What is the procedure used for?
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This is the most aggressive and effective resurfacing offered for moderate to severe wrinkles and texture changes and acne scarring on the face. Especially effective for lines around the eyes and the vertical lines on the upper and lower lips.
What changes can I expect right after treatment?
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Swelling, crusting, oozing, discomfort for 4-5 days
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Redness, peeling, mild crusting for 8-12 days
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Residual pink color changes up to 3-4 months that can be covered by makeup once crusting has resolved.
When will I be completely healed?
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At 2 weeks makeup can be applied to cover any residual redness. Social engagements not recommended for at least 14 days after treatment.
How many treatments are recommended? How far apart?
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1-2 treatments depending on severity of surface wrinkles and texture, spaced 3-4 months apart. Sometimes a single full-face treatment is followed by a “touch-up” treatment to focal areas needing a second treatment.
How painful is treatment?
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Pain 8/10. Most patients elect for oral pain medicine and anxiolytic (Ativan) taken one hour before treatment – this makes the treatment comfortable for most patients; but you must have a driver to take you ome. Nerve blocks are often administered by your doctor to sensitive areas such as around the mouth. Topical numbing is applied at least 45 minutes prior to treatment.
How long does the treatment take?
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Expect to be in the office for 2-3 hours, but the actual treatment time averages 1 hour for a full-face treatment, and shorter if only focal areas are treated like around the mouth.
When can I expect to see the full results?
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The full result of collagen building and wrinkle reduction takes 3-4 months.
