Every day at West Dermatology, we talk to patients at our practices who are interested in reducing their issues while also wanting to avoid discomfort or a lengthy recovery period. One procedure that meets both of those goals is ResurFX laser skin resurfacing.
LUMENIS RESURFX SKIN RESURFACING
The ResurFX system is an FDA-approved non-ablative photo-fractional laser used to resurface and rejuvenate skin that appears dull from wrinkles, scars or collagen loss. It does not damage the skin surface even as it penetrates deep into the lower dermis.
ResurFX is different from other fractional skin resurfacing systems because one wave of the handpiece over the treatment area is all that is needed to reinvigorate collagen production and stimulate the skin’s healing properties. It’s a quicker, safer, more efficient procedure that delivers the same or better results.
The laser energy, size, and shape can be adjusted for each patient and condition, therefore, this one laser resurfacing system is versatile enough to address vascular conditions, pigmentation issues, and fine lines and wrinkles to generate noticeable skin rejuvenation.
Patients seeking the best possible results from laser treatments, such as ResurFX couldn’t be in better hands than with our board-certified dermatologists. Our medical director Dr. Mitchel Goldman is highly experienced with Lumenis laser procedures, helped develop the ResurFX laser and has published numerous articles and studies regarding his innovative research. Dr. Goldman in San Diego also regularly conducts lectures on his techniques and experience with Lumenis ResurFX laser therapy for other dermatologists.
TREATMENT AREAS
Skin resurfacing with ResurFX is safe and effective for a variety of areas on the body:
- Face
- Neck
- Décolletage
- Upper arms
- Abdomen
- Lower back
- Flanks
- Buttocks
- Upper thighs
- Knees
- Calves
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?
A good candidate for ResurFX in San Diego is someone in relatively good health and would like to improve the following:
- Dull, lifeless-looking skin
- Scars from acne, injury, or previous surgery
- Wrinkles, facial lines, and age spots
- Sun damage
- Skin laxity
- Loss of collagen production
- Stretch marks
What to Expect
During a ResurFX procedure, the unique fractionated laser handheld device is passed just once across the targeted area, sending out laser energy that penetrates the skin completely without harming the outer layer. It targets collagen fibers in the skin’s support structure to build collagen and naturally repair skin and foster new skin growth.
By repairing the support structures of the skin, the procedure smooths wrinkles, minimizes the appearance of stretch marks, minimizes acne and other scars and generally gives the skin a lifted, revitalized appearance. One session takes 5-15 minutes depending on the size of the skin resurfacing treatment area and results in almost no downtime.
Read our pre/post-treatment guidelines for ResurFX.
Results from treatment with ResurFX depend on the extent of the treatment area but a general guideline is one treatment session a month for 4-6 months. Patients who follow their San Diego dermatologist’s pre- and post-treatment care routine can more readily expect to achieve their desired goals.
POST-TREATMENT CARE
Following the proper after-care routine can enhance results and help patients achieve their goals. For the first hour or two after a procedure, patients usually feel slight burning and itching sensation. Cold packs reduce irritation and swelling, while a 1% hydrocortisone cream should be applied twice a day the first two days.
Patients should use gentle cleansers with warm, not hot, water when bathing, keeping in mind not to soak in a tub or scrub for at least a week. Normal daily activities, however, should not be affected and there should be no downtime.
We offer top lines of professional skincare you can use daily at home to maintain the healthy improvements in your skin. With a personalized treatment program, you can rest assured your skin will remain in optimal health until you are ready to schedule another office procedure.
SIDE EFFECTS
ResurFX has proven to be safe over and over, yet a few side effects can be expected, though they should be mild. Swelling commonly appears after skin resurfacing treatment but usually disappears in 24-48 hours. There might also be mild redness for 2-3 days as well as skin roughness that eventually softens after a few days. clinicaltrials.gov went through a full study on the ResurFX.
TREATMENT GUIDELINES
During your procedure:
- Your physician may elect to apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment area prior to
treatment. - Your eyes will be protected.
- Cold air will be applied directly to the skin surface as treatment is being performed to
help decrease the sensation of heat & to protect the surface layer of your skin. - You will feel the sensation of heat (similar to a “rubber band snapping” against your
skin).
After your procedure:
- Redness and “welts” localized to the treated area may be present after treatment; this
will subside in a few hours but can be covered with makeup if desired. Swelling can vary
from patient to patient from no swelling at all to marked swelling. - Apply sunscreen with Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide daily. Protect the treated
area from sun exposure (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.). - If necessary, ice packs applied to treated area day of the procedure will help reduce the
heat sensation and help to minimize swelling. - Swelling typically peaks at 12 hours. If treatment was performed on your face, sleeping
with your head slightly elevated for the first night will help minimize swelling. - NO RUBBING, PICKING, OR WIPING THE TREATMENT AREA.
- OK to shower and/or wash face day of the procedure.
- Gentle cleansing is fine. Avoid using a skin cleansing brush or anything abrasive for
first 3 – 5 days after treatment. All other skin products and makeup are fine. - More than one treatment, done at ______ week/month intervals will be necessary to
achieve optimal desired results. - Follow any additional specific post-treatment instructions from your physician.
- Follow up with your physician in ______ days/weeks.