Laser Skin Resurfacing otherwise known as Fractional Ablative Resurfacing is a treatment for fine to deep wrinkles, scars and superficial skin lesions. Lasers briefly direct intense bursts of laser energy onto the surface of the skin. This energy heats water within the surface layers of the skin, causing both the water and the tissue of the skin to turn to vapor. Every time the laser passes over the skin, some of the outermost layers of the skin are removed in a precise and controlled way to the appropriate depth. Within a few days the area is replaced with fresh, healthy skin generated by the body's lymphatic system. Over time new layers of collagen are produced and the skin resurfaces itself leaving an improved appearance and healthier skin. Patients do experience a week of redness, swelling and peeling after the procedure but the results are well worth the minimal downtime.

How does Ablative Skin Resurfacing through Fractional Technology work?

The Palomar Lux 2940 Fractional ablative resurfacing laser directs thermal energy into the skin via hundreds of tiny microbeams. Unsightly skin is selectively vaporized, and within a few days is replaced with fresh, healthy skin generated by the body's lymphatic system.

What makes StarLux treatments different from other ablative resurfacing methods?

Some ablative skin resurfacing methods remove a major portion of the skin's surface. While good results are eventually seen, the drawbacks include prolonged redness, raw skin, longer downtime and a higher risk of infection.

Are these treatments painful?

Topical anesthetic cream will be applied to you face prior to treatment. The anesthetic minimizes the pain and discomfort. You may expect redness, warmth, swelling or tightness in the treated area, with a range in downtime of 5-7 days. During this period, your skin is healing and regenerating. You are advised to stay out of the sun, avoid scrubbing, and not wear makeup after treatment.

What should I expect after treatments?

For several weeks after treatment, depending on the type of treatment and areas treated, your skin may appear pinkish in tone, which is normal. Makeup can be applied typically after 4 days.

Unlike other skin rejuvenation treatments, the Lux 2940 ablative skin resurfacing treatment is a single day procedure.

Patient Testimonials

I thought about it for a long time, before deciding to have fractional ablative resurfacing treatment. Although, for me, the financial outlay was considerable, it wasn't entirely the cost that deterred me. I had spent that much over the last couple of years on fillers for some of my deep wrinkles. They worked, for a while, but as Dr. Alibhai pointed out, there was no way that all of them could be treated; I had so many lines, particularly on the right side of my face.

I kept debating whether I should spend this amount on my appearance but made the choice for this sensible longer-term treatment while making a few short-term budget adjustments. Both my spouse and my close friend encouraged me to go ahead with the treatment; they knew that my wrinkled face aged me beyond my years and really made me self-conscious.

It is now 2 months since I had the procedure and apart from the occasional flushing, I feel completely normal. My face looks 10 -15 years younger. A colleague who had not seen me for a while suggested that the clock had been turned back 20 years and he attributed it to my recent retirement. My family and friends are delighted. So am I.

I feel so much better about my appearance and have confidence in Dr Alibhai and his competent staff. I would not go anywhere else for cosmetic or laser treatment.
Rose