Pearl® fractional laser treatments are one of the advanced tools in our lineup of medical aesthetic treatments, and can offer excellent results for deep textural concerns like wrinkles and folds. In contrast to treating the entire surface of the skin, fractionated lasers target many tiny ‘zones’ staggered across the treatment area. In each zone, the laser reaches deeply to remove columns of damaged tissue, leaving surrounding tissue intact. This treatment does require some social downtime, in exchange for the benefits of deeply rejuvenated results.
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What does Pearl® fractional laser treat?
A Pearl® fractional treatment uses the CUTERA® YSGG 2790 nm laser to create thermal injuries in the skin, improving the appearance of deep wrinkles, folds, and textural concerns like scarring. Patients often see a noticeable improvement in their skin tone, smoothness, and softness and enjoy a brighter complexion following the healing stage. This treatment is best suited to candidates with lighter skin tones. For patients with the additional concern of sun damage, we can combine this treatment with a Pearl® resurfacing laser treatment for comprehensive results.
How long do Pearl® fractional laser results last?
Following your Pearl® fractional treatment, you can expect some redness, swelling, and sloughing-off of dead skin for up to seven days while your results are manifesting. After seven days, you should be able to return to all normal activities. Although you’ll be able to enjoy your newly revealed results for several months, your skin is continuously influenced by sun exposure, gravity, and the natural aging process, and thus skin concerns can reappear over time. Pearl® fractional treatments can be performed again as needed.
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Your Questions Answered
At Clinic 805, our Pearl® fractional laser treatments are performed by a physician-trained Registered Nurse, who will walk you through the process so you know exactly what to expect at each step. We prioritize your comfort and welcome you to bring up questions or concerns at any point.
We employ a topical numbing anesthetic cream and oral analgesics for this treatment, as you may experience some discomfort as the laser thermal energy is applied to the skin at a controlled depth. A natural protective ‘dressing’ on the skin’s surface will form, minimizing downtime during the restorative process. You will need a trusted adult to drive you home following the procedure. It is normal for your skin to look sunburned for 7-10 days of social downtime, and you can expect to return to all normal activities within 7-12 days. Redness and/or temporary swelling of the treated area is common and expected. Swelling usually resolves in 3-4 days, while redness usually resolves within six weeks. Skincare and healing camouflage makeup are provided post treatment to assist with redness and skin sensitivity.
Although we only offer treatments with excellent safety profiles, a Pearl® fractional laser treatment is still a medical procedure that carries a certain amount of risk, and it’s important to us that patients are fully educated on their treatment of interest so they can make an informed choice. Although the majority of patients do not experience complications, potential risks include:
- Discomfort: Some discomfort may be experienced during treatment. Your skin will feel sunburned for a few hours after treatment.
- Redness and swelling: Redness (erythema) and/or temporary swelling (edema) of the treated area is common. Edema usually resolves in 3-4 days. Redness usually resolves within 10 days, but can last up to one month.
- Pigment changes: During the healing process, there is a possibility that the treated area can become either lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation) in colour compared to the surrounding skin. This is usually temporary, but on rare occasions, it may be permanent.
- Sun exposure: This treatment cannot be performed if you have a tan at the time of treatment, including the use of tanning lotions and beds. It is essential to avoid sun exposure for six weeks following your treatment, and to use a zinc-based SPF of 30 or higher once your skin has healed.
- Milia/acne: Ointments that occlude hair follicles, sweat ducts, or sebaceous ducts may lead to milia/acne formation. This is more common in patients with a history of cystic acne or oily skin.
- Skin wounds: Pearl® fractional laser treatment can result in burning or blistering of the treated areas. It is important that you do not pick or scratch the sites as this may lead to permanent scars or promote an infection. Only use recommended post-treatment products on your skin.
- Infection: Infection is a rare possibility whenever the skin surface has been disrupted. This risk can be minimized with proper wound care and by keeping the treated area clean. Herpes simplex (cold sores) are seen in a small percentage of patients, even if prophylaxis (antiviral medication) is used. This may lead to scarring. Signs of an infection can include pain, heat, severe itching, or an increase in redness. If you are not allergic, apply Polysporin ointment to the affected area.
- Scarring: Scarring is a rare occurrence; however, it is a possibility whenever the skin surface has been disrupted. To minimize the risk of scarring, it is imperative that you follow all post-treatment instructions carefully. Do not apply anything to your skin other than Vaseline, unless otherwise instructed by our team.
- Treatment pattern: A persistent spot size pattern may be apparent on the treated skin and usually resolves with time. In rare cases, it may be permanent.
- Petechiae: These small red spots may appear for several weeks after healing and will clear without treatment.
- Dilated pores: Collagen contraction that occurs as part of the fractional process may also contract the skin between the pores, which widens the existing pores. This occurrence, though rare, is permanent.
- Contact dermatitis: Potential increased sensitivity, irritation and/or itching can occur due to skin surface disruption. It is imperative you follow all post-treatment instructions to help avoid this.
- Allergic reaction: There is a risk of an allergic reaction to the topical anesthetic, and/or any other product that comes in contact with your skin.
- Eye protection: Patients are required to use protective eyewear (shields) at all times during the treatment to prevent the possibility of laser injury to the eyes.
- Injectable fillers: The effectiveness of injectable fillers that are already in place may be reduced by the Pearl® laser depending on the depth and type of products used.
- Non-responders: All patients can respond differently to Pearl®. Your response may be subject to variation, but on average 70-80% of patients who have undergone treatments with us report a noticeable improvement in the appearance, quality, and youthful vitality of their skin. Approximately 10% will be non-responders.
- There are many variable conditions in addition to risks and potential complications that may influence your long-term result. Other complications and risks can occur but are also uncommon. Although good results are expected, we cannot guarantee your results.
Pearl® fractional laser treatments are not for you if you have a darker skin type. If you are pregnant, have been on Accutane® within the past three months, or have an active cold sore, you should not have this procedure. You should advise us of all oral and topical medications that you are currently using prior to treatment, as some medications are photosensitizing and laser treatment should not be performed while you are taking such medications. Patients also cannot be treated if they are taking blood thinning medications.
If you are tanned, or have recently been exposed to the sun in the area to be treated, your treatment will be rescheduled.