LUX 1540 Fractional Laser (Fractional Non-Ablative Resurfacing)

 

What is the difference between the Fraxel re:pair and the Lux 1540 Fractional Laser?

These 2 laser both use fractional laser technology.  This is microscopic beams of laser light creating very small columns deep into the skin.  The Fraxel re:pair is an ablative laser (removes tissue) compared to the Lux 1540 which deeply heats the skin.  As a result, there is more downtime with the Fraxel re:pair than the Lux 1540.  Wound care is needed for the Fraxel re:pair, but with the Lux 1540, you can literally wash you face and put on makeup immediately.  Most often, you will need only one Fraxel re:pair treatment, versus the recommended 4-6 treatments with the Lux 1540. 

 

What is the Lux 1540 Fractional Laser and what does it do?

The Lux 1540 Fractional Laser is the “state of the art” laser for aesthetic procedures. It “fractionates” the typical laser beam into an array of much smaller laser beams. It is used to improve wrinkles, skin texture, tone and pigmentation. It is great to treat fine lines particularly around the eyes and cheek area, scars-particularly acne scars, and stubborn pigment like melasma.

 

How does the Lux 1540 Fractional Laser work?

It sends hundreds or microbeams per pulse thru the upper layer of skin and into the dermis. This stimulates the collagen and elastin to tighten the skin. It leaves the majority of the upper skin intact, thus allowing for a much faster healing time then classic laser resurfacing, which removes the entire upper layer of skin. By varying the power of the fractional laser and the number of passes done at one setting, one can be as aggressive or gentle as one would like.

 

How does the Lux 1540 Fractional Laser compare to the Fraxel Restore?

The Fraxel was the first laser to be marketed with Fractional laser technology. In the opinion of the Aesthetic Clinique, the Lux 1540 has improvements which make the Lux 1540 more comfortable and more effective. There are better cooling mechanisms with the Lux 1540 thus allowing for a more comfortable, and safer procedure. This also allows for more power to be used, thus a deeper penetration and improved results over the Fraxel.

 

What can I expect on the day of the procedure?

When you come in, a topical numbing cream is applied. You are also given a rapid releasing Tylenol, and have the option to have a shot of a non narcotic pain medication – Toradol. After 30 minutes, the procedure is initiated while you wear laser protective eyewear. During the procedure, cold air is applied to the skin, and it is later cooled with a very cold roller, when the area is completely treated. Dr. Weiner typically treats each area 3 times. The total treatment time is about 45 minutes for the whole face, 15 minutes for just the eyes or mouth area.

 

How about after the procedure, what can I expect?

Afterwards your skin has swelling, particularly around the eyes which lasts for 2–6 days. It is red or pink for 1-2 weeks. Sleeping with your head of bed elevated or in a recliner will greatly diminish the swelling. There is no peeling or oozing from the skin. You can immediately wash your face or shave because the skin is intact. Some people can develop a flare of acne, which is treated with topical or oral medications. People that are prone to cold sores are given Valtrex to prevent an outbreak from the procedure.

After the Lux 1540 Fractional Laser Resurfacing, sun precautions must be observed for several days. The skin will be more sensitive for 1-2 weeks. Retin A needs to be stopped for 5 days prior to the procedure and for about 1 week after.

 

When do I see results?

One can expect improvement in wrinkles and scarring to be gradual, over several weeks and up to 6 months. Pigmentation should improve within a few weeks. Tone and texture improvement of the skin is a gradual process as well.

 

How many treatments do you need?

We are currently recommending between 2-6 treatments. 2 treatments are mainly for the younger age group, 25-35 years old. The more problems with wrinkles and scarring, the more treatments you need. Acne scars are the most difficult problem and require the most treatment. Melasma usually requires 2 or 3 treatments. Repeat treatments are performed at 3-6 week intervals.

 

What areas can be treated?

Essentially all parts of the body. The most common areas are the face, neck, and chest. We have done hands as well. Scarring can occur in all parts of the body, and the laser has been used all over.

 

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Dr. Steve Weiner is a board certified Facial Plastic/Head and Neck Surgeon.  His services include BOTOX cosmetic, Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Juvederm Ultraplus, Radiesse, and Artefill injections.  He also performs laser resurfacing with the new Fraxel re:pair (Repair) Laser, 1540 Fractional Laser, IPL for photofacial, Laser Hair Removal, Laser for Spider veins, and IPL for acne and precancers.  He services: Destin, Panama City, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Watercolor, Watersound, Crestview, Niceville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, and Sandestin.