Fractional Laser Resurfacing Newport Beach
Fractionated laser resurfacing in Newport Beach and Orange County is used to treat:
- Sun damage, fine wrinkles, and aging on the face, neck, chest, hands and arms
- Certain cases of melasma
- Acne scarring and surgical scars
- Crepiness and fine lines around the eye and on the eyelids
Fractionated lasers creates tiny micro pores of injury deep into the skin, which the skin repairs by pushing out the old, damaged skin and replacing it with new skin.
Each laser skin resurfacing treatment replaces about 15-20% of the sun damaged, scarred, or wrinkled skin. It triggers the body’s natural healing process accelerating the production of collagen and new, healthy skin cells. A series of treatments (generally 3-5) are performed, usually one every 3-8 weeks. The benefits of fractional laser treatments are achieved with little discomfort.
Your skin will look very red immediately after the treatment and will fade over the next few days. Usually you can go back to normal activities including work, with make-up, within 3-5 days. Occasionally, the redness may take longer to resolve. Make-up can be worn to reduce the red. Rarely, bruising may develop, which can take up to two weeks to resolve.
Within a few days after each treatment, a bronzed look to the skin is common, which can last 1-2 weeks. Your skin may flake and exfoliate a little. Using a moisturizer will help reduce the appearance of dry flakes.
Fractional Laser Resurfacing FAQs
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reverses the signs of sun damage.
- Reduces brown spots and evens out skin tone and texture.
- Reduce acne scars and surgical scars.
- Reduce stretch marks.
- Energy is delivered deep within the skin to repair and remove old, damaged skin cells and break down scar tissue and stretch marks.
- New healthy skin cells and collagen are generated, creating smoother and more even skin.
- Avoid tanning or excess sun exposure at least two weeks prior to skin resurfacing treatment.
- Discontinue use of any prescription or over the counter Retinoic acid (Retin-A, Tretinoin, Differin, Adapalene, Tazarotene, Tazorac, retinol, etc), HQRA+ (Bleaching Cream) and alpha hydroxy acids two weeks prior to treatment. Please inform us of all prescription and over the counter skin care products that you use.
- Notify us if you have a history of cold sores (oral herpes), you will need to take an oral anti-viral medication starting at least 1 day prior to procedure for prevention.
- The laser feels like a prickling heat sensation.
- Topical anesthetic is applied to the skin 30-45 minutes prior to the treatment and a cooling roller is applied immediately after treatment to help improve comfort.
- Each treatment takes approximately 30 minutes depending on the area(s) being treated.
- Apply cool gel packs immediately following treatment and at 10-15 minute intervals as needed for itching or stinging.
- Mild swelling and occasional blanching (white or pale appearance) may occur immediately after treatment and typically resolves within 24-48 hours, though may last up to 3-5 days. Keeping your head elevated when lying down or sleeping, may help to reduce swelling.
- Redness, broken capillaries and bronzing may occur and last 1-3 days after treatment. Mild redness may persist for several weeks, which can be covered with makeup.
- Cleanse the skin with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser (as recommended).
- Topical moisturizers may be recommended to alleviate itching and dryness.
- More aggressive treatments may require the use of an occlusive ointment (Aquaphor or Vaseline) to help minimize peeling and crusting.
- Applying gauze or a wash cloth soaked with water to the areas treated for 5-15 minutes can help to remove debris and bronzing that may appear 1 to 4 days after treatment.
- Do not pick at or scrub treated areas during the recovery process.
- Those with acne prone skin should avoid heavy moisturizers and make up for 24 hours past treatment.
- Avoid sun exposure, heat or any injury to the treated areas for at least two weeks after treatments.
- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 45 or higher containing a physical blocker such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide between and following treatments.
- Avoid tight-fitted clothing to areas of treated stretch marks for 3 months after the last treatment.
- Itching and dryness may occur once the treatment area has healed, which will gradually clear and gentle moisturizers may provide some relief.
- There is a low risk for prolonged redness, itching and blistering.
- Risk of hyper pigmentation (darkening of skin), hypo pigmentation (lightening of skin), burns, bruising or blistering, which may result in scarring.
- Transient redness or swelling immediately after treatment.
- Bronzing, which is brown debris on the surface of the skin, may last a few days after treatment.
- Risk of infection following treatment.
- Acne breakouts.
- Reduced social downtime.
The price of fractional laser resurfacing in Newport Beach and Orange County varies depending on the specifics of each case. Cost may be impacted by the number of treatments required and the patient’s aesthetic goals. It’s best to inquire about pricing during one’s consultation.
Dr. Amy Reinstadtler will see you in her office in Newport Beach.