ProFractional Laser in Minneapolis

One of the most popular anti-aging treatments out there is ProFractional laser skin resurfacing, which reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars and hyperpigmentation (discolored areas of the skin).

ProFractional laser skin resurfacing is primarily administered to areas around the eyes and mouth. It can also be used to treat large areas of the face. ProFractional laser skin resurfacing holds advantages over other types of anti-aging treatments, which can cause discomfort, bleeding, and bruising. The side effects of ProFractional laser skin resurfacing are minimal and the recovery time is shorter. What's more, today's lasers are gentler and safer than ever before.

All ablative anti-aging skin treatments work in a similar manner. They remove a layer of skin so that the new skin can flourish and smooth out wrinkles and crevices. Until recently, the only options for treating damaged skin were chemical peels and dermabrasion, which are invasive and far less gentle than laser skin resurfacing. During dermabrasion, your doctor uses a wire brush or diamond wheel with rough edges to remove the outer layers of the skin, which wounds it and causes it to bleed. As the wound heals, new skin grows to replace the damaged skin. These anti-aging treatments produce glowing skin, reduce wrinkles, and decrease areas of skin discoloration with minimal scarring, but they do not produce predictable results. By contrast, ProFractional laser skin resurfacing uses laser light to target both superficial and deep layers of the skin.

Each type of laser is suitable for treating unique skin problems. During your consultation at Hogue Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Hogue will assist you in selecting the best choice laser and laser technique for your particular skin type and skin condition.

In the weeks preceding treatment, Dr. Hogue may suggest that you apply special creams, lotions, or gels to prepare your skin for the laser procedure. You may also be given certain oral medications to take before your treatment such as antiviral and antibacterial medications for infection prophylaxis.

At Hogue Cosmetic Surgery, ProFractional laser skin resurfacing treatments are performed as an office-based outpatient procedure. Typically, patients receive an oral sedative, topical anesthesia and/or tumescent local anesthesia for the laser procedure. Some patients may receive general anesthesia for treatment of deeper layers of the skin. The type of anesthesia used is based on the type of laser that is used, the intensity of treatment, the depth of treatment, and extent of the surgical area of treatment.

The ProFractional laser is designed to target specific areas of damaged tissue. ProFractional laser treatments create microscopic "wounds" within the targeted areas, triggering the body's natural healing process. As a result, the production of collagen and new, healthy skin cells is accelerated.

Arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure. A red crust may develop on the treated skin area for several days and may include skin peeling. Do not pick at this skin crust since scarring may develop.

Your skin may have a bright pink hue for weeks. This is known as post-treatment erythema. Avoid sun exposure and all tanning beds until your skin color has returned to normal. This will take at least 2 months, if not longer. Wear hats or protective clothing, or apply medical grade sun block with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to your treatment areas if you expose yourself to the sun. You are usually allowed to wear makeup again in one to two weeks after treatment.

None of these rules are set in stone. You may receive different instructions based on your skin type, your choice of laser, and how your skin reacts to the treatment. After the procedure, Hydrabalm or Aquaphor Ointment or another protective ointment will be applied to the treatment area. At this stage, you will be provided with instructions on how to gently wash and care for your healing skin.

No laser skin resurfacing procedure is devoid of potential risks. The risks associated with ProFractional laser skin resurfacing include burns and other injuries caused by the laser's heat, such as scarring, abnormal pigmentation, and infection. Sometimes,dormant viruses, such as herpes, may be triggered by the laser treatment and cause an eruption on the skin of the treated areas. For this reason, all persons with a history of herpes simplex virus infections of the face should have prophylactic Valtrex or Acyclovir if they are going to undergo a laser skin resurfacing procedure.

For more information about Profractional laser treatment or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Hogue, please call Hogue Cosmetic Surgery at (763) 447-2500.

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Requested Location: Maple Grove Woodbury White Bear Lake Mankato

Procedure of Interest:

 Liposculpture

 Facial Rejuvination

 Skin Care

 Vein Care

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