Dr. Scott Reis has either authored or reviewed and approved this content. Page Updated:
- Laser and Energy-Based Skin Treatments Offered by Dr. Reis
- Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment Recovery and Results
- Fraxel
- Fraxel Laser Recovery and Results
- Profound® RF Skin Tightening: Energy-Based Skin Rejuvenation
- Results and Recovery after Profound RF Skin Treatment
- Benefits of Laser and Energy-Based Skin Treatments
- The Laser and Energy-Based Skin Resurfacing Experience
- Recovery After Laser and Energy-Based Skin Rejuvenation
Laser and Energy-Based Skin Treatments Offered by Dr. Reis
Laser and energy-based skin treatments provided by Dr. Reis vary according to the patient’s age, skin type and condition, and goals. All operate on a similar premise: using a controlled energy source that precisely generates and delivers heat to cause controlled injury to tissues. This triggers regeneration at a cellular level and prompts the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid: the trifecta of healthy, youthful, and beautiful skin.
Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
Advanced and powerful fractional CO2 lasers allow Dr. Reis to target both superficial and deep layers of the skin for dramatic revision of:
- Wrinkles
- Sagging
- Uneven texture
- Hyperpigmentation
- Large pores
- Acne scars
- Surgical and wound scars
- Stretch marks
- Crepey skin
Not only does this form of laser treatment work wonders to reduce many common signs of aging and skin damage, but it also stimulates the growth of healthy new cells and the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid to strengthen, thicken, volumize, and
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The Role of the CO2 Laser and Fractional CO2 Laser in Dermatology
Omi T, Numano K.
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rejuvenate the skin
.
Unlike the original CO2 lasers used decades ago that were fully ablative and treated the entire surface of the skin (and as a result caused weeks to even months of inflammation and redness), new Fractional CO2 lasers pulse on and off very quickly to only treat a small fraction of the surface area of the skin while still allowing full treatment of the deeper dermis where the heat energy is absorbed and the amazing anti-aging effects take place. This results in rapid healing of the epidermis (most superficial outer layer of the skin) and dramatically decreases visible inflammation and redness afterwards.
Because fractional CO2 lasers are able to penetrate to affect change on the skin at a deeper level, Dr. Reis often recommends that patients use both topical anesthesia and gas sedation to maintain their comfort during treatment. In some cases, Dr. Reis performs CO2 laser treatment when a patient is already under IV sedation for a more invasive procedure in order to minimize both discomfort and combined recovery time.
Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment Recovery and Results
Both before and after treatment with the fractional CO2 laser, Dr. Reis recommends special topical products to help with both moisturization and optimized healing and ensure the best results for his patients. Patients with darker complexions or history of melasma may also benefit from pre- and post-laser treatment with skin lightening agents to help them avoid hyperpigmentation.
Patients should expect inflammation, peeling, and dryness of the skin to resolve within 5-7 days of fractional CO2 laser treatment. By 10-14 days after treatment, all side effects should be resolved and the patient will begin to notice marked improvements in skin tone, color, and texture.
Pigmentation changes (to freckles, melasma, sun spots) are often visible immediately after treatment with fractional CO2 lasers, while the full age-reversing effects of the treatment should gradually present themselves and be fully realized roughly 6-9 months after treatment.
Fraxel
The Fraxel™ DUAL Laser works on a slightly more superficial basis than the CO2 laser, and is ideal for younger patients who wish to target skin tone and texture, as well as fine lines and acne scars. The dual nature of the laser allows two different wavelengths of laser light to be used or even combined together to treat the specific area and issues unique to each patient. Fraxel can also be used to treat and remove precancerous cells (actinic keratosis), and comes with a shorter recovery time than some other forms of
Trusted Source
Rejuvenation of the Aging Face Using Fraxel Laser Treatment
Aesthetic Surgery Journal
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laser skin resurfacing
.
Thanks to the pulsating nature of Fraxel lasers, Dr. Reis is able to target the dermis layer of the skin (beneath the epidermis) while affecting only a fraction of the skin’s surface area. This precise targeting of broad tissues means less pain and downtime for the patient. Most of Dr. Reis’ patients feel comfortable undergoing Fraxel laser treatment with a topical anesthetic and gas sedation, and he can also perform this treatment in combination with other facial rejuvenation procedures for enhanced results and reduced total recovery time.
