Non-Ablative Resurfacing

Is a Non-Ablative Laser Treatment for You?

If you love the adventure of the outdoors, years of an active lifestyle involving prolonged exposure to the sun and elements can take a toll on your skin, especially your face. Sun-damaged skin can lose its tightness and start to wrinkle.

For those who want to tackle these wear and aging signs, we have fast, simple and painless non-invasive laser skin treatments available that yield many benefits toward healthy skin. VIVAA Vein, Vascular & Aesthetic Associates can provide effective skin rejuvenation treatment in a warm, comfortable environment that puts you at ease throughout your experience.

What is Non-Ablative Laser Treatment?

This popular newer facial treatment could be just what the doctor ordered for your face. Non-ablative laser resurfacing works by depositing heat deep within the surface through tiny, deep columns called microthermal treatment zones. A VIVAA specialist runs a fractional laser device over the affected area in a series of horizontal and vertical overlapping passes. Before applying the laser, the target area is cleaned, and if necessary, a topical anesthetic is applied. The procedure is relatively painless, with only some patients reporting a slight burning or prickling sensation. If you experience discomfort or have concerns throughout the procedure, our technicians are sensitive and will respond to your needs. The fractional approach allows for a shorter recovery period and reduces the number of complications that can arise. Don’t be alarmed, though! The surface of the skin is not damaged through this procedure.

Non-ablative lasers work by delivering a precise wavelength of light below the skin surface to induce a controlled injury that stimulates collagen growth and promotes cellular renewal. The radiofrequency energy penetrating deep beneath the dermis stimulates new collagen growth, an abundant protein critical to shiny hair, glowing skin and strong nails.

Typically, the procedure takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated. In about an hour, wrinkled skin is replaced by healthier, tighter skin. It’s all in the science. This treatment can improve skin texture and tone, fine lines, mild wrinkles and pigmentation issues. After the procedure, we recommend that patients avoid sun exposure to protect the freshly exposed skin. Recovery time is minimal. We advise patients to take these additional measures taken to prevent complications:

• Cold compresses to prevent swelling
• Applying moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• Covering redness with makeup
• Avoiding sleeping on treated areas

Since these treatments are not as aggressive as ablative lasers. Usually, three to five treatments are necessary. Patients with severe acne scars may require additional sessions to achieve their aesthetic goals.

Can Non-Ablative Resurfacing Treat Acne Scarring?

Non-ablative laser therapy often treats superficial rolling and boxcar scars by stimulating collagen in the underlying skin tissue, reducing the scar’s depth and severity. The treatment produces a wound-healing response that prompts a remodeling process that ultimately tightens skin and reduces the appearance of scarring.

What Should be Done Before Treatment?

We will review your medical history and conduct a physical exam. Let us know if you have a history of cold sores or similar disorders. During the consultation, we will discuss appropriate treatment expectations. We will also discuss potential risks, expectations and potential outcomes. Before non-ablative fractional laser resurfacing treatment, we recommend that patients:

• Avoid excessive tanning or sun exposure
• Avoid perfumes, deodorants and other potential irritants in the treatment area
• Avoid taking aspirin and other blood thinners

Am I a Good Candidate for a Non-Ablative Laser Treatment?

Laser skin resurfacing is effective for patients with lines, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation or superficial facial scars. Ideal candidates have elastic, non-oily skin that is not prone to scarring after minor injury. The procedure may not be appropriate for individuals with certain chronic health conditions or who may take extensive prescription medications. Non-ablative laser resurfacing is suitable for any skin type and color.

Non-ablative treatments are most appropriate for those who:

• Show mild to moderate signs of aging
• Younger than 65 years old
• Prefer having multiple treatments before seeing noticeable results

What Can I Expect After Facial Skin Resurfacing?

Recovery time following the procedure is minimal, as most patients can return to work or school immediately. Most patients experience some swelling and redness for four to five days after treatment. Improvement is gradual and can take several months to take full effect. Redness caused by the procedure may be camouflaged by makeup without any adverse effects. After the procedure, we recommend avoiding sun exposure and using SPF 30 sun protection daily.

Most patients feel itching or sting for 12 to 72 hours after non-ablative laser resurfacing. After 24 hours, you must clean the treated areas four to five times daily and apply an ointment to prevent scab formation. Five to seven days afterward, your skill will become dry and start peeling. Depending on the skin conditions treated, healing typically takes 10 to 21 days.

Additional measures can also be taken to prevent complications:

• Use cold compresses to reduce swelling
• Apply moisturizer frequently
• Avoid sleeping on treated areas to prevent prolonged swelling
• Sleeping on an extra pillow at night can also ease swelling

Potential Side Effects to Consider

Just like any treatment, there may be some side effects. Most are due to technicians not having sufficient experience with the procedure and aren’t a reflection of the treatment itself or your skin’s ability to handle it. At VIVAA, we have handled many patients of widely varied skin conditions with the care, training and professionalism needed to ensure a positive and uplifting experience, so you’re entering our clinic with minimal risk. Some potential side effects can include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Scarring
• Bacterial infections
• Temporary lightening or darkening of the skin
• Reactivation of herpes cold sores

Patient Review

"I highly recommend this practice for cosmetic procedures. I have seen Suzanne for IPLs for two years or so. I have been to many practices for this kind of treatment for 15 years and I find Suzanne to be extremely knowledgeable, professional and warm. The wait is never long and scheduling is a breeze."
Marla Albitz