Treatments: Burns and Scars

The story of our lives often shows up on our skin − scars that form from that fall of the bicycle, car accident or from surgery. Normally the body stimulates organized collagen production to heal an injury. However, scars develop when disorganized collagen forms due to an overwhelming healing response. Until recently, a scar may well be with you for life. Now, there are NEW procedures to treat and eliminate scars.

Lumenis UltraPulse Fractional Active FX and DeepFX CO2 laser scar treatments for burn, acne, trauma and surgical scars applies the latest advancements in laser technology and innovations to provide a new and better scar treatment solution. Previous techniques involving dermabrasion, surgery, steroid injections, and collagen injections, amongst others, offered limited effectiveness. The new Active FX and DeepFX laser treatments are capable of treating the deeper structures of scars with unmatched speed − providing the most comfortable and effective treatment for patients, resulting in reduced downtimes and dramatic results.

With ActiveFX the laser treats mostly the surface of the scar. The laser beam is applied in a fractional pattern leaving intact "bridges" of untouched skin to quicken the healing process. This results in new skin generations where color changes in the scar can be evened out and texture improved.

DeepFX is a treatment which goes deeper in the scar. By going deeper, the treatment initiates a healing response that promotes a more organized collagen structure representing more normal skin. This evens out the surface texture and smoothness of the skin. The DeepFX treatment is also applied in a fractional pattern leaving intake "bridges" of untouched skin to quicken the healing process.

For more detailed information on burn scar treatment, go to www.bernstriplets.com and see the press release in our website’s NEWS tab "Miracle Treatment for Burn Scars as Seen on Today Show, New York, May 28, 2009".

Frequently Asked Questions

What are scars?

Scars are marks left on our skin from burns, trauma, acne and surgical incisions, and are a part of the body’s natural healing process in response to bodily injury. Normally, the body stimulates collagen production in an organized matrix to mend the injury. However, scars are created when the healing process is overwhelmed and the collagen is created in a disorganized manner, causing thick scar tissue to form.

How do you treat burn scars?

The best treatment for burn scars involves treating the full dermal thickness of the scar with DeepFX to create new tissue from within and improve flexibility, andtreating the surface with ActiveFX to improve color and texture.

Aren’t all laser machines the same?

No. Just as all cars aren’t the same (Hundai v. Cadillac), all lasers aren’t the same. Dr. Fern uses the best equipment on the market, Lumenis, which is manufactured in Israel. Lumenis pioneered skin resurfacing over 18 years ago with its CO2 lasers. The Lumenis UltraPulse Active FX and Deep FX is 6 times more powerful than other CO2 lasers available and results in more collagen formation than other lasers. The Lumenis UltraPulse laser system has FDA clearance for more than 34 indications and is referenced in excess of 90 peer-reviewed publications. Although frequently used for aesthetic applications, the UltraPulse offers 240 watts of power and microsecond pulses which combined provide a broad canvas from which other treatments in cutaneous surgical and aesthetic applications can be provided.

What is Active FX?

ActiveFX uses a high-energy beam of laser light that interacts with the skin’s surface causing the upper layer to peel off and regenerate a layer of new skin, resulting in improved scar color and texture. The laser beam is applied in a fractional pattern, leaving "bridges" of untouched skin. This technique makes the healing process much faster and enables you to return to normal activities sooner.

What is DeepFX?

DeepFX uses laser microbeams that precisely target the deep dermal layers of the skin. Each laser pulse removes a narrow column of scar tissue and simultaneously creates a controlled narrow band of surrounding injury which stimulates new collagen production deep in the dermis (inner layer of skin). The new collagen is produced in an organized manner, rather than the disorganized collagen matrix of a scar, resulting in the softening and smoothing of scars and improved texture and mobility.

What is UltraPulse?

UltraPulse is the most powerful fractional Co2 laser system available.

How does the UltraPulse technology work?

UltraPulse combines the abilities of ActiveFX to treat fine lines and DeepFX to treat deeper wrinkles and scars. Through this versatile system, the laser eradicates damaged and discolored tissue quickly, and results in more collagen formation and long-term remodeling.

Is it safe?

Yes, UltraPulse is safe for most people and is considered the gold standard of CO2 lasers. It has bee proven for more than 34 FDA-cleared indications and referenced in more than 90 peer-reviewed publications.

How does DeepFX work?

The laser uses a beam of light smaller than a human hair to create tiny holes in your skin. The holes are placed using a computer scanner to control depth of treatment as well as the amount of tissue treated. Only a fraction of the skin is treated in any one treatment, leaving surrounding, untouched areas of the skin to expedite the regenerative process.

Where can DeepFX be applied?

DeepFX is commonly used to provide soft and smooth skin on the face, around the lips and eyes, on the upper chest, neck, hands and arms.

Is it safe?

DeepFX is safe for most people. However, it should not be used if you have taken AcutaneTM in the past 12 months, have a history of keloid formulation, poor wound healing or demonstrate excessive or unusually prolonged erythema (redness of the skin resulting from inflammation) hyperpigmentation or hyperpigmentation upon laser test patching. A consultation with Dr. Fern will determine if DeepFX is right for you.

How long does the procedure take?

The treatment takes approximately 20 minutes. However, an hour should be allotted as Dr. Fern may apply an anesthetic cream prior to treatment to aid with comfort.

What is the healing process for DeepFX treatment?

Since only a small portion of skin is touched by the laser, healing time is typically about a week, depending upon treatment protocol. Over the course of this time patients should avoid direct exposure to sunlight and follow a gentle washing and moisturizing regimen. Patients can also expect some skin to flake.

How long does it take to see results?

Deep wrinkles, skin texture and scars are dramatically improved with just a single treatment with DeepFX. The skin may then continue to firm even months after the procedure.