Skin rejuvenation with AcuPulse and ResurFX laser. Results and problems.

Skin aging leads to wrinkles, solar lentigo, sagging skin, volumetric changes, solar keratosis and even skin cancer. Skin pathologies indicate that such changes occur mainly in the upper layer of the dermis and in the epidermis, so that they can be corrected. There are many methods of skin rejuvenation – from chemical peels to mechanical techniques such as dermabrasion or laser and light technologies, radiofrequency and ultrasound.

Dr. Ines Verner – a world-famous dermatologist with more than 15 years of experience in the field of aesthetic and cosmetic dermatology – talks about the benefits of using the AcuPulse laser and the ResurFX module for skin rejuvenation and other aesthetic problems, made possible by the evolution of laser systems.

Problems associated with total ablation

In the case of ablative laser technologies (wavelength over 2,000 nanometers) and deep chemical peels, a very big problem arises – risk of scarring and late hypopigmentation. Other disadvantages of total ablation include general anesthesia and a difficult, long recovery period.

The reasons for such problems are, of course, the depth of impact. After exposure to a laser or peeling on the epidermis, the tissue is regenerated without scarring, unlike deep exposure.

With the advent of fractional technology, it has been found that it is possible to treat certain areas of the skin without affecting other areas. In this case, cells migrate from untreated areas, accelerating tissue regeneration.  

AcuPulse Laser Skin Rejuvenation

The AcuPulse laser is equipped with SuperPulse technology, which allows for skin rejuvenation with an excellent ablation/coagulation ratio. This is very important as 1mm ablation (1,000 microns) is required to smooth wrinkles.

With rather low power – 25-30 millijoules – most of the energy will penetrate deep into the skin, and only a small fraction of it will spread to the sides. This means real fractionation and better tissue regeneration than lateral heating, as well as more effective wrinkle removal, less tissue damage and side effects.

The device has a built-in scanner that provides cooling to the treated area.

Problems: in case of treatment of the skin exclusively with fractional CO2 technology, we do not act on the surface, i.e. on the epidermis. With deep exposure, wrinkles are smoothed out, however, it will not be possible to get rid of pigmentation or superficial anomalies, as well as smooth and tighten the skin surface. That is why there is a so-called superficial mode, which can be alternated with a deep mode, in order to simultaneously smooth out wrinkles and get rid of irregularities on the surface of the skin.

Inflammation. In the past, we thought that absolutely everything needed to be ablated. Over time, the understanding came that in fact, we just need to provoke a little inflammation in order to activate matrix metalloproteinase and promote the production of collagen, elastin and tissue regeneration. The fact is that after the completion of healing, the inflammation disappears. Therefore, when using any ablative technology, the level of inflammation should be as low as possible. 

Using the ResurFX Module for Skin Rejuvenation

The ResurFX module combines the action of high-intensity light pulses and a Nd:Yag laser.

Why is the 1565 wavelength ideal for non-ablative skin rejuvenation? The reason is the very low absorption of melanin and hemoglobin, which ensures minimal side effects. Wavelength 1565 provides less absorption by intercellular fluids than in the case of ablative lasers. The fractional nature of the action allows the tissue to recover, so you can provide a deep effect – up to 1 mm.

Due to coagulation, the pigment can be removed, and therefore, despite the non-ablative effect, there is a lightening and weakening of the appearance of lentigo and even melasma. It also provides a positive effect on skin tone by pushing out the pigment. Well, the stratum corneum of the skin remains unaffected, which allows you to hide the redness of the skin after the procedure with makeup.

ResurFX helps smooth wrinkles, get rid of scars, stretch marks and dyschromia. Significant results are seen immediately after application of ResurFX, however maximum results are seen later.

Conclusions

I think faction technology is revolutionary – they have changed our approach to skin rejuvenation. Fractional CO2 laser will allow us to carry out safe ablative skin rejuvenation with less recovery time and risk of complications, and fractional laser with a wavelength of 1565 will allow us to perform non-ablative skin rejuvenation with significant results.

Both technologies are effective for skin rejuvenation, firmness, skin tone and texture.