ProFractional Laser vs. Traditional Laser Resurfacing: Which is Right for You?Aug 10, 2024
Looking youthful and more confident is something we all aspire to. Laser skin resurfacing makes this possible. With its impact on the skin’s appearance, tone, and texture, it is a treatment of choice for many worldwide. Laser resurfacing is a skin treatment. It uses lasers to remove the outer layer of the skin. The laser heats the dermis and stimulates collagen creation. It is also called laser vaporization, laser peel, and lasabrasion. Laser resurfacing treats fine lines, scars, sun spots, age spots, warts, large pores, and birthmarks. Choosing the right laser treatment is cardinal for the best results. The selected laser treatment depends on the skin issue and the desired results. At Spa26, our consultants will help you choose the best laser treatments for your needs!
Laser resurfacing is a skin treatment that uses lasers of different kinds to rejuvenate the skin. Lasers work to the tone and texture of the skin. It uses light at specific wavelengths. These work to generate heat energy, which will stimulate the formation of new collagen. As collagenogenesis starts, the skin will look better, smoother, and more vibrant. There are two types of laser treatments::
Popular non-ablative Laser treatment options include: fractional laser, pulsed dye layer, intense pulse light, pulsed-dye light, Nd: YAG laser.
ProFractional laser treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that treats scars, wrinkles, freckles, liver spots, and sun damage. It uses an erbium laser to create microchannels in the treatment area.
This treatment focuses laser energy on specific areas of the skin that need treatment. The laser is distributed in a grid-like pattern. It creates microchannels of varying depths in the skin, depending on the condition being treated. These micro-injuries stimulate collagen formation. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and youthfulness. When this collagen forms, new, youthful skin is formed. Your skin texture and tone will be remarkably improved. ProFractional Laser treatment spares the tissues around the focus area. This makes it different from other laser treatment options. With ProFractional Laser treatment, there are several reasons to opt for it:
Traditional laser resurfacing is a skin rejuvenation therapy that uses a nonfractionated CO2 laser to burn off the outer layer of the skin. The aim is to treat skin issues by new skin growth and collagenogenesis. CO2 laser directly targets damaged cells in your skin. These cells are vaporized as the water molecules under them absorb the laser beams. This way, CO2 laser treatment removes old, scarred, or wrinkled skin. New skin forms and collagen formation is also stimulated. This will treat scars and wrinkles. Your skill will look radiant and even-toned! With CO2 laser treatment, we can treat the following:
You may be wondering about the difference between ProFractional and traditional laser treatment. Knowing their differences will help you choose the right one for you. Let’s see some differences below!
Fractional laser technology
Target a fraction of the skin by forming microchannels
Shorter, usually a few days to a week
Minimal
Less pain and discomfort
Suitable for most skin types
Lower risk of complications such as hyperpigmentation
Multiple treatments needed
Highly precise, can target specific areas
Effective for scars, wrinkles, age spots, and sun damage
Stimulates collagen production
Redness, swelling, and minor scabbing
Full-field laser technology
Treats the entire surface of the skin
Longer, typically two to three weeks
Significant
More pain and discomfort
May not be suitable for darker skin types
Higher risk of complications, including hyperpigmentation
Usually 1 treatment
Less precise, treats larger areas
Treats deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, scars, warts
Stimulates collagen production
Redness, swelling, oozing, and risk of infection
ProFractional Laser Resurfacing | Traditional Laser Resurfacing | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Fractional laser technology | Full-field laser technology |
| Treatment Method | Target a fraction of the skin by forming microchannels | Treats the entire surface of the skin |
| Recovery Time | Shorter, usually a few days to a week | Longer, typically two to three weeks |
| Downtime | Minimal | Significant |
| Pain and Discomfort | Less pain and discomfort | More pain and discomfort |
| Skin Types | Suitable for most skin types | May not be suitable for darker skin types |
| Risk of Complications | Lower risk of complications such as hyperpigmentation | Higher risk of complications, including hyperpigmentation |
| Number of Treatments Required | Multiple treatments needed | Usually 1 treatment |
| Precision | Highly precise, can target specific areas | Less precise, treats larger areas |
| Skin Conditions Treated | Effective for scars, wrinkles, age spots, and sun damage | Treats deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, scars, warts |
| Collagen Stimulation | Stimulates collagen production | Stimulates collagen production |
| Side Effects | Redness, swelling, and minor scabbing | Redness, swelling, oozing, and risk of infection |
When is ProFractional Laser treatment the treatment of choice for you? Here are a few ways to ensure you’re a good candidate for ProFractional Laser treatment.
You are eligible for ProFractional Laser treatment if you:
The following may make you ineligible for ProFractional Laser treatment:
When to Choose Traditional Laser ResurfacingCO2 Laser treatment is a good option for you if you:
These will make you ineligible for this treatment:
Choosing the right option can be challenging. As you choose what treatment option to take, here are some factors to consider:
It is noteworthy that the success of your treatment is largely dependent on the expertise of your consultant. You must be careful to choose the right center for the laser treatment. At Spa26, we have experts who will guide you through choosing the right procedure for your peculiar issues. They have done these procedures many times and have the requisite experience to meet your expectations. You will get the best results with minimal side effects!
Looking to fix your skin texture and tone? Laser skin resurfacing is a great choice for you. ProFractional Laser treats mild to moderate skin conditions, and traditional laser treatment handles more serious skin conditions. When done by a cosmetic treatment expert, you will get great results and minimal side effects. Our experts at Spa26 provide quality services. Your skin will be rejuvenated and you’ll look more radiant!
Get smoother, youthful skin with ProFractional Laser at SPA26 in Beverly Hills. Target scars, fine lines, and texture with minimal downtime. Schedule now!
ProFractional Laser is one of the types of Ablative Laser resurfacing. It creates microchannels on the skin in a grid form. It removes varying depths of skin depending on the condition being treated.
Microneedling is a great alternative to Laser resurfacing and has several advantages over laser resurfacing. It is cheaper. It works for darker skin and has less recovery time.
Laser resurfacing has grown to be a popular skin treatment option among beauty enthusiasts. It stimulates collagen formation and treats several skin conditions. It is also called laser vaporization, laser peel, and lasabrasion.
ProFractional Laser treats scars, wrinkles, freckles, liver spots, and sun damage. It removes microchannels of skin, stimulating collagen formation. Yes, ProFractional Laser is worth it when chosen for the right skin issue.
If you have a darker skin type, no time for a long recovery, are immunocompromised, or have a history of hypertrophic scars and keloids, laser resurfacing may not be for you! There are other options available that will be better for you like microneedling.
Sheila Nazarian is the founder and operator of Spa26. Dr. Nazarian’s Spa26 patients benefit from her numerous qualifications. She has years of training and expertise as a board-certified plastic surgeon. She graduated from Columbia University, where she concentrated in pre-med. She studied medicine and earned her doctor of medicine degree at Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University.
Spa26 offers luxury skincare, anti-aging treatments, and wellness services. Consult with our experienced team at (310) 683-7537.
