If you’re new to cosmetic dermatology, you may not necessarily know that lasers can help resurface your skin. Meaning they can blast away (pun intended) the signs of aging, sun spots, and more! Indeed, lasers are used to target deep wrinkles, dark spots, and other skin conditions, like rosacea and eczema. Laser resurfacing treatments are personalized to the patient’s specific skin care goals. To read all about this progressive procedure: what it is and how it works, read our “Laser Skin Resurfacing – What’s to Love About It” blog.
Advanced Dermatology & Skin Surgery offers several laser treatments that consistently help our patients meet their skin care goals. Our laser treatments produce excellent results, so it is no surprise that we are so excited to announce that we have a new laser arriving soon. The Lumenis® UltraPulse® Laser treatment will be offered at our Coeur d’Alene location. The Lumenis DeepFX™ | ActiveFM™ are two fractional resurfacing solutions of the UltraPulse® system. This system creates microscopic channels that trigger the process of new collagen production, all while leaving the skin in between the channels unaffected; thus, reducing healing time. Deep dermal regeneration is achieved, leading to skin tightening and improvement of the overall appearance of your skin. Yes, please!
Conditions Treated
The UltraPulse® laser is a unique power and precision technology designed to treat fine lines and wrinkles. It helps minimize the appearance of acne scars, xanthelasma (yellowish plaques that commonly occur near the inner eyelid), and rhinophyma (a skin disorder where the nose is enlarged, becomes red, bumpy, and bulbous). The UltraPulse® laser is also great for treating perioral rhytides and periocular rhytides or deep etching lines around the eyes (crow’s feet) and mouth (smoker’s lines).
Candidates for Treatment
Skin types I and II on the Fitzpatrick scale with little melanin are the best candidates for this laser technology. For skin of color, there is a high risk of transient hyperpigmentation. The DeepFX handpiece can be a powerful tool for acne scarring in Fitzpatrick type III skin tones, but special medication is required six weeks before and six weeks after to avoid/minimize hyperpigmentation.
Some people are not ideal candidates for this treatment. For patients with a Fitzpatrick skin type of IV or higher, a CO2 fractional ablative laser should be used with extreme caution and only in the hands of a trained laser and cosmetic surgeon. People with a keloid formation history and who have taken Accutane within the last 6-12 months are not candidates for this laser resurfacing procedure. A consultation is required before starting this treatment, and an extensive medical history should be discussed with your Provider.
Preparing for Treatment
The number one thing to do before treatment is to avoid the sun! If the patient has any tan at all, treatment is not possible. That is why October through March are optimal treatment months. In Fitzpatrick skin type III, the patient undergoes a course of Hydroquinone to help avoid hyperpigmentation. This is discussed in detail with Provider during your consultation.
Recovery
Although the procedure is fast – one hour – there is some required recovery time. It is important to keep in mind any social events when scheduling your appointment. Patients can expect to be red, raw, and oozy for seven to ten days after the procedure. They will be fully healed but slightly pink by day ten. Your Provider will suggest multiple skin care products to be used after your treatment – these will help with healing and achieve that stunning youthful glow.
Typically, one treatment is required; however, for conditions such as acne scarring and scar revision, multiple treatments may be necessary. All of which are discussed during your consultation. Best of all, you can finance your treatment using GreenSky™ Financing.
Our Board-Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Courtney Gwinn, has extensive CO2 ablative laser treatment training. She is ready to answer all your questions regarding this unique and powerful technology. Schedule your consultation online or call us at 509.456.7414.