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FRACTIONAL LASER RESURFACING(FRACTIONAL IS ALSO KNOWN BY THE BRAND NAMES FRAXEL, ACTIVE FX, DEEP FX, FRAXEL, PIXEL AND PROFRACTIONAL) Fractional resurfacing is a laser resurfacing skin treatment that offers improvements in skin texture, tone, and firmness all in one treatment. Fractional resurfacing has been successful in treating skin conditions such as wrinkles, scars, acne scars, and pigment problems in both women and men in most skin color types. Dr. Jeffrey Kenkel is a *Board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgery. He is Vice-Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery and Director of the Clinical Center for Cosmetic Laser Treatment at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Dr. Kenkel has been working with fractional lasers in his Dallas clinic since 2005. * Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Watch the video below as Dr. Kenkel performs a fractional laser resurfacing on a patient. How can I benefit from fractional laser resurfacing treatments?Fractional laser resurfacing allows for deeper, focused treatments. Because the skin injury is more limited but deeper, it is ideal for acne scarring and in some patients, wrinkles. It softens the damage inflicted to your skin from sun, aging and biological factors and reveals healthier, younger-looking skin. The treatment is often used in conjunction with skin care programs to
What should I expect from my fractional laser resurfacing consultation?A consultation is necessary prior to scheduling your fractional resurfacing treatment. The consultation allows Dr. Kenkel to determine your skin type, the appropriate laser necessary for your treatment, and if this would be the best treatment for your particular skin condition. You may find, during your consultation, that other treatments available in the clinic may benefit your skin condition better. Some treatments may also require a skin care regimen before beginning your treatment. The only way to determine if this is necessary is by having the initial consultation with Dr. Kenkel. How are fractional laser resurfacing treatments performed?The procedure is performed most commonly in the office, using local anesthesia (topical and/or site injections) and generally takes 30-60 minutes to complete depending on the areas being treated. Sedative medications can be given prior to make you more comfortable. Pain thresholds are different in people but most people experience mild to moderate discomfort during the procedure. Only one treatment is needed for most patients but some patients perform yearly treatments for skin maintenance. What is fractional laser resurfacing recovery like?The fractional laser resurfacing will produce minor swelling and redness, similar to a sunburn. After the first day your skin will become dry and then start to peel. The peeling takes a few days to up to a week. Following that, your skin may be pink for another 2-4 weeks but you may wear makeup if you choose to do so. Dr. Kenkel and his staff will provide you with detailed skin care instructions. He will put you on a skin care regimen following this procedure so that you can continue seeing improvements as well as protect your skin over the next few months. After you have healed, you will need to continually protect your new skin. In the early weeks and months following the treatment, your skin will be very susceptible to sun damage. If at all possible, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. What should I know about my fractional laser resurfacing results?Dr. Kenkel and his staff will give you specific instructions on how to care for your skin. Following all resurfacing treatments, it is important that you avoid sun exposure until all the redness of your skin has subsided. Even after that, it is advisable for you to protect your skin by regular use of a sun block and a hat. Your skin will continue to age and the wrinkles made when your face animates will reappear. Some wrinkles may recur sooner than others, depending on their location as well as the type and extent of your resurfacing treatment. | CONTACT US |
