CoolFractional Laser
About CoolFractional Laser Treatment
Just as a damaged painting is delicately restored one small area at a time, or a photographic image is altered, pixel by pixel, CoolFractional Laser Treatment improves your appearance by affecting only a fraction of your skin at a time with thousands of tiny microscopic laser spots.
Alternatives to CoolFractional Laser Treatment could be Coolaser, Chemical peel, Blue Light or IPL.
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CoolFractional Laser is designed to target aging and sun damaged skin by targeting portions of specific damaged tissue. By creating microscopic “wounds” within the targeted areas well beneath the outer most epidermal layer of skin, CoolFractional Laser treatments trigger the body’s natural healing process accelerating the production of collagen and new, healthy skin cells.
Since FLT has the impact of ablative lasers but the gentler benefits of the non-ablative treatments, healing time is significantly accelerated so there is minimal downtime. Because the CoolFractional Laser penetrates the non-living out layer of skin leaving it completely untreated, make-up can be worn immediately following the procedure. Some patients are able to return to routine activities, including work and social obligations, the same day of treatment. Others require a little more time, depending upon their skin condition and treatment.
During the CoolFractional Laser Treatment swelling and redness are the most common side effects from treatment. If swelling does occur, it is minimal and will subside within a day or two. Redness may occur and will fade within a few days. There is a very limited risk of infection or scarring.
Some patients are able to return to routine activities, including work and social obligations, the same day of CoolFractional Laser Treatment. Others require a little more time, depending upon their skin condition and treatment. Please consult your physician to understand how CoolFractional Laser Treatment will fit into your schedule.
Most patients describe the CoolFractional Laser treatment as having a “prickling” sensation. The topical anesthetic ointment and air cooling alleviates most discomfort. You will experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour and then minimal discomfort. The skin will have a pinkish tone for 5 to 7 days. This is a normal sign that the skin is deeply healing. Swelling is minimal and generally resolves in 2 to 3 days.
CoolFractional Laser Treatment can be performed right in your doctor’s office using only topical anesthesia in most cases. If you are having a significant area of your skin treated, your doctor will develop a pain management approach to maximize your comfort during the procedure. The treatment area will be thoroughly washed prior to the procedure. OptiGuide Blue, an FDA certified water-soluble tint, is applied to the treatment area to highlight the contours of the skin. This tint is washed off after treatment.
You will experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour and then minimal discomfort. The skin will have a pinkish tone for 5 to 7 days. This is a normal sign that the skin is deeply healing. Swelling is minimal and generally resolves in 2 to 3 days. You may apply make-up or shave soon after treatment.
New epidermal skin develops within 24 hours. This process of skin repair involves:
- Bronzing: Your skin will have a bronze appearance that lasts anywhere from 3 to 14 days, depending on your treatment level.
- Flaking: Your skin will naturally and vigorously exfoliate as new skin replaces dead tissue. Flaking is similar to that of minor sunburn, but without the associated pain. Use of a moisturizer will mask the appearance of flaking.
- Sunscreen: Be sure to use sunscreen at least twice daily to protect your skin from sun exposure during both the healing phase and for several months after treatment. Apply a moisturizing sun block with an SPF of at least 30-plus. For added protection, use wide-brimmed hats when in direct sunlight.
Over the following weeks and months, the body repairs the deeper dermal tissues that have been affected by the CoolFractional Laser treatment, producing longer beneficial changes associated with a healthy, youthful appearance.
