Everything You Need to Know About ResurFX

Table of Contents

Intro

Many of our clients are continually seeking out a way to clear up scars, sunspots, and wrinkles without an invasive surgery. For many, ResurFX could be a great solution. In this guide we’ll break down what ResurFX is, how it works, and what it can treat.

What is fractional laser treatment?

A fractional laser treatment is a procedure where tiny laser beams are directed into targeted sections of the skin. The treatment leaves little dots all over the skin as it  creates controlled damage to these fractions while leaving the surrounding skin untouched. By doing so, the surrounding skin that has not been treated can help speed up recovery time by signaling healing cells including stem cells for new tissue growth. The cells that have been treated (those that are unwanted like hyperpigmented cells) are damaged and naturally expelled by the body.

 

The two major types of fractional treatments are ablative meaning the laser breaks the surface of the skin, and non-ablative where the goal is just to create controlled damage and usually coagulate the tissue without breaking the skin.

What is a non-ablative laser and why should I use it?

A non-ablative fractional laser such as ResurFX does not break or damage the top layer of skin making it safe for all skin types with minimal downtime. It shoots laser beams just below the top layer of skin coagulating sections of the deeper tissue. A healing cascade is signaled and the old skin is removed by the body leaving room for new healthy tissue. This creates a tightening effect and a more even complexion. Read more information about Skin Tightening Treatments.

Additionally, because the treatment is fractional, the treatment zones will heal more quickly. However, it will take multiple treatments to get the desired results. 

What does ResurFX treat?

ResurFX is an excellent treatment option with minimal downtime, it is able to treat:

  • Wrinkles and fine-lines
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Scarring
  • Sunspots
  • Stretch marks
  • Loose skin

What are the benefits of ResurFX compared to other treatments?

ResurFX is one of the best non-ablative fractional lasers on the market. It has a proven safety record with excellent results. As above, this type of laser is wonderful for all skin types and has minimal down time. Read more about this skin treatment here.

How does the ResurFX fractional laser work?

ResurFX works by sending controlled laser beams (targeted by depth and energy) to varying levels of the skin. The targeted tissue is treated in fractions leaving the surrounding tissue intact. The intact skin is able to help heal the treated tissue faster meaning there is less down-time. Most people can go about their normal activities and even wear make-up within a few hours after treatment. Below is a photo of NP, Simone, performing ResurFX in office.

How much does ResurFX cost?

ResurFX varies in price due to the size of the area being treated. For smaller areas like scars it may only cost $250, larger areas like the face and neck could cost upwards of $1200.

Estimated cost breakdown by area:

  • Small scars: $125 each
  • Medium scars: $200 each
  • Large scars: $275 each
  • Under eye and crows feet: $350
  • Forehead and glabella: $350
  • Full face: $800
  • Full face and neck: $1200
  • Decolletage: $800
  • Stretch marks: $400+

What is the ResurFX treatment like?

ResurFX is generally a 20-30 minute procedure depending on the size of the area being treated. At the office, the clinician will walk you through the procedure and ask if you have any questions. After this, they’ll prep the area with a topical anesthetic that will help ensure the procedure is less painful. Once the skin is prepped and clean the clinician will use the laser tool to begin treating the skin. 

The first treatment is usually done conservatively to see how your skin responds and ensure there is no post inflammatory hyperpigmentation in those with darker skin tones. Sometimes a 1-2 month prep before treatment is needed for darker skin types or those prone to hyperpigmentation. After great results from the 1st treatment, each consecutive treatment can get more aggressive depending on the goals of treatment.

How should I take care of my skin after my fractional laser treatment?

Immediately after your appointment, the clinician will use a cooling gel or fan on the skin to reduce some of the discomfort. They’ll then apply a protective sunscreen on your sensitive skin. After this you should make sure to:

  • First 24 hours: Avoid skin-irritating products like retinol creams, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. Also, avoid using a rough washcloth on your face. To reduce the sunburnt feeling you can apply a cool compress to your face in short intervals. 
  • 24-48 hours after: Wash skin with a mild cleanser and avoid makeup. Apply an SPF 30+ sunscreen and a moisturizer. 
  • 72 hours after: continue washing with a gentle cleanser. Make sure to continue applying an SPF 30+ sunscreen and a moisturizer. 
  • 5 days after: You can resume using products like retinol creams, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. The skin may be sensitive.
  • Between days 4-7 you can also start exfoliating the skin as it may feel rough and gritty. Only exfoliate if the skin is completely intact and there is zero sensitivity. 

