| Dr. Elizabeth Kaufmann a member of the American Academy of Dermatology. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Cosmetic Dermatology.
Q. What is the difference between ablative and non-ablative laser treatment?
A. Ablative lasers completely remove the top layer of skin, so the healing time is longer than that with nonablative devices. The results can be more dramatic with ablative devices, but the prolonged healing times and potential for pigmentary change after the procedure makes ablative treatment less desirable for some patients.
Q. How does the Fraxel laser treatment work?
A. The use of fractionated lasers, of which Fraxel is the one I use most in my practice, has revolutionized both ablatvie and nonablative laser treatments. The laser energy is delivered in a fractionated manner, meaning most of the epidermis is left intact while the laser energy is delivered though tiny microscopic treatment zones. Because most of the epidermis is left intact, the skin heals much faster, and the possibility for scarring or pigmentary alteration is greatly diminished.
Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Fraxel laser treatment?
A. The advantages are quicker healing times and the potential to treat in an outpatient office setting.There is no need for general anethesia for the treatments sessions. The disadvantage is that multiple treatments are often necessary, and results are not seen immediately. There is a low risk for infection with ablative fractional resurfacing devices, so we treat patients with oral antiniotics and antivirals until the skin reepithelializes.
Q. How soon can the clients see results after the Fraxel laser treatment?
A. Some patients note that their skin feels smoother within a week afterward the procedure, but the real improvement is not seen for several months, as it takes 100 days for collagen to remodel. Most patients have a minimum of 3 treatments.
Q. What skin conditions can the Fraxel laser treatment treat?
A. Fraxel is most commonly used to treat photodamage (sundamage). It can improve irregular pigmentation, irregular texture, fine lines, enlarged pores and acne scarring. It gently resurfaces the skin, giving the skin an overall fresher and more even appearance.
Q. How does laser treatment help to lighten or completely remove unsightly birthmarks?
A. Lasers target different chromophores (pigments) within the skin. Some vascular specific lasers (pulsed-dye lasers) target hemoglobin, which makes up vascular birthmarks like angiomas and port win stains. Other lasers target melanin, like the ruby and Nd:YAG lasers, so they are useful in treating dark birthmarks, like cafe-au-lait spots and certain nevi.
Q. What are Telagiectasias and how can laser treatment help?
A. Telangiectasias are enlarged capillaries (or broken blood vessels) which can be seen on the face in people with rosacea, around the nose in people with lighter skin types, or on the legs. Laser treatment is very effective in treating telangiectasias on the face. Multiple treatments are sometimes required, but the procedure can be performed without anesthesia and has minimal downtime.
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