At Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, P.C. our offices are equipped with the best of the latest technology. We use the Fraxel® laser for skin resurfacing. This gentle treatment can improve the texture and the color of skin on the face, chest, arms, hands and other areas with minimal downtime and the oversight of a board-certified dermatologist for superior safety.
This single machine can produce two different wavelengths of light, which can be used independently or together. One is used for deep collagen tightening and resurfacing for patients with deep scars or wrinkles. The other, more superficial option is used to improve the appearance of freckling, pigmentation and fine lines.
Fractionated Erbium (Fraxel)
Fraxel® is a laser treatment that is performed using the fractionated erbium device. This emits laser lights that provide a non-ablative treatment with less downtime than other laser services. Fraxel® is perfect for patients who want to achieve beautiful skin quickly and easily with today’s technology.
Our board certified dermatologist will provide this FDA-cleared device to enhance the skin, targeting problems such as aging skin and dull, poorly textured complexions.
One of the greatest benefits of this procedure, as compared to older resurfacing methods, is that it can be used beyond the jaw line. It is a wonderful option for rejuvenating skin on the neck, chest, décolletage and arms. These areas are typically very telling of an individual’s age, because many people begin protecting their faces from sun exposure long before they begin protecting the rest of their bodies.
This is also a great solution for reducing the appearance of stretch marks. This is a common concern among adolescents following growth spurts, as well as pregnant women. Several treatment sessions with the deeper wavelength (15/50 nanometer) can flatten and soften the appearance of stretch marks.
Skin resurfacing at the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery - Dr. Cheryl M. Burgess
What is skin resurfacing?
Skin resurfacing is a term that we use to define smoothing the skin. Sometimes there are textural divots in the skin. Enlarged pores could be something of an unwanted texture.
So it just depends on what you’re looking at. A lot of times, it’s referring to acne scarring. Resurfacing of the skin is a technique where we use several modalities to do that.
Sometimes we use a laser, particularly if there are depressions and discoloration.
What are the devices used to do skin resurfacing?
I want to address multiple issues and not just one at a time. So I will choose devices that are going to do that. Therefore, I would choose a device that is resurfacing and lightening.
We also see microdermabrasion, micro-needling and radio frequency all combined in the same device. We can also go back to the older method, which is chemical peeling. Chemical peeling has been around since the days of Cleopatra.
They are stapled to a lot of the things that we do because they can treat acne at the same time, smoothen the skin, exfoliate the skin, help with the pores, stimulate collagen, etc.
We also can use lasers that can resurface like a fractionated erbium or fractionated CO2 laser. They are a bit different and they put tiny holes in the skin to rebuild collagen.
Why should one visit the Center for Dermatology for skin resurfacing?
There are many ways that you can resurface the skin, polish it and make it look more smooth and even. It’s very important to have an assortment of devices and methods because not all scars or unevennesses are treated the same way.
So I advise people to go to the Center for Dermatology or other dermatology offices that have an array of different devices that you can use to resurface the skin. Therefore it will encompass all skin types, not just the lighter skin types.
Feel free to call us and learn more about skin resurfacing.
The procedure is performed with topical anesthetic for your comfort. It takes between one and two hours for the area to become numbed and the actual treatment takes from 15-30 minutes. The Fraxel® laser utilizes fractionated erbium, which creates thermal heating zones with microscopic fractions of skin left unaffected. This facilitates expedited healing. A few days after treatment skin will gently slough off, revealing brighter, smoother skin with a rosy glow. Most patients are fully healed in about three to five days.
