What is Profractional Laser Resurfacing?

Profractional laser resurfacing treatment can improve a wide range of skin conditions such as fine lines and wrinkles, post-traumatic and acne scars, sunspots, freckles, and signs of photo-aging (sun-damaged skin).  The team at Wayzata Cosmetic Surgery & Spa recommends this to patients who want drastic improvement in their skin texture and appearance but want to avoid the prolonged downtime which might be the case with other laser procedures.

How Does Profractional Laser Treatment Work?

This treatment releases small pinpoints of heat energy that goes deeper into the dermis. Because it only treats a “fraction” of the skin’s deeper layers, the surrounding untreated areas release collagen and growth factors that aid in healing.  The use of fraction lasers has also been tied to shorter recovery compared to ablative lasers in which an intense wavelength of light is delivered to the entire skin surface to remove its outer layer.

Increased Collagen Production

The Profractional laser heats the deeper layers of the skin, which in turn triggers the tissue to produce more collagen. Collagen is the main structural protein that gives the skin its strength, firmness, and youthful glow. Unfortunately, the accumulative effects of sun exposure and advanced aging cause our body to produce less and less of this substance, resulting in dry, leathery skin.

Unique Advantages

While other laser treatments can also improve skin texture, pigmentation problems, and scars from acne and post-traumatic injury, Profractional laser resurfacing treatment offers one notable advantage: There is no risk of hypopigmentation or permanent lightening of the skin. Other laser technologies, meanwhile, come with a risk of a noticeable border between the treated and the untreated skin. This innovative laser technology also results in shorter recovery (days vs. weeks with ablative lasers), fewer post-op symptoms such as redness and swelling, and less discomfort during treatment.

Short and Long-Term Results

Because of the short recovery and minimal postop symptoms, you will see a noticeable improvement in your skin texture and appearance just a few days after treatment.  But since collagen production and tissue remodeling take time, the final results will be most visible after multiple months.

For more information about laser treatment, or any of our other skin treatments, contact the experts at Wayzata Cosmetic Surgery & Spa in Wayzata, Minnesota. Call us today to schedule your initial consultation!