Welcome to the enlightening world of laser skin resurfacing! This innovative field is transforming the way we approach skin health and aesthetics. Laser skin resurfacing treatments offer promising solutions for various skin concerns and can be customized to your needs. They use targeted light to treat skin layers, promoting rejuvenation and healing.
If you’re considering a laser treatment, understanding the differences and benefits of each option is vital to making the best choice for your skin.
At Ridenour Plastic Surgery, we offer three laser resurfacing options:
- Clear + Brilliant
- Fraxel re:store DUAL
- Candela CO2RE
Clear + Brilliant®: The Gentle Approach
Clear + Brilliant is a non-ablative fractional laser known for its gentle approach to skin rejuvenation. This treatment is designed for patients beginning to notice the signs of aging or those who want to maintain their youthful glow. It’s a zero downtime procedure, perfect for busy individuals seeking a quick refreshment of their skin.
The fractional laser technology behind Clear + Brilliant creates thousands of microscopic wounds in the skin, triggering natural healing processes that replace damaged cells with fresh, healthy ones. The fractional nature of the laser means it treats a fraction of the skin’s surface at a time, leaving areas of untouched tissue around each tiny wound. This allows for a more controlled healing process and reduces the overall recovery time compared to more intensive laser procedures.
Clear + Brilliant improves skin tone and texture for an overall more radiant complexion. However, this laser treatment may require multiple sessions for optimal results.
Fraxel® re:store DUAL: The Moderate Method
Fraxel re:store DUAL represents a significant advancement in the field of laser skin rejuvenation, thanks to its innovative dual wavelength system. This non-ablative fractional laser is designed to rejuvenate the skin by addressing more pronounced signs of aging. While the recovery time for Fraxel re:store DUAL may be slightly longer than less intensive treatments like Clear + Brilliant, it can dramatically improve overall skin texture and tone for a more youthful and revitalized appearance.
The key to the effectiveness of Fraxel re:store DUAL lies in its specialized laser technology. The system utilizes two distinct laser wavelengths: a 1927 nm that targets the skin’s surface (epidermis) and a 1550 nm wavelength that penetrates deeper into the skin (dermis). The first wavelength focuses on fine lines, surface scarring and pigmentation, smoothing out the skin’s outer layer and promoting a more even skin tone. The deeper wavelength penetrates the dermis, where it stimulates collagen production, a critical component in skin health, to improve skin elasticity and reduce deeper wrinkles and scars.
Candela CO2RE®: The Intensive Treatment
Candela CO2RE is an ablative fractional CO2 laser known for its intensity and efficacy in addressing pronounced signs of aging and significant sun damage, including deep skin folds, severe acne scars and loose skin. Due to its high intensity, the treatment involves a more extensive recovery than milder laser procedures. However, the trade-off is a more dramatic and transformative improvement in your skin’s appearance.
The technology behind Candela CO2RE hinges on the unique properties of the CO2 laser. This laser emits light at a wavelength of 10,600 nm, which is highly absorbed by water in the skin. This absorption allows the laser to precisely vaporize thin layers of skin, removing the damaged outer layers while simultaneously heating the underlying skin. This process stimulates the natural regeneration of collagen, an essential protein that gives skin its firmness and elasticity. As new collagen forms, it helps to smooth out deep wrinkles, tighten sagging skin and improve overall skin texture.
The CO2RE system also offers versatility, with adjustable settings targeting superficial and deeper skin layers. This flexibility allows for customized treatments tailored to your specific skin concerns.
Comparative Analysis of Your Laser Resurfacing Options
Each of these laser treatments offers unique benefits and addresses various skin issues. Understanding the intensity, concerns addressed, suitability for skin type, recovery time and results for each can help you make an informed decision about which treatment might be best for you.
