What is ProFractional?
ProFractional is an ablative fractional resurfacing procedure that offers patients a shorter-downtime alternative to full-field ablative resurfacing. Powered by Sciton’s 2940nm Erbium:YAG laser, ProFractional is used to reverse the visible signs of aging and improve the appearance of hard-to-treat conditions like acne scaring and melasma on all skin types. Utilizing an ultra-high-speed computerized scanner, ProFractional ablates microscopic channels in the skin separated by small bridges of intact tissue. Since only a fraction of the skin is actually treated, ProFractional can safely ablate tissue to greater depths than full-field resurfacing with the added convenience of a shorter recovery.
What skin conditions can ProFractional improve?
ProFractional is used to improve:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scaring
- Scar tissue on the face and body
- Age spots, freckles, and irregular pigmentation
- Rough texture
- Dull complexion
- Melasma
How does ProFractional work?
ProFractional fractionally resurfaces the skin by treating only a portion of the skin within a targeted treatment area. Laser energy is deposited in a grid-like pattern, creating narrow, micro-ablated channels in the skin that extend to a precise depth. Treatment depth is adjusted by the physician and will vary depending on the target condition and the patient’s available downtime.
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Scientifically, ProFractional works on the principle of fractionated photothermolysis – the process in which laser energy is absorbed by a target chromophore in the skin and converted to heat. Chromophores are molecules that absorb light and the human body contains three – water, hemoglobin (red blood cells), and melanin (pigment).
ProFractional’s Er:YAG laser emits invisible infrared light at a wavelength of 2940 nanometers (nm) which corresponds to the peak absorption spectrum of water. As a result, ProFractional is able to eliminate damaged tissue by instantly heating the water within skin cells, causing immediate vaporization. Erbium’s efficient absorption also transfers significantly less heat to surrounding tissues compared to other fractional resurfacing technologies like CO2. Reducing unnecessary heat buildup greatly improves patient comfort during treatment and speeds post-treatment recovery by minimizing heat-related swelling that can lengthen healing time.
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Your ProFractional treatment will provide both immediate and lasting improvement by removing damaged tissue during treatment and activating long-term fibroblast production and collagen matrix rejuvenation below the skin’s surface.
If you are considering fractional resurfacing, ProFractional is an excellent treatment option for anyone desiring brighter, smoother, younger looking skin with the least downtime possible for a light to deep ablative treatment. You should also know that ProFractional is the gold-standard, and Dr. Schwartz’s first line of treatment, for treating all types of scaring on the face and body, including deep acne scars, surgical scars, traumatic scars, and keloid scars.
Dr. Schwartz now offers two great options for fractional resurfacing – ProFractional and the NEW Halo Procedure.
Now that you know all about ProFractional, take a moment to discover Halo – the world’s first hybrid-fractional laser. Halo combines two wavelengths to deliver the benefits of both ablative and non-ablative procedures in a single treatment.
What should I expect before, during, and after my ProFractional treatment?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Schwartz will discuss your concerns and treatment goals and answer any questions you may have. After a brief skin exam and complimentary Visia complexion analysis, Dr. Schwartz will explain your treatment options and build a personalized treatment plan based upon your specific and individualized needs.
On the day of your procedure, you will be asked to arrive at our office 1 – 1.5 hours prior to your treatment to allow sufficient time for a topical anesthetic to be applied and begin working.
The treatment typically takes 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated. Once the skin is fully numb, the treatment is virtually painless. To ensure your comfort, a continuous stream of chilled air will be blown over the treatment area to mitigate the feeling of warmth that can accumulate in the skin.
Following your procedure, Dr. Schwartz will apply Cicalfate Restorative Cream to keep the skin moist and help speed recovery. Depending on the depth of treatment, most patients can resume their normal daily activities, including the use of makeup, in as little as 24-72 hours. As your skin heals, you’ll notice a gradual improvement in tone, texture, and radiance as collagen remodeling continues for several months. As with any laser procedure, your new skin will initially be more sensitive to UV exposure, so diligent application of a high-quality Zinc-based sunscreen and the avoidance of tanning is imperative. ProFractional results are maximized when performed in a series of treatments and can be further enhanced when performed in combination with a BBL or MicroLaserPeel.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark H. Schwartz or to find out more about profractional laser treatments.
