Fractionated Laser Blog
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about Fractionated Laser, or to ask Dr. Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
Expected Results: Removal of brown/age spots and uneven pigmentation, smooth texture of the skin.
Preparation: Sun protection for several weeks prior to the treatment. Vigorous regimen of daily sunscreens and if the face is treated, night time retinoids for several months, no alcohol and aspirin for 2 weeks prior to the procedure, vitamin C 1000 mg daily starting 2 weeks prior to the treatment. There is no need for any anesthesia.
Post treatment instructions: Rigorous sun avoidance/protection for 3 months. Avoid aspirin for 10 days, continue vitamin C 1000 mg daily for 3 months. Skin care in the immediate postoperative period includes the use of a very gentle non-soap cleanser, petrolatum the night after the procedure, oral medication to prevent herpes reactivation if the face is treated. Topical retinoids can be resumed when scabbing subsides (7-10 days after treatment).
Time to desired results: 3-4 treatments, 3-4 weeks apart.
Contraindications: Recent tan, skin types that never burn (Mediterranean and some Asian skin types can be treated), isotretinoin (Accutane) in the past 6-12 months).
Duration of desired effects: Permanent with proper and vigorous sun protection of the treated areas. Future sun damage can be prevented by sun avoidance and use of a broad spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen for life.
Downtime: Sunburn-like redness for 24-48 hours, scaling and flaking for up to 10 days. Note: Brown spots and freckles are accentuated after the treatment until skin has flaked off.
| Patient comments (source: Patient Satisfaction Report) | |
| 2008-11-24 09:41:23 | The Dr. was very kind, compassionate and respectful as well as knowlegeable of alternative ways. She is a real doll. Happy to have her as my doc and would recommed her to clients at Arrowroot Health Food Store. |
| 2009-07-16 14:45:58 | The Medical Assistant, Doctor and Receptionist were very helpful and fast. Best doctors appointment I've ever had! |
| 2008-10-29 11:03:32 | The doctor and assistant were wonderful!!! So friendly and warm. I am so used to doctors being rushed AND condescending. This was a great change!! |
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about Fractionated Laser, or to ask Dr. Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
Since I apply a 20% vitamin c oil to my skin daily, do I still need to take the oral vitamin c prior to CO2 laser resurfacing?
Topical vitamin C is a free radical scavenger that protects our skin from harmful environmental elements. It cannot be used in place of oral vitamin C for enhanced wound healing. Also, topical vitamin C can be applied only until the procedure and then not until skin has completely healed after CO2 laser resurfacing.
I would like more information about the factors involved in the costs of
assessment and treatment for laser resurfacing. I am looking for treatment
of acne scars. I greatly appreciate the detailed information on your
website. I have had ALA blue light laser tx and Pixel laser but would like
something stronger. I am looking for information about what I am likely to
pay for FX and what factors go into that decision. I am troubled by the
fact that I don;t know beforehand even what will determine the price of the
consultation. It doesn;t seem right to pay an undetermined price for the
privilege of learning the price of the actual product and not to be given an
idea of the factors involved in these price decisions. Please help me
comparison shop for FX and CO2 lasers. I was told that I have to pay more
for a consultation if I ask for more detailed information. Am I to budget
even the questions I ask without knowing their price? Please help.
A consultation for acne scars is typically $115.00. If a full body skin
check is also desired on the same day and other conditions are being
addressed, the consultation price is higher (this is considered a more
comprehensive examination and management), e.g. $145, and in extremely rare
scenarios $165.00.
The pricing is not arbitrary or undetermined and is based on strict current
coding guidelines by the correct coding initiative.
If you have insurance, the consultation is typically covered by the
insurance minus any applicable deductibles, copays and co-insurance.
When visiting our website, you may have come across the pricing for CO2
laser resurfacing. Active FX and Deep FX CO2 laser treatments are priced
based on body site treated. We charge $3000 for the face. It also includes 3
follow up visits to check wound healing.
Whether Active FX or Deep FX or a combination (Total FX) can be used depends
on the acne scars and skin type. This should be determined during a
consultation. There is no restriction on the number of questions asked for
acne scar treatment.