ResurFX Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
Non-Surgical Wrinkle Treatment in the San Diego Area
Dr. Melanie Palm is a recognized expert, speaker, and physician trainer for the ResurFX fractional laser by Lumenis. That means that in addition to offering her patients this non-surgical, non-ablative skin resurfacing treating, she also teaches other physicians how to use it on their own patients. Her practice, Art of Skin MD, is located in Solana Beach, just north of San Diego, CA.
What is ResurFX or "Non-ablative Laser Resurfacing"?
ResurFX is a newly FDA-approved device that builds upon prior laser skin resurfacing technology platforms such as Fraxel to improve fine lines and wrinkles, soften scars, improve skin texture and tone, and promote collagen growth. ResurFX offers results with minimal downtime during a nearly pain-free procedure. Fractionated non ablative laser resurfacing, sometimes referred to as Fraxel®, describes the use of an infrared laser to create zones of heat injury to the skin. This results in collagen production and skin tightening.
How Does ResurFX Differ From Fraxel®?
ResurFX is most similar to the laser platform called the Fraxel Re:Store, a 1550 nm wavelength laser device that has become a standard of minimal downtime laser skin resurfacing. The newer ResurFX technology has several advantages that sets it apart from the previous Fraxel technology. ResurFX, a 1565 nm wavelength device, is performed without a disposable tip to the laser. ResurFX treatment is conducted usually with a single pass to the skin treatment area, unlike the 6 to 8 passes required with Fraxel Re:Store, which may increase the level of patient comfort of ResurFX compared to earlier laser technologies.
ResurFX for Wrinkles, Skin Tightening, and Acne Scarring
Fractional non ablative laser resurfacing such as ResurFX can significantly improve the appearance of sun damage and wrinkling of the skin. It is often the treatment of choice for mild acne scarring or for those individuals desiring visible skin improvement with minimal downtime. Vertical lip lines around the mouth, crow’s feet around the eyes, surgical or burn scars, and brown spots related to sun exposure all can be greatly improved with ResurFX.
What is Special FX Treatment? Can ResurFX be combined with other procedures?
Special FX is a termed coined by Dr. Palm to describe combined treatment of an IPL photofacial with ResurFX or “Photo-fractional” treatment. This provides more complete photo-rejuvenation of the skin; the IPL treats brown and red discoloration of the skin such as sun spots, freckles, broken blood vessels (telangiectasias), and rosacea, while the ResurFX goes after coarse skin, wrinkles, and even mild scarring. The combined procedure takes about 25 minutes to complete and has similar downtime to the ResurFX procedure. Patients can resume makeup application one day after treatment. ResurFX may also be combined with other laser treatments or injectables, such as Botox or Juvederm, for enhanced skin rejuvenation.
ResurFX Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQ
Most commonly, the face is treated with ResurFX to improve fine lines and wrinkles and to improve overall skin texture. However, many non-facial areas of the body improve from treatment. The neck and décolletage are frequently treated along with the face for skin rejuvenation. Additionally, skin texture of arms and forearms may be improved with ResurFX treatment. Scars and stretch marks (medically termed “striae distensae”) may benefit from treatment with ResurFX.
ResurFX is completed as a series of treatments. Because it is a limited downtime procedure, it requires multiple treatments for significant and meaningful results. Typically, 4-6 monthly sessions are necessary, although this varies depending on the patient’s age and overall skin condition.
ResurFX is a fast and easy treatment. A typical facial treatment takes less than 15 minutes to complete. Dr. Palm is extremely concerned with patient comfort. Patients receive topical numbing prior to treatment, and forced air cooling is used during treatment, making ResurFX very easy to tolerate. With these preparations, most of treatment is not felt. In some areas, the sensation of sparklers may be felt as the laser treatment occurs.
Yes, there is some downtime with ResurFX. For a typical treatment with this laser, skin is minimally swollen for 1 to 2 days, and mildly red for 3-5 days. In most instances, this treatment can be completed on a Thursday or Friday and patients may return to work on Monday. To reduce redness almost completely, Dr. Palm can prescribe a topical rosacea medication for use starting immediately after treatment. Patients may resume using make up the day after treatment. After care consists of applying a topical moisturizing cream and good sunscreen use. Patients do not peel after treatment but the skin may feel mildly rough for about a 1-2 weeks after treatment.
Significant side effects are rare with ResurFX and those that occur are predictable and mild in nature. ResurFX is a very safe procedure. All patients experience mild redness and some degree of swelling following treatment. The skin texture around 1 week from treatment may be rough, feeling like very fine sandpaper for a period of days. As with any laser treatment, rare and unexpected side effects could occur and include change in color of the skin or scarring. These are unlikely to occur in Dr. Palm’s hands and in fact, ResurFX is often used to treat scarring of the skin.
If you are interested in learning more about ResurFX fractional laser skin resurfacing, or would like to set up a consultation, call Dr. Melanie Palm at 858.792.SKIN (7546) to schedule your appointment.