Make-up can technically be applied immediately post treatment but we usually recommend waiting until the skin is no longer sensitive and is starting to exfoliate, usually around day 3. 

How long until I see results from my ResurFX fractional laser treatments?

It is recommended that patients receive at least 3 ResurFX treatments with 4 weeks in between treatments. That means it can take upwards of 3 months to see the full results of your ResurFX treatment. You will also continue seeing skin improvements for up to 6 months following the completion of treatment. This makes a great treatment for upcoming events such as weddings, vacations, and important social events.

What are the side effects of ResurFX treatments?

Immediately after your treatment, you will feel like your skin has been sunburned. This hot feeling should dissipate after the first 1-2 hours. After this, most patients experience dry,  pink, or bronzed skin for 2-4 days with peeling or flaking (most common) as the treatment works to remove damaged skin. In some patients, it may take up to a few weeks for redness and irritation to fully subside

Potential rare, but serious side effects include:

  • Severe swelling or blistering
  • Infection
  • Skin hyperpigmentation
  • Scarring

Most all of these side effects can be avoided by going to a trained medical professional, like our Nurse Practitioner Ali, that knows how to keep you safe for this treatment. Closely following pre and post treatment instructions are also crucial to great results. For instance, since the skin is not broken during the treatment, picking is the most common reason people might get an infection.

If any of these happen after your treatment, immediately contact the provider that did your treatment.

Are there any treatments I can have with ResurFX?

  • IPL for a photofractional treatment to really target dark spots and discoloration
  • Dermaplaning, light peels and enzymes can be done prior for a more intense treatment
  • Injectables such as Botox or Xeomin can be done immediately after the treatment but we usually recommend against this because the skin is so sensitive to touch.

How many ResurFX fractional laser treatments will I need?

As mentioned above, the best results from ResurFX will take 3 sessions spaced a month apart. This ensures collagen stimulation and long-lasting improvement in the skin. Many providers will offer packaged deals if you book 3 or more appointments

How long before I will need more ResurFX?

The results of your ResurFX treatment should last forever on the areas treated. That being said, as we age new spots, lines and scars  will often appear naturally that will need to be treated as they develop.

Is ResurFX the same as Fraxel laser treatment?

Fraxel is simply another brand of non-ablative fractional laser. It has gotten a bad rap for severe side effects such as scarring, hyperpigmenation and severe pain. However, the company that makes this product has updated their machine (so we’re told). It should also be said that bad side effects are often created by technicians that don’t have proper training or experience so you can’t just blame the brand or company.

From our research ResurFX has a higher track record of safety, great results and patient satisfaction which is why Elite Medical and Aesthetics chose this brand over the many other competitors.

ResurFX Before and After

Womans face before and after resurfx on nose
Before and Afer of ResurFX on nose scars
side profile before and after resurfx on cheeks
Before and After of ResurFX on a dark spot on the cheek

Are you ready for ResurFX?

If you’re looking for a way to reverse wrinkles, scars, and other skin considerations ResurFX is an excellent option with minimal downtime. If you’re in the Lone Tree, Colorado area (just South of Denver), book an appointment now to talk to our amazing staff at Elite Medical and Aesthetics 

Should You Get Needleless Lip Filler?

Table of Contents

All About Needleless Lip Filler

For many, needleless lip fillers, such as the Hyaluron Pen, seem like the perfect cheap alternative to traditional lip fillers. But are the results the same? Is the Hyaluron Pen even a safe treatment? In this article we dive into needleless lip fillers to give you an expert opinion on results and risks of the Hyaluron Pen. 

What is needleless lip filler?

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Lip Infusion pens are pressurized devices that infuse HA serum into the top layers of skin. It does NOT use a needle to inject an HA solution like traditional fillers. The companies market these products as a way to promote collagen production and add volume to the area treated.

Unlike standard lip filler treatments that need to be done by a licensed injector, these procedures can be done by non-licensed professionals, and are even available for at-home use!

What is the cost of needleless lip fillers?

