Using what’s known as fractional laser resurfacing, the laser treats the skin in “micro-columns”. Each treatment micro column receiving the precise amount of laser energy needed to vaporize the aged skin, while also stimulating new collagen growth from the surrounding untreated skin. Over time, this will build up the support structures (collagen and elastin) of your skin resulting in a younger and smoother looking appearance. 

The first step is getting you numb, with a combination of topical and injectable lidocaine. That takes approximately 45 minutes. Thereafter the duration of the treatment depends on how large an area is being treated and how many passes are being done with the laser. A full face plus eyes procedure takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. 

• History of Keloid Scarring 
• Active skin infection in the treatment region 

• Immunocompromised patients 
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women 
• Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus 
• Some autoimmune disorders 
• Active malignancy or receiving chemotherapy 

• On anticoagulant medication (blood thinners) 
• Dark Skin Types: Skin Types V and VI on the Fitzpatrick Scale 

• Darker skin types will need to pre-condition their skin with hydroquinone cream for 4 to 6 weeks prior to treatment. A test spot may also need to be performed.  

• We recommend pre-conditioning the skin also with Alastin Skin Nectar as it tends to reduce the swelling and redness which occur naturally post-procedure. 

There is often some pinpoint bleeding, as well as redness and swelling. Skin will be red and puffy for a variable period of time depending on the settings used and the area treated. Redness can last to some degree for as long as a couple of months, but after the first week it is generally easy to conceal with makeup. The swelling usually resolves within the first 5 to 10 days (again, setting dependent). If you need a shorter downtime, we can use lighter settings and you will need to do more treatment sessions potentially to achieve your desired result.  

• We provide you with a post-care kit containing all of the skin care you will need for several weeks post procedure.  

This laser-based service is performed by one or our RN’s at Renew MediSpa 

For most we recommend 1 to 2 sessions, 12 or more weeks apart. The exception would be the eye region, which may require more sessions as the settings are lighter here due to the thinness of the skin. Improvement becomes evident within the first few weeks, and continues for several months. 

Speak with our skin care experts about what you might want to use to support your new collagen once you have completed using your post-procedure skin care kit! Sunblock is also very important to protect your skin from UV rays. Do not schedule this treatment if you will soon be in an environment with high level sun exposure as you may be more prone to sunburns.  

The answer to this varies. The eye region in particular often requires multiple session due to the lighter end settings we have to use. Many clients who do a full face and eyes treatment will then go on to do “Periorbital (eyes) only” until they achieve their desired smoothing in this region. The peri-oral area may also require more sessions if lines there are very deep. Our laser nurse will advise you regarding the number of sessions she expects you will need based on your skin condition and your goals and the settings planned.  

We can do “spot treatments” for things like acne scarring.