Fractional Skin Resurfacing

Fractional Skin Resurfacing is the latest, cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technology for getting rid of wrinkles with skin resurfacing. Fractional laser skin resurfacing is a safe and gentle alternative to traditional skin resurfacing (such as CO2 laser) that can be very invasive and require considerable downtime. Fractional Skin Resurfacing targets the aging skin. It is used to treat the following: Scars (including acne), Age Spots, Aging Skin, Sun Damage, Melasma, Enlarged Pores, Fine Line (especially around the mouth and eyes), Birthmarks, and Stretch Marks. Fractional Skin Resurfacing can also rejuvenate the Neck, Chest, and Hands to improve texture and tone. Fractional Skin Resurfacing typically requires four sessions approximately four weeks apart and one needs to avoid all retinol type products for 5-7 prior and be very protective with suncreen and retonols in the week prior.

Until now, two varieties of laser treatment were available for cosmetic enhancement–ablative and non-ablative. Traditional ablative lasers, which literally means vaporization at a very high temperature, are very effective at destroying unwanted tissue but may have significant side effects and require a lengthy healing period. Non-fractional non-ablative lasers on the other hand, are very safe and require almost no healing time, but may involve numerous treatments over many months to achieve only modest results. The Palomar LUX 1540 laser combines the potency of ablative lasers with the gentle safety of non-ablative lasers to treat a variety of cosmetic conditions.

What is the Palomar Icon 1540 XD/XF?

The Palomar Icon 1540 XD/SF machine provides laser treatment for different skin conditions and imperfections. The laser therapy is designed to promote skin enhancement, resurfacing, and reduce skin pigmentation, skin discoloration and adverse skin textures. It is a hand-held device that has proven to be highly effective for a number of patients. The use of this fractional laser treatment is not limited to the face area. It can work on any part of the skin.
The Palomar Icon can also target skin wrinkles, age and fine lines, scars left behind from acne, stretch marks, surgical scars, melasma and other kinds of skin imperfections.

Fractional Skin Resurfacing

What is the Palomar Icon 1540 XD/XF?

How Does the Palomar Icon 1540 XD/XF Work?

Fractional laser treatment is a revolutionary method used to target specific areas of the skin to achieve desired results in a short time period. The Palomar Icon 1540 is a state-of-the-art tool considered to be one of the top performing devices in the area of fractional laser treatments.

A small fraction of the skin receives the laser light. The laser emits into the first layer of the skin and penetrates deep into the damaged tissues to restore and improve the skin internally.
The laser’s effectiveness in pinpointing the target area of the skin has produced maximizing results compared to lasers which treat larger areas. The tissues around the laser-treated area remain unaffected which promotes faster healing and boosting of younger and healthier looking skin. The production of collagen is also amplified due to the emission of laser onto the skin. Once collagen starts increasing it refines and develops younger, tighter and fresher looking skin.

Collagen-Response-of-Fractional-Laser-Treatment-illustration

Primary Advantage of Palomar Icon 1540: Acne Scar Treatment

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne is the most widespread skin condition in the United States. It is estimated to affect over 50 million people in this country annually. Scars can have a psychological effect and diminish confidence in those afflicted. Now there is a better way to smooth and resurface the area. Acne scarring occurs as the skin experiences healing over large acne areas where inflamed blemishes once existed. The healing often involves the production of new collagen fibers. The resulting area can be uneven, raised, and bumpy.

Acne may also produce scars that resemble the indentions an icepick may make. The Palomar Icon 1540 resurfacing results show a significant reduction of the scarring. The process requires little time and a single session may be all that is needed. Patients and dermatologists are pleased with the ability of the device to successfully reduce the appearance of acne, surgical, and other scars.

What to expect after treatment

The after-effects of Palomar Icon 1540 are often immediately noticeable following the first session. Additional sessions, approximately two to four weeks apart, may be required for enhanced results. Ask your skin specialists at Youthful Medical Spa about the optimal care plan for you. With this treatment, you can expect a mild uncomfortable feeling on the affected area along with light feeling of sun burn. This is a sign that the healing process has begun.

