Laser Skin Rejuvenation

Fractional Laser Resurfacing is a powerful treatment that offers a total transformation for your skin. This treatment, sometimes known as Fraxel or PIXEL, effectively  reduces pigmentation, shrinks pore size, and reduces fine lines and  wrinkles using carefully targeted thermal heat.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing also works wonders at reducing scars, including acne scars. Those who have suffered from acne swear by Fractional Laser Resurfacing. Fractional Laser Resurfacing is considered to be 3 times more powerful than an IPL(intense Pulsed Light) Laser Photo facial treatment.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing leaves skin looking tighter, smoother, and more refreshed. Skin texture is dramatically improved as is the overall clarity of the skin.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing targets microscopic pixel type dots in the epidermis and upper dermis.The targeted cells literally break down leaving the untargeted surrounding skin untouched.  The targeted skin cells will quickly darken and then slough off, and new cells will  form to create a lighter, brighter and tighter skin condition.

From the scientific perspective, the Fractional Laser Resurfacing process is actually called Photothermolysis, a combination of heat and light. This highly specialized advanced technology effectively targets damaged skin cells, producing a smoother and younger appearance once the targeted cells flake off.

We use the EVO Q-PLUS C laser which is manufactured by Cartessa in Italy and distributed by Quanta in the United States. This laser performs multiple functions, but for this treatment we employ the fractional skin resurfacing hand piece.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing is perfect for lighter skin types 1-4. Deeper skin tones need to be evaluated on a case by case basis.  Those with deeper skin tones, or who have previously experienced  keloid issues are not good candidates.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing is highly effective at treating wrinkles, fine lines (including around the eyes), acne scars, surgical scars, enlarged pores, melasma, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. Overall skin texture is greatly improved as well.

All areas being treated with Fractional Laser Resurfacing are numbed prior to the service to minimize any discomfort.  There is an overall feeling of targeted heat which most patients describe as tolerable, but not too painful.

The treatment itself is very tolerable and would be described as a  “medium” level of discomfort. The sensation is that of quick, controlled blasts of heat. Post treatment with Fractional Laser Resurfacing, skin feels as if it has a sunburn. We have found that a combination of  ibuprofen  and ice packs help reduce any inflammation or swelling that occurs post treatment.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing is a safe and highly effective treatment that is always performed by  carefully trained registered nurses.  Prior to treatment, each client is screened by a nurse practitioner to ensure that they are a good candidate. Skin types 1-4 are generally perfect, although those with skin type 4 need special evaluation.

Healing time is fairly quick following a Fractional Laser Resurfacing treatment. However, redness and inflammation  will be experienced for several days post treatment. For about a 5-7 days post treatment,  the treated skin will begin to feel dry and tight and then begin to darken and flake off. Generally, we find it best to avoid public engagements during this transformational period.

Although treatment time vary from one person to another, it usually takes under 30 minutes per session. We ask that patients arrive 45 minutes prior to the Fractional Laser Resurfacing treatment, so that the areas to be treated can be numbed.  This is a nonsurgical treatment, but it is ablative, and does require numbing for comfort.  We generally allow about 30 minutes for full numbing time.

We highly recommend planning a Fractional Laser Resurfacing treatment at least 3-4 weeks prior to any event or travel.  It takes a little time to allow the skin to heal and get back in “public event” shape.

Those with deeper skin tones and keloid issues are not good candidates for Fractional Laser Resurfacing.  One of our medical professionals  will carefully evaluate your unique skin type and concerns to determine if Fractional Laser Resurfacing is right for you.

There are no long lasting side effects after Fractional Laser Resurfacing.  Post treatment, You can expect to experience some  redness, swelling and flaking for about 10-14 days post treatment.

For those seeking a basic overall reset of the skin, with emphasis on removing light hyperpigmentation and fine lines, it is possible that only one treatment may be needed, with reevaluation on an annual basis. Those dealing with Deeper acne scars often require a series of four to six Fractional Laser Resurfacing treatments,  generally spaced four to six weeks apart.

If you have just received Fractional Laser Resurfacing, the usual wait period between treatments is four to six weeks. This is evaluated on a case by case basis by the medical specialist.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing is also just as effective when used on various areas of the body as it is on the face.   Acne scars or scars of any kind can be greatly reduced on many parts of the body with the Fractional Laser Resurfacing. Additionally, many patients choose to treat the hyperpigmentation on the hands at the same time as they treat the face. Any areas can be evaluated for treatment by the medical specialist when receiving the FREE consultation.

IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a laser treatment that targets red, brown and purple pigments in the skin. This treatment is sometimes called a “Photofacial.”

