Fractional Laser is a great tool for facial rejuvenation. The Pearl Fractional Laser allows for resurfacing of the skin without the extensive downtime associated with older laser resurfacing methods. It can give you significant improvement in tone and texture and in acne scarring as well. These are some common questions we get when discussing the Pearl Fractional Laser:
Which wrinkles can I treat with Pearl Fractional Laser?
Any wrinkles or lines can be improved with a fractional laser treatment. Very deep lines or lines related to volume loss may not resolve completely with a fractional laser treatment alone (you may need to replace some of the lost volume as well.) Pearl Fractional Laser is exceptional at treating crepe paper like wrinkles, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. It is also great for the vertical lines around the mouth (smoker’s lines).
If I have a Pearl Fractional Laser Treatment, will I not need Botox anymore?
Botox and Dysport are treatments that improve wrinkles by relaxing the muscles that cause the wrinkles. Fractional laser treatment does not affect the muscles, so you will continue to wrinkle the skin after a fractional laser treatment. Botox/Dysport can help prevent the lines from becoming deeper. We generally recommend combination therapy with Pearl Fractional Laser and Botox/Dysport to get an optimal result *.
What sort of down time can I expect with Pearl Fractional Laser?
Downtime is a little different for everyone and depends on your age, skin type and healing. We advise our patients that most people can expect about one week of “social downtime.” During this time, your face will be red and you may not want to go out. You will not have significant pain during this time. After day 5, you can wear make up to help cover the redness.
How much pain is involved during and after a Pearl Fractional Laser Treatment?
There is some discomfort during the procedure itself. We do all that we can to make certain you are comfortable. We routinely give pain medications and a light sedative to our Pearl Fractional Laser patients and then we do a topical cream and a regional nerve block to further help with comfort. After the procedure, the treated area will feel similar to sunburn with some itching as the area heals.
Pearl Fractional Laser is a great tool for general facial rejuvenation and, when it is included in a comprehensive plan including topical skin care and injections such as Botox/Dysport, the results can be very impressive. If you would like to learn more about Pearl Fractional, we would love to see you in a complimentary consultation.
Jennifer Tighe de Soto, MD is a cosmetic surgeon who is board certified through the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. For more advice from Dr. de Soto on Pearl Fractional Laser, SmartLipo and other aesthetic treatments please visit www.omahaliposuction.com where you can read her blog and see before and after photos of actual patients. If there’s a topic you would like to see us cover in a blog, please Contact Us.
