Fractional resurfacing is a treatment for fine and deep wrinkles, scar revision and superficial skin lesions. Primarily used for correction of moderate to deep wrinkles, this laser delivers micro-fractional columns of laser light to the top layers of the skin. When compared to traditional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing, this laser produced similar results with much less downtime and produced impressive changes in skin texture, removal of wrinkles, dark (sun) spots, and abnormal skin coloration. How Does Ablative Fractional Skin Resurfacing Work? This treatment works by creating thousands of microscopic areas where the top layer of the skin is ablated (removed). Much like aerating the lawn on a golf course, these tiny areas of damage are surrounded by untreated skin, which allows for very fast recovery times. Traditional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing can take three weeks on average to heal and present the risk of persistent redness, lines of demarcation between treated and untreated areas and a higher risk of scarring. Ablative fractional resurfacing with the Lux2940 produces essentially the same result with an average of 4-6 days of downtime and the use of local anesthesia only. Areas that can be treated include the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, specific scars and certain types of benign skin lesions. How Are Treatments Performed? You may prepare for the treatment by avoiding the sun, wearing sunscreen and following the pre-treatment skin care regimen prescribed by your doctor. You will be prescribed medication to prevent an outbreak of cold sores and an antibiotic to prevent infection starting a day before your treatment. The treatment will take about 45 minutes, but you will be prepared with a topical numbing cream and possibly something to take to relax you before the treatment. Treatment is not painful and the topical numbing cream is all that is needed. Is Fractional resurfacing safe? Laser skin resurfacing treatments are generally safe when completed by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist. However, anyone considering the procedure should be aware that laser skin resurfacing complications. Is laser treatment for face painful? Patients and doctors commonly compare the sensation felt during laser treatments to a rubber band snapping against the skin. However, what laser resurfacing feels like depends on the laser, the depth and area of treatment, and an individual's tolerance for pain. What Are The Results? This powerful laser is quite amazing in that similar results to traditional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, overall improvement in the skin is 50-75%. Areas improved include wrinkles, skin texture, skin discoloration and sun spots. You may expect a 50-75% improvement in the appearance of these conditions. After several years, you will still have improvement in these areas. Results typically last years and can be maintained with a professional skin care regimen.