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.
Philadelphia | Main Line | Delaware Valley - Dermatology | Cosmetic Dermatology | Surgery | Laser Surgery
Uncompromised quality through
Unmatched experience | Focus on patient satisfaction | Advanced technology
Unmatched experience | Focus on patient satisfaction | Advanced technology
Active FX (Fractionated CO2 laser)
Active FX Treatment
Overview: A carbon dioxide laser delivers accurate removal of skin layers and the highest degree of skin tightening available today. Fractionating this proven technique drastically reduces downtime compared to the traditional method as skin regenerates quicker from tiny islands of remaining epidermis.
Expected results: Removal of fine, and intermediate lines, skin tightening, even pigmentation, removal of brown spots (sun spots), smooth texture of skin.
Preparation: Vigorous regimen of daily sunscreens and 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. Topical anesthetics is applied one hour prior to the procedure for maximum comfort.
Post treatment instructions: Rigorous sun avoidance/protection for 3 months, refrain from alcohol consumption for 2 weeks after the treatment, 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 until skin renewal sets in (3 days), oral medications to prevent herpes reactivation and bacterial super infection.
The hours following the treatment, ice should be applied for fifteen minutes every hour. That night, avoid sleeping face down the avoid swelling. Topical retinoids can be resumed when scabbing subsides (3-5 days after treatment).
Time to desired results: Up to 5 days for skin renewal, up to 6 months for skin tightening (maximum collagen production).
Contraindications: History of phenol peel, isotretinoin (Accutane) in the past 12 months, coumadin and other blood thinners, recent tan. This treatment is highly efficient in fair skin types but all skin types can be treated. It is currently restricted to the face, neck and chest.
Duration of desired effects: Even pigmentation is 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. Lines may recur within 10 years. This treatment can be paired with Botox injections and fillers in order to extend results. One to 2 treatments are usually sufficient to achieve these results.
Downtime: 3-6 days for skin renewal, gradually diminishing pinkishness for about 3 months.
| Patient comments (source: Patient Satisfaction Report) | |
| 2009-07-22 14:27:42 | The doctor was very thorough. |
| 2009-12-03 11:16:46 | The neatness of the clinic and the efficency of the staff and the doctor. Dr. Ring fieil was wonderful and knows her fireld, i have been to several dermatologists and finally I found the one who knows what she is talking about. |
| 2010-01-20 09:53:38 | This is my 2nd experience with this practice. I originally came here for my son. The attentiveness of the Doctor and staff is truely a positive experience. Thank you. I wish all my doctor's appts were this pleasureable. |
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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.