The light wavelength used in IPL is optimized to generate heat in the surface of the skin. This heat specifically targets and shatters unwanted excess melanin, and  also targets, coagulates and removes broken blood capillaries. IPL is able to fragment unwanted pigment cells without any damage to surrounding tissue. Post treatment, the targeted spots will simply get slightly darker and then flake off.

We perform the IPL using the Evo Q-PLUS C laser which is a Nd:YAG 1064nm Q-Switch laser. This laser is manufactured by the Quanta System Aesthetics Division and is distributed in America by Cartessa.

IPL can  treat the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, or any area of the body that has red and/or brown spots. We can also do spot treatments.

An IPL treatment feels similar to pinpoint rubber band snaps as the energy is applied to the skin. No numbing is needed for an IPL treatment.

IPL is a very tolerable laser skin treatment. The discomfort level varies from person to person based on their own sensitivities. Each application of energy feels like a quick warm snapping sensation.

IPL is perfectly safe for skin types 1-4 with very minimal downtime.

There is little to no downtime after an IPL treatment session. The treated areas may be pink, mildly red or slightly swollen for up to three days post treatment. Most patients experience slight erythema(redness) and mild swelling or puffiness only on the same day as treatment. Depending on your job, it is possible to go back to work after treatment with IPL.

We recommend getting IPL at least 3-5 days or more before an event or travelling.

Those with deeper skin tones of type 5 or above should not receive IPL treatments. Patients that have had adverse reactions in the past to IPL are not good candidates. Those currently experiencing melasma will need to employ a skin lightening protocol for 6 weeks prior to treatment with IPL.

Pigmented areas treated with IPL should get darker and then flake off. This is not a “side effect” per se, but should be expected. Mild inflammation and pinkness for 1-3 days is common post treatment.

The number of sessions required for best results with IPL vary from person to person based on the skin type and severity of issues being treated. Your specialist will evaluate your individual needs and create a custom treatment plan for you. Some see perfect results in one treatment, and others need a series. Generally, no more than 6 treatments are required for optimal results.

Treatment intervals are dependent on factors such as sensitivity, skin type and severity of issues being targeted. Generally, we recommend spacing IPL treatments 3 weeks apart. However, this will be evaluated aona case by case basis b y the treatment specialist.

Melasma Toning is a Q-Switched laser skin treatment that is relatively painless, highly effective and can be done on your lunch break. This treatment is designed to shatter the pigment in the skin that is causing the dark patches known as melasma. This laser uses sound waves to acoustically shatter the excess pigment. The pigment is then absorbed by the body over time and is slowly excreted by the lymphatic drainage system.

We use the EVO Q-Plus C by Cartessa to perform the Melasma Toning.

Melasma Toning is very tolerable.  It is a quick and very focused treatment that basically feels like a warm rubber band is snapping on the treated areas.

Does Melasma Toning require numbing?

No numbing is required for this treatment, but we can provide that for those who feel they are extra sensitive.

As each person will present with differing levels of darkness and discoloration from their melasma, it is difficult to predict how long it takes to see the final results. Some will require more treatments than others, and each person will metabolize the shattered pigment at different rates as well. Generally speaking, the results of one treatment will be seen within 1-2 months.

The timeline of results varies from person to person based on age, initial skin discoloration, exposure to the sun, and personal lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption and general skincare regimens. For most, the results will last for at least 6 months to a year.  With proper skin care, sun protection and overall maintenance, the results can last for years.

Not only is Melasma Toning non-invasive, but the laser applicator also will not even be touching your skin directly.

Yes! Melasma Toning is perfect for ANY skin tone.

It is more than okay to have Melasma Toning prior to traveling or attending a special event. There is no downtime after Melasma Toning. You will most likely look slightly pink in the areas that were treated, and that pinkness will fade in only a few hours.

• It is recommended to stop using any retinoids 2-3 days prior to having any laser skin treatment. 
• Do not tan or spend excessive time in the sun for a week prior to Melasma Toning.

Melasma Toning is a no-downtime treatment with immediate and time sustained results. The areas which have been treated should be either kept covered or have sunscreen applied regularly. 

It is recommended that you avoid saunas, spas, excessive exercise or hot showers directly on the face for 24-48 hours following the treatment. It is important to maintain sun protection at all times, wearing a hat and sunscreen are both recommended. Normal cleansing, exfoliation and showering directly on treated areas can resume after 48 hours. Your skin should not be irritated post treatment, but avoiding heat and protecting yourself from the sun are key.

The only contraindications are current pregnancy, current breastfeeding, or lactating.