Resurfaced rejuvenation!

As the desire for alabaster-like skin will not fizzle out any time soon, an expert tells us about a trend that’s here to stay!

The road to great skin just got a tad painless! With the evolution of the good ol’ laser, women can now expect greater results sans the fuss or pain – all thanks to fractional resurfacing. With benefits aplenty, the fractional beam used in the process, selectively burns columns of tissue in a pixilated manner so that the normal skin in between allows for faster healing. This fractional method is much safer than other older ablative lasers which burn the entire skin leaving it prone to post laser pigmentation, scarring and prolonged recovery.

Fractional resurfacing helps to remodel and synthe sise new collagen thus improving fine lines, wrinkles and scars. The open pores appear tighter with better texture and tone of the skin, and it is one of the best anti ageing procedures.

Fractional technology is used with CO2, lasers and radio frequency. It allows older sun damaged skin to peel away revealing younger looking skin beneath. When used with the prescribed cosmeceuticals that the dermatologist prescribes, it enhances the skin's natural radiance and reduces pigmentation, sun spots and sun damage.

Depending on the technology used, your dermatologist may advice about three to six sittings. However, with fractional C02, two-threesittings would suffice. The technology also allows to treat stretch marks on the body. Your practitioner will first numb the skin with a numbing cream and then let you sit for 30 minutes. After this, the cream is washed off and the area is treated. You can expect post treatment redness, in some cases. Over the next few days, dark pixilated marks remain on the skin so do expect a downtime for a few days. The procedure itself feels uncomfortable but most people are able to tolerate well. Post the procedure you may experience burning for 30 minutes. The deeper the penetration, the longer the downtime and more effective the results.

The writer is a cosmetologist, dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon