Skin Rejuvenation with Fractional Laser

What it is

Laser treatment that stimulates collagen production to tighten the skin and reduce fine lines.

Treatment Protocol

• Number: 3-5 treatments
• Interval: 4-6 weeks
• Effect: Gradual over 3-6 months
• Maintenance: Every 6-12 months
• Best results with full series

Procedure

1. Cleansing and numbing cream (30-45 min)
2. Laser treatment (20-40 min)
3. Cooling and soothing products
4. Total time: 60-90 minutes

Duration

60-90 minutes (incl. anesthesia)

Pain Level

• Moderate discomfort with anesthesia
• Intensity: 4-6 out of 10
• Burning, warm sensation
• Tolerable with preparation
• Cooling helps

Downtime

• Minimum: 3-5 days
• Average: 5-7 days
• Redness and swelling
• Slight peeling
• Makeup from day 3-5
• Social downtime: 5-7 days

Healing Time

Day 0:

• Intense redness
• Swelling
• Burning sensation
• Grid pattern possible

Day 1-3:

• Continued redness
• Swelling (especially around eyes)
• Dryness
• Slightly darker skin

Day 3-7:

• Mild to moderate peeling
• Redness subsides
• Pink skin
• Swelling gone

Day 7-14:

• Most redness gone
• Makeup can cover the rest
• Skin still sensitive

Week 2-12:

• Progressive improvement
• Collagen building continues
• Best results 3-6 months later

Side Effects

Very common:

• Redness (days to weeks)
• Swelling (3-7 days)
• Dryness and flaking
• Sensitivity

Common:

• Prolonged redness (more than 2 weeks)
• Hyperpigmentation (transient)
• Acne breakout
• Milia

Uncommon:

• Hypopigmentation
• Prolonged swelling
• Scarring (rare)

Rare:

• Infection
• Permanent pigment changes

Aftercare

First 24-48 hours:

• Cooling as needed
• Gentle cleansing
• Moisturize often
• Painkillers as needed

First week:

• Moisturize skin A LOT
• SPF 50+ daily
• Avoid exfoliation
• No makeup until peeling is complete
• Avoid heat, steam, sweat

Week 2-4:

• Still high SPF
• Gradual reintroduction of products
• No other facial treatments
• Avoid sun (CRITICAL)

Critical restrictions:

• Sun: No sun for 4-8 weeks
• Exercise: Avoid first week
• Sauna/steam bath: No for 2-4 weeks

Who is this suitable for

• Early signs of aging
• Mild to moderate skin laxity
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• People who want a non-surgical solution
• Realistic expectations
• Good skin elasticity

Who is this not suitable for

• Significant skin laxity (requires surgery)
• Deep wrinkles (better options exist)
• Very thin skin
• Unrealistic expectations of dramatic lift
• Pregnancy
• Active infection

Important information

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS:

• Subtle to moderate improvement
• NOT dramatic tightening
• Best for early signs of aging
• Requires series of treatments
• Gradual effect over months

Documented Effect:

• 20-40% improvement in skin firmness
• Reduction of fine lines
• Improved skin texture
• Best results seen after 3-6 months

Contraindications

• Pregnancy/breastfeeding
• Active infection
• Isotretinoin last 6-12 months
• Keloid tendency
• Recent sun exposure
• Unrealistic expectations

Warning signs

• Increasing pain/redness/swelling after 48 hours
• Signs of infection
• Severe eye swelling
• Blisters or sores

Individual variations

Good response (30-40%):

• Younger skin (30-50 years)
• Good skin elasticity
• 30-50% improvement

Moderate response (40-50%):

• 20-30% improvement
• Visible improvement but subtle

Less response (10-20%):

• Older skin with poor elasticity
• Less than 20% improvement
• May need other treatments

Maintenance

• Maintenance every 6-12 months
• Can be combined with other treatments
• Skin care is important to maintain
• Sun protection is essential