ResurFX Non-Ablative Laser

Non-ablative lasers primarily target water in the skin which causes collagen heating and dermal remodelling. There is no injury or vaporization of the epidermis (top layer of the skin) due to contact cooling of the epidermis. Fractional means that the laser treats a fraction of the skin at a time by creating microscopic treatment zones of controlled width, depth, and density. The energy produced in these treatment zones causes damage from heat without affecting neighbouring areas. This damage stimulates collagen production and remodelling. The adjacent unaffected tissue then provides a source for healing and rapid repair leading to faster recovery and lower risk of side effects. Non-ablative lasers have less side effects and less downtime than ablative lasers. Dr. Fisher uses a Lumenis ResurFX non-ablative fractional laser in her practice.

Patients looking to improve texture, lightness and tone of their skin can benefit from non ablative laser treatment. It is also beneficial for wrinkles, stretch marks, pore size, acne scars, and surgical scars.

You cannot undergo non-ablative laser treatment if you are pregnant, have an active skin infection or have a history of abnormal scarring. If you have a history of cold sores or shingles in the area, you will be required to take an anti-viral medication to prevent reactivation of these conditions.

Non-ablative lasers are used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, pigment changes, sun damage, loose skin, enlarged pores and scarring.

Non-ablative lasers can be safely used on facial and non-facial skin because the epidermis is spared from damage. This allows for a faster recovery and lower risk of side effects. ResurFX can be used on the face, neck, decolletage, arms, and hands. It can also be used for scars and stretch marks anywhere on the body.

Results are not immediate. Collagen remodeling takes time, and you will start to see subtle and gradual improvement in 1-2 months which will continue for 6 months after your last treatment.

Results are long lasting but are not permanent due to ongoing aging and sun exposure.

Most patients are very comfortable during the procedure. A topical numbing cream is applied for 45 minutes before the treatment and the contact cooling system built into the laser helps to reduce discomfort. You will feel some mild heat, like a sunburn, during and after the procedure.

ResurFX can be combined with Intense Pulse Light (IPL). This is called a photofractional. It is beneficial to combine these treatments when targeting dark spots and discoloration of the skin.

The intensity and duration of side effects will depend on the aggressiveness of the treatment as well as the area that was treated.

After treatment the skin will be red and swollen for 2-3 days like a sunburn. Very occasionally redness can last more than 4 days. Reactivation of herpes (cold sores) or shingles can occur and so it is recommended that you take anti-viral medication if you have a history of herpes or shingles in the area being treated. There is a low risk of infection, mild acne, milia, pigmentation changes and scarring from laser treatments. Scarring and loss of pigment can be permanent. Following all pre and post instructions will help to minimize any of these from occurring.

Do not use exfoliants such as retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and hydroquinone for 5 days before your treatment.

Avoid tanning, tanning products or tanning bed use for 4 weeks before. Avoiding direct sun exposure and tanning all together is best for ultimate skin health.

If you have a history of cold sores you will need to pre-treat with an oral anti-viral medication starting the day before your scheduled procedure.

You will experience redness and swelling. The swelling is often worse on the day after the procedure. It usually lasts 2-3 days. Swelling can be worse around the eyes. It is normal and expected.

The redness looks and feels like a sunburn. It generally lasts 2-3 days. The skin will feel hot for a few hours.

Over the next couple days your skin will feel dry and may flake or peel as the treatment works to remove damaged skin.

The healing process may take longer on non-facial areas (arms, decolletage, abdomen).

You may use cool compresses to reduce swelling for 10 minutes at a time every 4 hours as needed in the first 24 hours.

You may shower as usual starting the day after the procedure but avoid hot water and direct shower spray to the area.

Do not use skin irritating products like retinol, salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, Vitamin C, or benzoyl peroxide and avoid saunas and hot tubs for 3-5 days.

Apply sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 for the next 30 days minimum. Avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks after treatment.

Non-ablative laser treatments are generally done in a series of three or more sessions at 6-7 week intervals.

ResurFX™ can be combined with Intense Pulse Light (IPL). This is called a photofractional treatment. It is beneficial to combine these treatments when targeting dark spots and discoloration of the skin.

ResurFX™ can also be combined with other collagen stimulating treatments such as Sculptra™ or Radiesse®, but we generally discourage this as the skin is very sensitive after the treatment. It is not advisable to have wrinkle relaxer (neurotoxin) injections after non-ablative laser treatments due to skin sensitivity and the risk of diffusion of the neurotoxin causing unwanted side effects.

ResurFX™ treatments can be enhanced by use of Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar for 1-2 weeks before undergoing treatment. This will prepare and stimulate the skin to an optimal condition before the procedure. It has been shown that by preconditioning the skin there is more rapid healing, reduced downtime, and improved results.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP), platelet rich fibrin (PRF), exosomes and growth factor serums can also be used in combination with ResurFX™ to improve results and reduce downtime. PRP and PRF harness the regenerative properties of your own blood by providing growth factors important in collagen stimulation and wound healing.