The StarLux Fractional Resurfacing is a non-ablative method to rejuvenate the skin to give a smoother, more youthful appearance.  It is the most effective way to non-invasively scale years off your appearance or remove unwanted acne or surgical scars!  The results are amazing for fine lines and wrinkles, deep wrinkles, scarring, acne scars, stretchmarks, or Melasma (dispigmentation) patients. For a visual demonstration, please go to http://www.palomarmedical.com/palomar2.aspx?pgID=1059 for more information.


How It Works:
The Fractional Lux1540 Laser treatment delivers micro-beams of light which create columns of coagulated tissue within the Dermis (the second layer of the skin) to form new healthy tissue, stimulate collagen, and stimulate elastin to naturally rejuvenate the skin in one to three treatments on average.  The results are creating permanent changes in your skin, however the initial results will last up to two years.  The treatments can result in a 51%-75% improvement in your skin!!  It literally breaks down scar tissue from acne, accidents or surgical scarring and replaces it with new healthy tissue.

What areas can I have treated?
StarLux Fractional Skin Resurfacing can be applied to any area of the body, including the face, chest, arms and hands.

What makes StarLux Fractional treatments different from other Skin Resurfacing Methods?  Fractional vs. Fraxel
Many other skin resurfacing devices, such as CO2 lasers use an ablative method, which removes the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) and some of the dermis (the 2nd layer of skin).  While good results may eventually occur the drawbacks include red and raw skin, as well as a risk of infection for several weeks after treatment. 
The StarLux Fractional offers superior results with no downtime.  The beams of light penetrate deeper into the dermis than competing devices for effective, long-term results.  The Fractional approach stimulates quick healing in the dermis, while leaving the epidermis intact, with no lasting redness.

Many patients do not understand the difference between Fraxel and the Palomar 1540 Star Lux treatments. Basically the difference is in the treatment depth and preparation required for treatments, as well as the downtime between the two.
 The 1540 Fractional laser by Palomar uses many microchannels to penetrate into the dermis far below the outer most skin layer causing collagen contraction and remodeling. The outer surface of the skin is cooled by the patented sapphire tip eliminating pain and leaving the outermost layer of skin acting as a barrier to the elements while the deeper tissues heal and tighten. There is minimal downtime (1-2 days of slight swelling) and no reason not to go back to work that day or the next day.

Fraxel lasers also use microchannels but do not penetrate quite as deeply as the 1540. A BLUE dye is applied to the face prior to the treatment in order for the laser to treat the skin. This dye can be difficult to remove. Additionally, topical anesthetic is required 45 minutes prior to the application of the laser because of the pain associated with the treatment (no cooling tip). There is about 7-10 days of peeling and swelling associated with the treatments

Are these treatments safe, and are they painful?
The Fractional Laser delivers pulses of light as individual micro-beams to protect from potentially bulk heating on the skin.  In addition, the Fractional laser features a cooling tip to remove heat from the sapphire tip so that with the cooling the result is only minor discomfort felt during treatment.  The only side-effect is mild redness lasting only a few hours.

* CLICK HERE for Fractional Skin Resurfacing Before & After photos.


 Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center
 Satellite Office: Dr. Horacio Gonzalez, MD
Treatments available by appointment only.