It will usually cost around $300 to have this procedure done each time. 

Are needleless lip fillers safe?

The Short is answer is, no! These devices use pressure to force the hyaluronic acid into the superficial (shallow) layers of the skin which can lead to: ulcerations in the lips, swelling, bruising, uneven results, vascular occlusions, infection, and cold sore outbreaks.

 

If you’re thinking that some of the above results can occur with regular lip filler, you’re correct. The difference is that when lip filler is injected by a trained medical professional they know how to avoid those side effects and also treat them in the rare instance they may occur. A non-trained individual may think all discoloration is a bruise whereas a medical professional (RN, PA, NP, Physician) will be able to identify a vascular occlusion and be able to respond immediately.

 

Because of so many adverse events these devices have been banned in other countries, such as Canada, and are getting more and more bad press for requiring medical attention post procedure.

Do needleless lip fillers work?

It can be temporarily effective to have needleless lip filler, but it may not give you the desired outcome. A major problem with needleless lip filler is that the product diffuses to a large area which can mean your body rapidly processes it in a short period of time. According to the Hyaluron Pen makers, “The skin gets a bit swollen at first, then the effects last for a couple of weeks, maybe a month, and the situation looks as it was before – no better, no worse.” 

It is also very difficult for someone that doesn’t have medical experience and proper training to achieve safe natural looking results. Anatomy of the lips, and a natural result, is a complex process that takes a lot of training and practice. You have to respect the natural borders, tubercles, and shape of each person’s unique set of lips along with having the technique to create the desired result. Learn more about lip filler by reading the blog below.

How long does needleless lip filler last?

Results typically only last up to 2-4 weeks. Mind you, the results are short-term compared to HA lip filler injectables which last up to 6-8 months depending on the product used.

What’s the difference between needleless lip filler and regular lip filler injections?

Regular lip filler injections are done by trained medical professional that know the proper technique, anatomy, and safety. They can place precise threads of filler into the lips, exactly where they want it, to give a beautiful natural result. On the other hand, there is almost no control over where needleless lip filler will go and there doesn’t have to be any medical training for those injecting. 

It may be helpful to discuss your questions and aesthetic goals through a trusted consultation with a medical provider/experienced injector. Click the button below to schedule a consultation.

Does needleless lip filler work as well as regular lip filler injections?

No, as mentioned above, these products are only going to last for around 2-4 weeks according to the manufacturers. Additionally, the product placement cannot be controlled in the pens like they can for injections. So the results won’t look as good, won’t last as long, and there are just as many risks or more due to being administered by anyone, with or without training.

Who can perform needleless lip fillers?

The biggest problem with needleless lip fillers (Hyaluron Pens) is that you don’t have to be a licensed medical professional to offer this treatment. Because of this, many spas will offer the procedure without having anyone specially trained to perform it on staff. This can lead to accidents and adverse events (bruising, vascular occlusions, infection, ulcers, etc.) as mentioned above, and may not be recognized as dangerous if no medical professionals are present. Read more below about the licensing and experience needed for successful medical aesthetic Nurse Practitioners, to ensure patient safety & satisfaction is top priority. 

What is the recovery time like for needleless lip filler?

If there are no complications, then recovery time is fairly brief with less general swelling and bruising than with traditional lip injections. 

In most cases, swelling should go down in 24-48 hours but some consumers report having swelling for up to 1-2 weeks, just like with regular lip injections. Below are some helpful tips for reducing swelling and bruising from lip injections.

Should I get needleless lip filler, in your opinion?

Some people are hell-bent on saving money and will try the cheap DIY home products, no matter what anyone says. If that’s you, just know the risks versus benefits. Know what to look for in case of an emergency like infection or vascular occlusion, and know where to go to have it fixed if it does occur.

 

With that in mind, remember that the most expensive procedure you’ll ever get will be the one you have to get twice. So if you do something at home, and it’s horrible or dangerous, you will have to pay to get it dissolved or to go to the emergency room. Then you will have to pay to get it fixed if you still want the result.

 

If you are in the Lone Tree, CO area and want to talk to a trained medical professional, come see us at Elite Medical & Aesthetics for a consultation on injectables. Click the pink button below!

Curious about choosing the right injector?

Watch this video to learn more! 

The Best Lip Filler