The fractional laser creates microscopic at a time columns of thermal energy to treat a fraction of the skin at a time, which enables a shorter recovery period. The untreated skin kick-starts the wound healing process, while minimizing side effects and downtime.

• Deep and fine lines and wrinkles
• Sun damage
• Age spots, freckles, sun spots, brown spots (lentigines)
• Blotchiness and uneven complexion
• Dullness and texture problems
• Crepey skin
• Acne scars, traumatic scars and old surgical scars
• Precancerous lesions
• Skin laxity
• Enlarged pores
• Upper eyelid wrinkles, crepiness and crow’s feet
• Fine lines around the mouth
• Frown lines
• Stretch marks

When combined with the Light and Bright IPL treatment it can significantly improve the appearance of broken vessels and redness.

Everyone is unique. To treat a scar effectively, the person performing your laser treatment must consider your skin type, characteristics of your scar, and your overall health.

During the medical consultation, tell your dermatologist if you:

• Get cold sores
• Have any medical conditions, including diabetes
• Smoke
• Take any medications or supplements

Dr. Hashemi will review your medical history and all medications you are taking.  She will examine your skin and discuss your expectations and aesthetic goals. With this information she will recommend the most appropriate treatment options to achieve your goals. If you are prone to developing cold sores, certain medication is required prior to your procedure.

You may not be a good candidate if

• you have an autoimmune disease or weak immune system
• you tend to scar easily
• you are pregnant or breast feeding
• you smoke, as it can impact your healing and cause complications

While people with darker skin tones are not good candidates for ablative laser resurfacing; nonablative laser resurfacing is safe and effective in this population. It can be combined with IPL treatments to improve skin tone and texture and remove pigmented lesions and discolorations.

Sun protection is crucial before and after laser treatment.  If you show up for laser treatment with a tan or sunburn, your dermatologist cannot treat you. Using a laser could cause a serious burn or discolor your skin. After having laser treatment, you’ll need to protect your skin from the sun until your skin heals.

You may need to make a few lifestyle changes before treatment.  To heal well and get the best results from laser treatment, dermatologists recommend that patients:

• Quit smoking for at least 2 weeks before laser treatment.
• Stop taking vitamin E and other supplements that can delay healing.
• Stop using skin care products from the retinoid family or glycolic acid for 2 to 4 weeks.
• Take medication to prevent getting cold sores if you’re prone to developing cold sores.
• Avoid the sun and tanning bed. You cannot be treated if you have a tan or sunburn.

Your treatment plan may include more than laser treatment. To give patients the best results, dermatologists often use more than one treatment for scars. For example, if a patient has deep acne scars, a dermatologist may treat the scars with a laser as well as a filler.

You may need more than one laser treatment. To give a patient long-lasting result and the most improvement, Dr. Hashemi may recommend a series of laser treatments.

Laser skin resurfacing combined with IPL is an office procedure using topical anesthetic to numb the skin and reduce pain and discomfort. Minor sedation may be offered. You will receive complete instructions about post procedure care.

Posttreatment care is essential to reduce the risk of complications. Dr. Hashemi will provide complete post treatment care and recommend topical medications to support wound healing. Wearing sun screen daily will protect the new healthy skin from damage. As you heal and new collagen is produced the skin will tighten and fine lines and wrinkles will improve

Laser skin resurfacing requires the expertise of a highly trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon. In the right hands laser skin resurfacing can dramatically improve your skin. Contact Dr. Hashemi at the University Skin Institute in Sacramento.