The Palomar Icon 1540 can produce the following results:

Smooth, textured with even skin tone.
Growth of collagen in the skin
Reduction of visible acne scars
Results can last years
Improved and enhanced skin
Tighter facial skin
Improved skin complexion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Palomar Laser Lux 1540?

The Palomar Lux 1540 is a non-ablative Erbium laser that operates in the 1540nm wavelength spectrum.

What is the difference between an ablative and non-ablative laser treatment?

There are two types of lasers used for laser skin treatments, ablative and non-ablative. With the ablative types of treatments, the top surface of the skin is partially removed to achieve a fresh and improved skin surface. Non-ablative treatments involve treating the deeper parts of the skin without removing any part of the top layer. Non-ablative lasers tend to have fewer side effects and a shorter healing time, but require multiple treatments. The Palomar 1540 laser is a non-ablative laser.

What are "fractionative" Lasers ?

Skin laser treatments can be divided into ‘full field’ and ‘fractionated.’ Full field lasers deliver a laser beam as a coherent column that treats the entire area of skin that it reaches. This type of laser is associated with numerous side effects and a long healing period. Fractionated lasers treat the skin with a laser beam that is comprised of many columns of micro-beams that are all separated by gaps. Thus, only a fraction of the skin is treated, with gaps of untreated skin throughout, this enables the skin to heal much faster with less risk of complications. Fractionated lasers can be either ablative or non-ablative (depending on the type of laser, such as a CO2 or an Erbium:glass). The Lux 1540 laser is a fractionated non-ablative laser.

How do laser skin treatments rejuvenate the skin?

The Lux 1540 laser delivers heat to the deeper layers of the skin. This initiates the body’s natural healing process to promote new collagen and elastin production. This new collagen and elastin helps to improve the skin tone and texture, while also helping to re-volumize the skin.

What is the benefit of the Lux 1540 Laser, and what is it used for?

By increasing the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, the Lux 1540 can increase the volume of the skin, improve the skin’s texture and tone, and decrease wrinkles and fine lines. The following conditions can be treated with the Lux 1540: sun damage (wrinkles, crow’s feet, and aging skin), acne scars, surgical or traumatic scars, melasma, skin texture and tone issues, stretch marks, and other skin irregularities. Because it is a non-ablative laser, healing time is minimal.

What are the benefits of the Lux 1540 over other fractionated lasers?

The Lux 1540 is more powerful than other lasers of its kind, delivering greater energy per micro-beam (up to 100 mJ) and a greater depth of penetration (up to 1 mm) than other competing devices. This can promote a more significant response in the skin, with more effective and longer lasting results.

How many treatments will I need?

The Lux 1540 treatments are more effective if performed in a series of sessions. Each session treats approximately 20 – 25 % of the skin. Clinical studies indicate that an effective treatment regimen involves 3 to 5 treatments, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart. Certain conditions, such as severe acne scarring, may require more treatments for optimal results.

How long does it take to see a benefit?

Although many patients will see a positive change within a few days, due to the swelling effect from the treatment, optimal results usually occur after 2 to 3 months. This allows for complete healing and replacement of new collagen and elastin.

What should patients expect after treatment?

During the first 24 hours after treatment, the skin may feel mildly sunburned, sensitive, and somewhat swollen. Since the treatments are non-ablative and the skin surface is intact, there is no oozing from the skin. Over the next few days, the skin may appear slightly bronzed, which can be easily covered with makeup. There may be some flaking as well, which can be improved by using a moisturizer.

Can the Lux 1540 be used for the treatment of stretch marks?

In February 2010, the Palomar StarLux1540 (now called the Lux 1540) non-ablative fractional laser handpiece received the first clearance by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of striae (stretch marks) using a fractional laser. Stretch marks are extremely common, found in 90% of pregnant women and 70% of adolescent females. The Lux 1540 treats stretch marks by causing collagen shrinkage and tightening the skin. Typically 5 – 6 treatments are recommended for stretch mark improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions