HOW DO FRACTIONTED LASERS WORK?

Fractionated lasers selectively treat tiny sections deep in the skin, while not affecting the rest of the skin’s surface. The laser targets aged and damaged skin by creating evenly-spaced, small pinpoint areas deep into the dermis. Since the laser treats a portion or “fraction” of the skin’s deepest layers, the surrounding areas are left unharmed. These vertical microscopic treatment areas, called “Micro Thermal Zones” trigger the body to create its own new natural collagen deep in the dermis. The surrounding, non-treated areas help with stimulate healing.

In other words, the laser dives deep into the dermis, and destroys these microscopic areas, while leaving the surrounding tissue, unharmed. The treated areas stimulate collagen production, while the skin tightens, and pigmentation is normalized. The skipped areas of healthy cells left behind help speed up the healing process and minimize pain.

Treatment improves skin tone, smooths out fine lines, and evens out skin discoloration, by treating tiny sections of the skin at a time. This type of selective treatment causes collagen to regenerate deep in the dermis, while not affecting the rest of the skin’s surface. Since non-treated areas surround each treated area, healing occurs faster, decreasing downtime for patients.

HOW DO FRAXEL AND PROFRACTIONAL LASER TREATMETNS DIFFER FROM CO2 LASERS ?

The key difference between fractionated laser treatments and the more traditional ablative methods (such as CO2 lasers) is that fractionated lasers do not take off the entire outer layer of the skin at once. CO2 lasers treat the total surface of the skin. Fractionated lasers use a very narrow column of light to target pinpoint areas deep in the skin The fractionated laser penetrate just deep enough to stimulate significant collagen regeneration, while the surrounding unaffected areas help speed up recovery. Healing time, downtime, redness, and pain during the procedure is much less with Fractionated lasers than with CO2 and other ablative lasers.

In addition, fractionated lasers can be used on any part of the body — not just the face. CO2 lasers can only be used on the face. Fractionated lasers can treat delicate skin suffering from sun damage on the neck, chest, and hands can be easily treated. In fact, any part of the body can be treated. The end result is impressive improvement of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and a smoothing out of skin tone and color with minimal down time.

Lastly, fractionated lasers will not cause the lightening of the skin like CO2 lasers will cause. Part of the problem with CO2 lasers is that they leave a “line of demaraction” or a sharp border where the treated skin is much lighter than the un-treated skin.

Why would I choose an Fractionated Laser over CO2 Resurfacing ?

• CO2 Laser
• Recovery up to 21 Days
• More pain during procedure
• Redness lasts up to 4 months
• Leaves border where treated area ends
• Fractional Laser Resurfacing
• Recovery 4-7 Days
• Less pain during procedure
• Redness fades within 1 week
• Treated areas blend smoothly with un-treated areas

WHAT CONDITIONS ARE TREATED BY PROFRACTIONAL (FRAXEL AND PRO-FRACTIONAL LASER)?

• Acne Scars
• Brown spots and uneven skin tone
• Deep wrinkles
• Poor skin texture and aging skin
• Enlarged pores

WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED AND REJUVENATED BY FRACTIONED LASER?

• Face
• Neck
• Chest
• Decollete
• Tops of Hands
• Almost any area of the skin

CAN THE LASER BE COMBINED WITH OTHER TREATMENTS?

Fractionated laser treatments can be combined with:

• Erbium Resurfacing to treat deep acne scars and wrinkles
• Broad Band Light (BBL) and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments for combination of pigmentation and fine lines
• Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) for acne to decrease sebum production and bacteria

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

Usually, patients see significant results in two treatments. This is especially true if the fractionated laser is combined with either IPL, BBL, or Erbium resurfacing. Some patients will require additional treatments to help achieve more dramatic results.

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE FROM FRAXEL OR PROFRACTIONAL LASER TREATMENTS?

Fraxel and Profractional Laser treatments are safe and effective, and have minimal down time. Following a treatment, the skin becomes red with mild swelling for about two days, followed by a week of mild peeling and flaking. It is important to realize that the severity of your condition determines the extent of treatment. Therefore, healing times often vary. When more extensive or combination treatments are necessary, such when treating deep wrinkles or acne scars, pinpoint scabbing may occur, but this resolves within 5-6 days. During the following months, patients are encouraged to wear sunscreen twice a day to limit sun exposure and promote optimum results.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING PROCEDURE?

Your physician will administer anesthesia after discussing the options with you. Your eyes will be protected with safety shield or glasses. Nano-Laser Peel laser beam will be delivered through ha computer controlled device that automatically scans the area of your skin being treated. You may hear a snapping or popping noise as the laser beam gently removes the outer skin cells. Your procedure may take a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the size of the area to be treated and the depth of your peel.

DOES THE TREATMENT HURT?

A topical numbing cream is applied before the treatment which helps ease any discomfort. The laser treatments themselves take only 20 minutes. There is very little discomfort with the treatment. Most people report a prickly sensation that stops as soon as the treatment is over.

DOES DR. KAPLAN DO ALL THE LASER PROCEDURES HIMSELF?

Yes, Dr. Kaplan does all his laser treatments himself, PERIOD! Dr. Kaplan believes that his twenty years of experience is the most important aspect of laser treatments. Dr. Kaplan does not use nurses or physician assistants when it comes to laser treatments. Dr. Kaplan believes that like a fine racing car, it is the driver that determines the best outcomes.

WHICH LASER DOES DR. KAPLAN USE?

Dr. Kaplan uses the Sciton Profractional laser. Dr. Kaplan believes that this is the Rolls Royce of lasers. Dr. Kaplan owns all his lasers, and does not rent this laser. Not all lasers are the same. There are many lasers that do fractionated treatments, Dr. Kaplan believes the Sciton is the safest, and most effective fractionated laser on the market today. However, due to its cost, very few Sciton Profractional lasers are in use in Los Angeles.

Before & After Photos

Right Eye -BEFORE

Right Eye -AFTER (2 weeks after procedure)

Left Eye – BEFORE

Left Eye – AFTER (3 weeks after procedure)

Under-eye wrinkles – BEFORE

Under-eye wrinkles – AFTER (2.5 weeks after procedure)