Fractional Skin Resurfacing
Fractional Laser for Skin Resurfacing, Acne Scars and MelasmaThe demand for laser skin resurfacing has prompted some incredibly creative solutions. Previous resurfacing techniques meant long recovery times, skin that stayed red for months, often loss of natural skin color and sometimes irreversible scarring.
Photo courtesy of Dwight Scarborough, MD
with permission of Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc
Treatment - Fractional Resurfacing Multiple Sessions
Individual results may vary
Making Skin Resurfacing Simple
The first fractional laser was brought into market several years ago under the trade name FraxelTM. Fractional laser technology quickly has become popular with doctors and patients who are seeking a way to get results similar to that of a resurfacing ablative laser (like the Carbon Dioxide laser) without the downtime, pain or risks.
Fractional laser is an alternative, and although cannot duplicate full surface laser results, can provide appreciable improvements with little to no recovery time. In the simplest terms, fractional resurfacing is a system in which microscopic laser beams are introduced into the skin in a specific pattern. Treated skin area per session is typically about 20%. This leaves whole skin around each tiny beam so there is no unpleasant wound healing, no oozing or blistering. Discomfort is minimal and minimized with a topical numbing cream.
Because Fractional Laser is much less invasive, the full treatment effect requires several sessions, with acne scars requiring 4 to 6 session. Post procedure side effects are similar to those you'd feel from a moderate sunburn with some minor "dust-like" exfoliation after a few days.
Dr. Fitzgerald has selected the StarLux Laser system by Palomar Medical. The company is an innovator in light-based cosmetic technology with extensive ongoing research.
View the StarLux 1540 Fractional Laser Presentation
Brochure Download for Additional Photos
What is Fractional Laser Used For?
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Vertical Lip Lines (usually in conjunction with filler and/or Botox)
Acne Scarring
Surgical and Accident Scars
Pigmentation Blending
Melasma Reduction
Skin Quality Improvement
Download the Clinical Roundtable Results Article
Where is Fractional Skin Resurfacing Laser Used?
The nice thing about the StarLux Factional laser is that is can be used anywhere on the body: Face, neck, chest, arms, hands, back or legs. Previous lasers were only applicable to the face because body area healing took considerably longer and did not heal as well as the face. The Starlux Laser has made treatments to all areas safe and effective.
Your Treatment Experience
Treatments with the StarLux 1540 Laser begins with topical numbing cream. (If you are only having treatment on a small area, numbing cream is usually not required.) Once the cream has taken effect, you will have protective goggles placed over your eyes. The sensation can 
be compared to what you might feel if you were to flick your fingernails against your skin along with a feeling of heat.
The laser handpiece is held against the skin, the microscopic beams penetrate the skin, the handpiece is lifted and move to the next section of skin and the process is repeated. The procedure is very quick, surprising most people with the absence of expected discomfort.
Treatments are performed by Dr. Fitzgerald and our Laser-Trained Physician Assistant Julie Gray.
Other Procedures
