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.
Overview: Improved appearance through delivery of heat to layers of the skin where collagen production is stimulated. Not harming the surface of the skin, this laser is indicated for those who cannot afford the downtime of a traditional CO2 laser treatment with multiple treatments, results approximate those of a CO2 treatment.
Expected results: Treatment of photo damage and sun spots, reduction of fine and intermediate lines, improvement of scars, reduction of melasma. Treatment is not limited to the face.
Preparation: Vigorous regimen of daily sunscreens (for all areas to be treated) and night time retinoids for several weeks to months (for treatment of face), no alcohol and aspirin for 2 weeks prior to the procedure, vitamin C 1000 mg daily starting 2 weeks prior to the treatment. Local anesthesia is applied prior to treatment.
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. Application of ice once an hour for 2-3 days may provide added comfort. There is no need for dressings. Skin care in the immediate postoperative period includes the use of a very gentle non-soap cleanser, broad spectrum sunscreens and oral medication to prevent herpes reactivation. Topical retinoids can be resumed after 1 week.
Time to desired results: 4-8 treatments about 3-4 weeks apart.
Duration of desired effects: Several years (exact duration is unknown at this time)
Contraindications: Isotretinoin in the past 6-12 months. This laser is safe on all skin types.
Downtime: 1- 6 days of redness and swelling.
| Patient comments (source: Patient Satisfaction Report) | |
| 2008-07-02 12:00:50 | Doctor is extremely efficient and knowledgeable, and even discussed treatment for another condition -- my oral canker sores -- which nobody had ever mentioned previously. Also, the office is really lovely with nice music, rather than typical office music. |
| 2008-11-26 09:41:44 | Doctor's thoroughness and "bedside manner" (and great blue eyes). |
| 2008-02-05 08:51:00 | Dr was very approachable and answered all questions and didn't seemed rushed as so many are these days. |
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.