Los Angeles cosmetic dermatology patients may be interested in learning about different types of skin laser systems and how they work to create results.
The causes of many cosmetic skin issues arise from deeper layers. Real improvements can be achieved by treating these causes. Skin laser systems can actually make precise physiological changes below the skin’s surface. This will often involve:
– breaking up melanin to get rid of unwanted pigmentation
– activating natural processes that allow the skin to create new collagen fibers
– clearing the causes that contribute to acne
– improving the appearance of acne scars
– breaking up tattoo ink pigment
Skin laser systems use light energy to modulate tissues and pigment. Doctors are able to exert a high level of control by setting specific parameters. This can control:
1) Depth of penetration
2) Intensity of the energy that is used
This type of control enables laser procedures to be quite safe.
Patients who are considering these treatments should learn about different laser systems and how they work.
Los Angeles Skin Laser-Fraxel Repair
Fraxel Repair is an ablative laser that can be used for improvements such as:
1) skin tightening
2) wrinkle treatment for mild to moderate cases
3) removal of age spots
4) flattening and fading acne scars
The brand name, Fraxel is based on the word “fractionated.” Unlike older carbon dioxide lasers, Fraxel Repair is able to treat just the problematic areas while leaving healthy skin alone. The quality of the results are not comprised in any way through this approach.
The skin laser uses the 10,600nm wavelength to create tiny vertical columns of laser energy in the skin. These columns affect the dermis layer, helping it to create new collagen for smoother tighter skin. The new collagen can also fill in the depressions of acne scars to improve their appearance.
The columns can also get rid of age spots by breaking up the melanin pigment, allowing the body to flush away the remaining particles through the lymphatic system.
The tissue within these columns are vaporized. This tightens the skin by reducing the surface area.
Fraxel Repair is only safe for patients with very light skin (Fitzpatrick types I-III).
Here is an example of a Los Angeles patient who benefited from Fraxel Repair:
Los Angeles Skin Laser-Fraxel Dual
Fraxel Dual uses two wavelength modalities
1) 1500nm for deep layer improvements
2) 1927nm for superficial skin refinement
Unlike Fraxel Repair, Fraxel Dual is non-ablative. This means that it does not remove cells. Instead the long wavelengths apply heat to deeper skin layers. The skin reacts to this heat as an injury and starts to create new collagen fibers. This process is useful for smoothing and firming the skin. It can also be used to treat acne scars and large pores.
Fraxel Dual is a skin laser that is quite ideal for getting rid of age spots.
This Los Angeles patient initially wanted to even out her complexion by getting rid of age spots. However she was pleasantly surprised by the improvements she saw in her pores. She describes her experience in this video.
The melanin in these spots absorbs the wavelength energy and ends up shattered. What is unique about the 1550 and 1927nm is that they are not easily absorbed by melanin outside the treatment areas. Fraxel Dual is therefore safe for darker skinned patients who have more of the pigment than those with lighter skin. There is less risk of overheating and scarring.
Los Angeles Skin Laser-Spectra
The Spectra laser system (1064nm) is versatile in being able to address:
1) acne
2) unwanted tattoos
It also offers a mild exfoliation which is safer and more predictable than chemical peels. This is because doctors can control the intensity and depth of the laser. With chemicals, this is often quite difficult to do.
As a skin laser, Spectra is able to provide a comprehensive acne treatment. It burns away the outer sac of the oil glands. They become smaller and less active because of this. The Spectra laser can also reach and clear out deeper pore blockages. In this process, bacterial bodies are destroyed.
The Spectra laser can even be used for tattoo removal. It shatters the ink pigment in the dermis. And the lymphatic system carries away the smaller pieces. The 1064nm wavelength is safe for ethnic skin. Different attachments are used to help remove different tattoo colors.
Combination Skin Laser Treatment For A Los Angeles Patient
This Los Angeles patient’s skin really benefited from the use of two laser systems:
1) Fraxel Dual
2) Spectra
She was quite pleased with being able to achieve younger looking, smoother skin.
Los Angeles patient before and after skin laser treatments with Fraxel Dual and Spectra*
Los Angeles Skin Laser-Preliminary Consultations
Los Angeles skin laser consultations are offered at Fine Touch Dermatology for those who are interested in learning about specific types of treatment procedures. The preliminary consultation is free of charge.