Light-Based Skin Resurfacing Treatments to Kickstart Collagen Regeneration for Marco Island and Naples, Florida

The effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun coupled with the natural aging process can leave the skin looking dull, dry, and lackluster. At Skin Wellness Physicians, dermatologists Dr. Daniel Wasserman, Dr. Anne Marie Tremaine, Dr. Vivian Wong, and Dr. Anita Grassi offer fractional laser treatments in Naples and Marco Island for women and men seeking a revitalized look with less aggressive forms of laser resurfacing.

Though lasers have long been used to address cosmetic skin conditions, the energy was historically delivered either too deep or too shallow to properly impact the cells necessary for this treatment. With CO2RE by Syneron Candela^® and Sciton Halo^®, Skin Wellness Physicians can now offer fractional laser treatments that are safe and effective, helping patients to get a younger appearance without the need for incisions or sutures.

What Is a Fractional Laser Treatment?

Instead of using a broad swath of light to treat a large area of skin at once, a fractional laser treatment creates a grid of tiny channels in the skin—something like pixels that make up a bigger image. Each of these very small channels prompts a healing response. To repair what the body sees as a wound, the skin begins to create new collagen, which not only repairs the channel, but also improves the look and health of the skin around it. The result is skin that has an overall glow and radiance.

Laser treatments that remove a small amount of the surface skin while creating the channels are known as "ablative." The effects, including recovery time after a session, are similar to those of light and medium-depth chemical peels. Sciton Halo^® can also be used for non-ablative treatments that leave the surface of the skin intact, even as they deliver laser energy into the deeper layers.

Moxi^® is a fractionated option that does not penetrate deeper than the superficial layer, creating micro-coagulation zones with heat.

What Can Fractional Lasers Treat?

Light from fractional lasers can fade pigmentation irregularities, reduce the appearance of sun damage and signs of aging, even out skin tone, shrink enlarged pores, enhance facial tone and firmness, and improve texture. Depending on the specific laser used, these non-wounding treatments can also smooth out fine lines and wrinkles or make scars less noticeable.

Fractional lasers can also be used to maintain or improve female intimate wellness that can be negatively impacted by hormone shifts and other changes in the body. The treatment addresses dryness, irritation, and uncomfortable or painful intercourse by stimulating collagen to thicken walls and encourage proper moisturization.

What is a Fractional Laser Session Like in Florida?

Fractional lasers are precision devices that can be used to target specific conditions. Patients can work with their dermatologist to determine the intensity of the fractional laser treatment, with options ranging from a light session that requires minimal recovery to a more intense session that requires a few days of downtime as the skin heals.

A topical anesthetic may be used to reduce sensation in the skin prior to a treatment. The fractional laser device also has cooling technology to minimize discomfort.

The session itself may not take long, though the full duration will be determined by the size and number of areas being treated.

What Happens After a Fractional Laser Session?

Patients may notice that their skin is red and sensitive in the days following a fractional laser treatment, but most patients will be able to resume normal activity pretty much as soon as they'd like. After about 24 hours to four days, the treated skin will begin to peel, revealing clearer, smoother skin beneath. You should avoid strenuous activity until your skin heals.

Options Beyond Fractional Laser Treatments in Florida

The Skin Wellness Physicians Team also offers laser skin resurfacing, intense pulsed light (IPL) for treating spots and other signs of aging on the surface, and photodynamic therapy to clear acne and address actinic keratoses. Other cosmetic treatments include microneedling, HydraFacial^® treatments, BOTOX^®, dermal fillers and more.