***This is a sponsored post**
Hi Loves!
I was contacted to get a service with a new Dermatologist to the Scottsdale area, Dr. Lal. He recently joined the Affiliated Dermatology practice. Dr. Lal is the only double board certified physician in the US in both Cosmetic Dermatology and Pediatric Dermatology. His experience and training is what you should look for in a medical provider to receive this type of treatment.
I had researched the 2 types of Fraxel Laser as they are commonly known. There is an Ablative version (which is what I had) and a non-ablative version ( a much easier recovery but with less results in the end). So if you know me I figured I’d rather go BIG or go home! Haha!
An ablative fractional laser skin resurfacing procedure is a more aggressive form of laser resurfacing. The ablative aspect makes use of intense heat to vaporize skin cells (versus non ablative lasers which do not destroy skin cells), and the fractional aspect means the laser treatment is targeted to a specific treatment area. Ablative fractional laser skin resurfacing treatments stimulate new collagen production, tighten and tone underlying skin, and destroy old, damaged, or hyperpigmented skin cells. It’s a fractional ablative treatment. This laser creates small channels within your skin and removes a fraction of your skin. This creates a wound that allows for collagen stimulation and improved skin, texture, quality, and tone. It is a high risk procedure and that’s why I sought a board certified cosmetic dermatologist such as Dr. Lal.
First step is to cleanse the skin well.
The next step is the application of the numbing cream. This at the very minimum needs to stay on before the treatment about 20-25 min. I remember waiting almost 45 min when I had my keloid scar lasered years ago. Maybe it would be better to be patient with this a little longer.
And now we laser! It was all coming back to me as we started. It is not for the faint of heart for sure. But nothing good comes easy. If I can do this you can because overall I can be a wimp lol. Dr. Lal made sure to cover all my face. My main areas of concerns were above both my eyebrows on my forehead and of course the dreaded “11s”.
The next day was a bit rough. My skin did feel like my face is on fire like an intense sunburn, which lasted about 2-3 days. I was prepared for this but I did not expect the swelling on my cheeks in some areas to be so puffy. I knew it would go down as time passed but it was a bit more than I expected. Now that being said everyone heals differently and at different rates.
Update Jan 15, 2023: My skin had tiny pinpoint scabs from tiny areas of bleeding. Those channels that Dr. Lal explained were noticeable and the laser tracks could be seen for the next 1-2 days. The nurse had provided me with a bag of CeraVe products for the first several days to use post-treatment. First, I used their Hydrating Facial Cleanser. This really helped to slough off those tiny little scabs. Next, I was given to apply to my face the CeraVe Healing Ointment, which for the first few days I used several times a day (amazing stuff by the way–my face was cooled right after using this). Lastly, I had some of the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen-SPF 30. It is super important to protect your skin from sun exposure after this treatment. So the only thing I needed/chose to buy was some full coverage foundation to go to work on Monday. Overall, on the swelling along my jawline and under my eyes looked much less by Monday morning.
Update Jan 16, 2023 The next photos are some really up close ones of my skin approximately 72+ hours after the treatment.
This next photo was taken 2 weeks after my treatment
And finally about one month after my Fraxel Ablative Treatment. My final thoughts are yes I would do it again in a heartbeat! (ok maybe not that quickly haha). It is easy to be worried the first few days, because it was hard to sleep with my skin feeling like it was burning. Just be patient. The following night was much better already. This is totally doable but be prepared and ask questions so you know ahead of time what to expect.
Oh and a few questions that I’ve gotten since posting my REEL, which you can see here> https://www.instagram.com/p/CoynWvdDms3/
First was about how long does this last? Typically, it is recommended to get 3 treatments over about 3 to 6 months. After this the results last about 2 years. Also, I am a Latina and you have to be careful with who performs this treatment on different skin types. Another question was how soon after this treatment can you get facials, dermaplaning or other spa grade treatments for your skin. Well usually about 14 days later is what Dr. Lal recommends. So if you are looking to do something amazing for your skin call Dr. Lal’s office. See his contact info below. Make sure you say All The Prettys sent you for 10% off a treatment package.
https://www.instagram.com/sirdermzalot/
