Getting Fractional Without Lasers
- Posted on: May 30 2018
Fractional laser resurfacing has been around for almost 15 years, but the procedure has been known to involve extended periods to resolve the redness that is a byproduct of the laser energy heating the dermis. Also, fractional laser resurfacing can lead to hyperpigmentation with darker skin tones.
Dr. Fisher now offers an alternative to fractional laser resurfacing, Fractora. Fractora provides fractional resurfacing with radiofrequency energy rather than laser energy. Fractora offers the same skin rejuvenation benefits with far less recovery.
What is Fractora?
Fractora is a fractional skin resurfacing treatment. Its skin rejuvenation has two facets: micropunctures of the skin and heat delivery into the dermis layer of the skin. Fractora offers two different heads sizes depending on the area being treated. The small head has 20 microneedles, and the large head has 60 microneedles.
What skin issues can Fractora treat?
Fractora delivers improvements in the broadest range of symptoms of aging skin:
- Fine lines
- Deep lines
- Texture problems
- Pigmentation irregularities
- Broken blood vessels
- Areas of redness
The most common treatment areas are the lower eyelid, upper eyelid, smile lines, cheeks, mouth, and neck.
How does Fractora rejuvenate the skin?
Fractora rejuvenates the skin with both the micropunctures and the heat delivered into the dermis.
As soon as the handpiece is stamped across the treatment area, the microneedles penetrate the epidermis creating hundreds of pinpoint punctures. Because the pinpoint punctures are surrounded by unaffected healthy skin, the body starts healing the skin immediately. This process breaks down areas with poor texture and involves the creation of new skin cells.
The second aspect of rejuvenation occurs where the Fractora needles deliver radiofrequency energy. As soon as the needles penetrate the skin, RF energy is delivered down into the dermis, the skin’s second layer. When the body senses this heat, it responds by triggering a wound response to “heal” the perceived wound. This wound response involves collagen remodeling and the production of new collagen and elastin. This tightens and firms the skin, improving the overall appearance.
Patients will have redness across the treatment areas. This varies depending on the patient and the level of RF energy employed. Redness may linger for 3-7 days. There may also be some slight swelling, but this passes in 2-3 days.
Patients will see their skin improve beginning in around two weeks, and these results continue to build for 3-6 months. Improvements in skin texture and broken blood vessels are permanent. Otherwise, your improved skin firmness should continue for up to one year. At that point, your naturally declining collagen levels will need another treatment to maintain your results.
Interested in Fractora? Contact our office to schedule a consultation
Posted in: Skin Rejuvenation