Fraxel Laser Recovery and Results
Both before and after treatment with the Fraxel laser, Dr. Reis recommends special skin care products be used to help maintain the skin’s moisture balance and optimize healing. Patients can expect to experience side effects such as redness, flaking, peeling—much like a mild sunburn—to mostly resolve 3-5 days after treatment.
Profound® RF Skin Tightening: Energy-Based Skin Rejuvenation
Profound RF is a skin tightening system that uses a combination of microneedling and radiofrequency energy delivered deep into the skin to improve tone and texture while boosting production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in targeted areas. This system is the only one of its kind to be approved by the FDA for resurfacing skin on the face and the body. Unlike traditional microneedling, Profound RF uses radiofrequency energy and heat to stimulate the skin to reveal a healthier,
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Bipolar fractional radiofrequency treatment induces neoelastogenesis and neocollagenesis
Hantash BM, Ubeid AA, Chang H, Kafi R, Renton B.
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more youthful complexion
.
Profound RF allows Dr. Reis to actively monitor the temperature of the energy used to treat intermediate or even deeper layers of the dermis for more pronounced skin-tightening effects than can be achieved otherwise. Dr. Reis prefers to conduct this treatment while the patient is under sedation to ensure comfort while he addresses scar optimization, stretch marks, and other issues.
Results and Recovery after Profound RF Skin Treatment
Because treatment with the Profound RF system employs microneedling to work on a deeper level of the skin, patients can expect a slightly longer recovery period than with laser treatments. Bruising is possible, and this and other side effects should resolve within 2-3 weeks.
For the ultimate in facial rejuvenation, Dr. Reis may recommend combination treatment with both Profound RF and CO2 laser treatment—yielding results akin to a facelift but non-surgically and with a much shorter recovery time.
Benefits of Laser and Energy-Based Skin Treatments
Laser skin resurfacing can be used to address a wide variety of skin and complexion issue,
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What is laser skin resurfacing?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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including
:
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Tighten loose skin
- Reduce signs of sun damage
- Improve skin texture and tone
- Reduce appearance of acne or chickenpox scars
- Improve appearance of scars
- Reduce or eliminate the appearance of some birthmarks
- Tighten pores and oil glands
The Laser and Energy-Based Skin Resurfacing Experience
Before laser skin treatment, Dr. Reis will apply topical anesthetics to numb the treatment area and reduce potential discomfort. Depending on the area to be treated, you may also be given medication to help you relax and to reduce pain. Treatment lasts roughly 30 minutes, after which you should feel able to return to regular daily activities.
Recovery After Laser and Energy-Based Skin Rejuvenation
Recovery after laser skin resurfacing differs depending on the mode of treatment, the depth or intensity of treatment, and the size of the treatment area. The most common immediate effect of laser skin treatment is slight swelling and redness, along with slight stinging or itching (as though you have a mild sunburn).
In some cases, patients experience more pronounced side effects during laser skin resurfacing recovery. Your skin could appear to have a severe sunburn and feel raw. This is normal and should dramatically resolve within a week, especially when following Dr Reis’s post-procedure skincare regimen.
In the
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What should I expect during my laser skin resurfacing recovery?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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days and weeks following
laser skin resurfacing, it is normal for skin to appear very dry and even peel as tired layers of skin slough off to reveal the more youthful, radiant, and smooth skin beneath.
Contact Dr. Reis for Laser Skin Rejuvenation in Houston
If you are ready to learn more about how laser and energy-based skin rejuvenation can reveal more youthful, healthy-looking skin, please contact us today to schedule a consultation at the Houston practice of Dr. Scott Reis.
Sources
1 Omi T, Numano K. The Role of the CO2 Laser and Fractional CO2 Laser in Dermatology. Laser Ther. 2014;23(1):49-60. doi:10.5978/islsm.14-RE-01. Accessed October 13, 2020.
2 Lawrence S. Bass, MD, Rejuvenation of the Aging Face Using Fraxel Laser Treatment, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 25, Issue 3, May 2005, Pages 307–309, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asj.2005.03.003. Accessed October 13, 2020.
3 Hantash BM, Ubeid AA, Chang H, Kafi R, Renton B. Bipolar fractional radiofrequency treatment induces neoelastogenesis and neocollagenesis. Lasers Surg Med. 2009;41(1):1-9. Available: https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.20731. Accessed October 13, 2020.
4 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is laser skin resurfacing? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/laser-skin-resurfacing. Accessed October 13, 2020.
5 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What should I expect during my laser skin resurfacing recovery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/laser-skin-resurfacing/recovery. Accessed October 13, 2020.
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