Since the introduction of the fractional thermolysis (FT) device, skin care treatments have changed dramatically, says Eugene plastic surgeon Kiya Movassaghi
EUGENE, Ore., April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Ten years ago an incredible advance in laser skin care treatment was introduced that now offers patients remarkable, long-lasting results with just one treatment.
"The fractional laser is the preferred laser to treat fine lines, discoloration, or acne scarring," explains Kiya Movassaghi, MD. "It has no downtime, begins to immediately repair skin, and that repairing process continues after treatment."
It's true that there are many benefits to treatment with fractional laser resurfacing, but to some they may not seem that remarkable. In fact, it was a tremendous stride forward. The development of the fractional laser eliminated many of the unwanted side effects from the CO2 laser system, which was used throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Effects Following the Outmoded Ablative Procedure Included:
- 5 – 7 days of recovery time
- Pain and edema
- Persistent erythema
- Infections
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Hypopigmentation
Because of the above issues, many surgeons turned to treating patients with near-infrared, non-ablative lasers which only coagulated the affected tissue, leaving the outer skin intact. These devices produced far more minimal effects on collagen, and thus could not provide the same results in treating wrinkles and scars as the ablative laser.
In 2004, the first fractional thermolysis laser device was introduced. According to Dr. Movassaghi, the spot pattern ablative treatment leaves areas of the skin untreated which promotes faster healing. This allowed surgeons to achieve results closer to those of the full ablative treatments with shorter downtime and fewer side effects.
10 years later, fractional laser treatments continue to improve the surface of the skin and provide beautiful, younger-looking skin.
5 Benefits of Fractional Laser Treatments:
- Causes immediate skin tightening
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines, and softens deeper frown lines
- Noticeably improves skin tone and texture
- Stimulates new collagen formation
- Reduces acne scars
"This treatment has become a fast, office-based procedure that requires little patient downtime," says Movassaghi, who uses the ActiveFX fractional laser. "These devices have truly been a revolution in the field of skin care."
Some effects of the treatment become visible right away, while others build up gradually and result in continued smoothing over time. Now that ten years have passed, we also know the effects of fractional laser resurfacing have proven to be beneficial in the long-term. In combination with skin care and sun protection, patients who receive fractional laser resurfacing treatments enjoy the results for many years.
About Movassaghi Plastic Surgery & Ziba Medical Spa: Dr. Kiya Movassaghi is a board certified plastic surgeon who focuses on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. He is a graduate of Harvard Medical School and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University's School of Medicine in Portland. Movassaghi Plastic Surgery & Ziba Medical Spa is located at 330 South Garden Way, Suite 100, Eugene, Oregon, 97401. They can be reached by phone at 541.686.8700; for more information, visit drmovassaghi.com.
Media Contact: Niloo Marashi, Movassaghi Plastic Surgery & Ziba Medical Spa, 541.686.8700