ProFractional Laser vs. Traditional Laser Resurfacing: Which is Right for You?

What is Laser Resurfacing?

• Ablative Laser Treatment: In this type, we use laser
  energy to remove a layer of the skin. This will cause collagen to form and produce fresh, rejuvenated skin.
  This treats scars, sun damage, and wrinkles. It also improves skin texture. Ablative laser treatment
  has a longer recovery time than non-ablative treatment, but the results are quicker and more remarkable.

  The 2 commonest types of ablative Laser treatment are:

  • Carbon dioxide (CO2) Laser resurfacing: Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing treats several skin conditions.
    It treats wrinkles, sun spots, scars, linear epidermal nevi, and warts. The newer groups of carbon dioxide
    utilize ultra-pulsed light. It produces great results. However, the recovery time lasts up to 2 weeks.
  • Erbium Laser
    Resurfacing: Erbium Laser Resurfacing uses advanced technology to treat the skin’s outer layer.
    It smoothes skin texture and improves skin tone. The treatment has varying depths and handles many skin
    conditions. It has a shorter recovery time than CO2 laser treatment.
• Non-Ablative Laser Treatment: This noninvasive treatment uses laser beams to heat the dermis and cause
  collagen formation. It does nothing to the outer layer of the skin. Since the epidermis is spared, there is minimal
  downtime and side effects. However, multiple sessions are required to get the best results.

Overview of ProFractional Laser Treatment

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.

• Minimal Pain and Discomfort
• Little Downtime
• Versatile Treatment
• Durable Results
• Enhanced Collagenogenesis

Overview of Traditional Laser Resurfacing

• Warts
• Skin Cancers
• Deep Wrinkles
• Fine Lines
• Rhinophyma
• Raised Birthmarks
• Actinic Keratosis
• Keloids
• Melasma and Freckles

Comparing ProFractional and Traditional Laser Resurfacing

When to Choose ProFractional Laser

You are eligible for ProFractional Laser treatment if you:

• Want to treat mild to moderate skin conditions
• Want minimal downtime
• Have sensitive skin
• Need smoother skin, reduced fine lines, and improved skin tone

The following may make you ineligible for ProFractional Laser treatment:

• Smoking at least 2 weeks before the treatment
• Taking blood-thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, ginkgo biloba, or Vitamin E
• Active cold sores
• Diabetes Mellitus and other immunosuppressive conditions

When to Choose Traditional Laser Resurfacing

CO2 Laser treatment is a good option for you if you:

• Are in good health
• Are not pregnant
• Want to treat deep wrinkles, skin tumors, skin cancers, warts, and other serious skin conditions
• Have realistic expectations
• Want the best results and don’t mind a long recovery time
• Want dramatic results

These will make you ineligible for this treatment:

• A darker skin tone
• No time for a long recovery
• Active acne breakouts and cold sores
• Smoking within 2 weeks of the procedure
• Immunocompromise
• History of hypertrophic scars and keloids

Making the Right Choice for Your Skin

• The Severity of the Skin Issue
• How much recovery time you can tolerate
• The desired results

Conclusion