Intensity and Skin Concerns Addressed
Clear + Brilliant®: Low to Moderate Intensity
This laser treatment targets superficial skin layers to address:
- Fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth
- Minor melasma and dark spots (hyperpigmentation)
- Slight roughness in skin texture
- A dull complexion
- Early signs of enlarged pores
Fraxel® re:store DUAL: Moderate to High Intensity
This treatment’s dual wavelengths target multiple skin layers to address:
- Moderate wrinkles, including crow’s feet and forehead lines
- Deeper lines around the mouth and nose (nasolabial folds)
- Noticeable sun-induced dark spots, melasma and other types of uneven pigmentation
- Moderate rough skin texture
- Scarring from acne, more pronounced than superficial marks
- Mild to moderate skin laxity or sagging
- Enlarged pores, more visible than in early stages
Candela CO2RE®: High Intensity
This laser targets the deep skin layers to address:
- Deep wrinkles, including pronounced forehead furrows and deep-set nasolabial folds
- Dark and widespread age spots (hyperpigmentation)
- Acne scars, including deep and pitted scars
- Sagging skin, particularly in areas like the jawline and neck
- Facial hollows or areas with significant volume loss
- Enlarged pores, especially those resistant to other treatments
- Severe photoaging signs, including leathery skin texture
- Rough skin texture, including areas with significant buildup of dead skin cells
Ideal Skin Types
The Fitzpatrick skin type system classifies skin based on its response to sun exposure and susceptibility to sunburn. This classification is important in laser treatments, as different skin types react differently to lasers.
Fitzpatrick Skin Types:
- Type I: Very fair, burns easily, does not tan
- Type II: Fair skin, burns easily, tans minimally
- Type III: Fair to beige skin, burns moderately, tans uniformly
- Type IV: Olive or light brown skin, burns minimally, tans easily
- Type V: Brown skin, rarely burns, tans very easily
- Type VI: Dark brown or black skin, never burns, tans very easily
Here’s how each laser typically works with different Fitzpatrick skin types:
Clear + Brilliant®: All Skin Types
Suitable for all Fitzpatrick skin types (I-VI).
Fraxel® re:store DUAL: Types I-IV
Most effective on Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV:
- Type I: Most responsive with minimal risk
- Type II: Good responsiveness, low risk of pigmentation issues
- Type III: Effective with a cautious approach
- Type IV: Can be treated effectively but with increased risk of pigmentation changes
Caution with types V-VI:
- Type V: May experience more risks like hyperpigmentation
- Type VI: Highest risk of adverse effects; often not recommended
Candela CO2RE®: Types I-III
Best suited for Fitzpatrick skin types I-III:
- Type I: High effectiveness with very low, manageable risks
- Type II: Effective but may require careful management of settings
- Type III: Can be treated with a cautious approach
Increased risk for types IV-VI:
- Type IV: Higher risk of pigmentation changes and scarring
- Type V-VI: Generally not recommended due to a significant risk of adverse reactions like hyperpigmentation and scarring
Downtime and Recovery
Clear + Brilliant®: No Downtime
Your skin may feel rough for a few days after Clear + Brilliant, but daily activities can be resumed immediately. Recovery is minimal, with just one to two days of mild redness and some swelling, similar to a slight sunburn.
Fraxel® re:store DUAL: Two to Three Days of Downtime
After treatment, you will likely experience initial redness and swelling for two to four days followed by skin flaking for up to a week.
Candela CO2RE®: One to Two Weeks of Downtime
Recovery time for CO2RE can last up to two weeks. You may experience significant redness and swelling for several days, and your skin may feel raw or scab over. Follow our post-care instructions carefully, including avoiding sun exposure and using recommended skin care products to support healing.
Results Timeline and Longevity
Clear + Brilliant®
Visible improvements can be seen within a week, with optimal results apparent after multiple treatments. Your results after Clear + Brilliant can last several months, but maintenance treatments are recommended for prolonged effects.
Fraxel® re:store DUAL
Initial results can be seen in about two weeks, with continued improvements over the following months. Fraxel re:store results are long lasting, often visible for several years, but their longevity will depend on your skin care and lifestyle.
Candela CO2RE®
Results are noticeable after healing, which typically takes two to three weeks, with continued improvements over the following weeks. This laser offers the most enduring results, lasting several years. However, results may vary based on individual factors like skin care and lifestyle.
Making the Right Laser Resurfacing Choice for Your Skin
Choosing the safest and most effective treatment depends on multiple factors, including your specific skin concerns, skin type, lifestyle, availability for downtime and desired outcomes. Our experienced team at Ridenour Plastic Surgery can help you choose the most suitable laser resurfacing treatment after a thorough evaluation and discussion about your needs and expectations.
Transform Your Skin — Contact Us for Your Personalized Treatment Plan
If you’re intrigued by what laser skin resurfacing can do for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of experts at Ridenour Plastic Surgery is ready to guide you through the process, ensuring you receive personalized care and the best possible results for your skin.
Schedule your consultation today by calling (314) 878-8600 or contacting us online. We look forward to assisting you in your quest for healthier, more youthful skin!
