Skin Procedures:

Profractional Laser

Profractional Laser technology, along with Photofacial Intense Pulse Light technology have revolutionized skin care. Profractional Laser technology has the ability to tighten skin by penetrating deep into the dermis in micro-zones while leaving the immediately surrounding skin unaffected and intact. In this way, it allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area were treated at once, using the body's natural healing process to create new, healthy tighter tissue to replace skin imperfections. Optimal improvement is usually visible in about 2 to 3 months. Because Profractional Laser technology spares healthy tissue, it is effective even on delicate skin areas, such as the neck, chest and hands.

  • Tightens skin and improves the appearance of fine lines
  • Reduces the appearance of brown age and sun spots
  • Improves skin texture and pore size
  • May be used to tighten the skin of the face, neck, and hands

An effective treatment regimen is 3 to 5 sessions, spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart. Dr. Chang suggests that you combine the Photofacial IPL and the Micro-Profractional Laser treatment for maximum effectiveness. The Micro-Profractional Laser-IPL Package has been created for your convenience and cost-effectiveness. You will experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour and then minimal discomfort. The skin will have a pinkish tone for 5 to 7 days. This is a normal sign that the skin is deeply healing. Swelling is minimal and generally resolves in 2 to 3 days. Most patients will return to work with make-up in 2-3 days.

Dr. Phillip Chang is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with offices in Loudoun ( Ashburn and Leesburg ) and Fairfax ( Reston ) Virginia. Dr. Chang specializes in nonsurgical and surgical cosmetic enhancements including the use of Botox, Juvederm, Dysport, Radyiesse, and Laser Resurfacing.

How Can a Profractional Laser Treatment Help You Look Younger?
  • Induces the production of collagen to tighten skin
  • Improves skin texture and pore size
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improves acne scarring
  • Reduces the appearance of brown age and sun spots
What is a Profractional Laser Treatment?

The Profractional Laser Treatment is a 60-minute procedure which uses micro columns of laser energy to ablate unhealthy skin; while inducing new collagen formation. Unlike older lasers which ablated all of the surrounding skin, the micro-column technology leaves surrounding skin intact to speed up your recovery Most patients can therefore return to work with make-up in 3 to 7 days. The result is more youthful skin that is tighter with improved texture and fine lines. Best results are obtained after 3 to 4 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart (Profractional Laser Treatment packages are available).

The Procedure- What Can You Expect?

After your initial consultation and VISIA Skin Care Analysis, patients are usually recommended to be placed on Retin-A (tretinoin) and hydroquinone and a pretreatment facial. Both products should be stopped 3 days prior to the procedure.

  • Numbing creams are applied prior to the 30 minute procedure. Discomfort is minimal to moderate
  • The procedure takes about 60 minutes
  • Skin can be red and raw with moderate swelling for 2 to 3 days
  • Skin texture and quality improves over 2 to 4 weeks
  • Additional treatments are usually performed after 4 weeks
  • Skin Care products should be restarted 2 weeks after treatment
  • Results are optimized by monthly facials and Microdermabrasions
  • Most patients can benefit from a ProFractional or IPL Photofacial treatment once a year
General Thoughts About How Skin Ages

A description about how skin ages would require writing a book or encyclopedia. The brief version, however, can be understood by understanding a few principles. The body decreases the production of collagen as we age; and the collagen that exists gets disorganized on a molecular level. The result, as it relates to facial aging, boils down to loss of facial volume, stretching of the skin, and abnormal skin changes.

  • Loss of Facial Volume- Results in a more gaunt look with loose skin
  • Stretch of the Skin- Results in loose skin and wrinkling
  • Abnormal Skin changes- Results in changes in skin pigmentation, changes in texture, and skin cancers and growths

As a plastic surgeon, my efforts toward total facial rejuvenation are dedicated toward treating addressing aspects of each of these changes. The main benefit of the Profractional Laser Treatment is its ability to ablate ( destroy ) the unhealthy skin while inducing new collagen to be created. The new skin is healthier and stronger. The benefits can be seen in terms of improvements in skin color and texture, decreased fine lines and wrinkles, and fewer age spots and freckling.

Results can be further optimized by adding an IPL Photofacial Treatment or a MicroPeel Laser Treatment. The IPL Photofacial can help reduce issues of brown spots, age, spots, and freckling. While a MicroLaser Peel will resurface the skin to create a healthy glow and texture to the skin

These three lasers are often used in combination in the “Triple Laser Skin Package” in Leesburg to produce amazing results in skin care.

What is the Benefit of Purchasing an IPL Photofacial Package of 4?

Although the results are immediate and dramatic, most patients can expect about a 50-80 percent improvement in complexion, color, and texture after only a single session. There is nothing subtle about it.

  • Most patients will require 3 to 4 treatment sessions for optimal results
  • Most patients will benefit from at least one treatment session per year
  • Some patients use extra sessions in their package to treat other areas
  • IPL treatments can treat the hands, arms, and chest, among other areas
What is the Benefit of Purchasing a Triple Laser Skin Package?

The most complete skin care package available with amazing results and minimal recovery times. The Triple Laser Package combines the benefits 3 skin care lasers.

  • IPL Photofacial- Treat brown spots, sun spots, freckling, rosacea, and facial veins
  • Profractional Laser- Produces collagen, tightens skin, treats fine lines and scarring
  • MicroLaser Peel- Resurfaces the skin, improves texture, and reverses UV damage
What is the Benefit of Purchasing an Profractional Laser Package of 4?

The purpose of Profractional Laser Resurfacing is improvements in to ablate (destroy) the unhealthy skin while creating new collagen. The new skin is healthier and stronger. The benefits can be seen in terms of improvements in skin color and texture, decreased fine lines and wrinkles, and fewer age spots and freckling. Although skin ablation is immediate, collagen production takes time.

  • Results are gradual over a few weeks
  • Most patients will require 3 to 4 treatment sessions for optimal results
  • Most patients will benefit from at least one treatment session per year
  • Some patients use extra sessions in their package to treat other areas
  • IPL treatments can treat the hands, arms, and chest, among other areas
What are the Risks of IPL Photofacial Treatments?
  • Changes in skin pigmentation
  • Blistering and scabbing
  • Under treatment and the need for further treatments

Dr. Phillip Chang is a board certified plastic surgeon with offices in Loudoun ( Leesburg ) and Fairfax ( Reston ) Virginia. Complimentary consultations are offered at Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center as well as Radiance Salon and Medispa. Dr. Chang sees patients from Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Areas including Winchester, Frederick, Leesburg, Ashburn, Chantilly, Sterling, Middleburg, Fairfax, Reston, and Vienna.

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Company Endorsements

Allergan.com, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, Natrelle.com, Realself.com, Facebook.com, Radiesse.com, New Beauty Magazine, Mentor.com, Sciton

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