What is the Contour TRL (tunable resurfacing laser) ?
The Contour TRL by Sciton is a full-field ablative erbium:yag laser that is fully customizable. A full-field ablative laser is different than our ProFractional Laser. When using the Contour TRL we are removing 100 percent of skin in the treatment area. While a fractionated laser is simply creating microscopic holes in the skin, thus only treating a “fraction” of the treatment area. Depending on the depth we can remove just a thin layer of the epidermis (top layer of skin) and we call this a MicroLaser Peel. Alternatively, we could choose to really target rhytides or “wrinkles” and completely remove the first layer of skin and then start meticulously removing the second layer of skin called the dermis. This more aggressive treatment can produce some amazing results by improving wrinkles, texture, and tone of the skin. Below we will discuss more about this laser and who would benefit from it.
What does the Contour TRL treat?
- Moderate to deep rhytides or wrinkles
- Pigment
- Uneven tone and texture
- Pore size
- Induces collagen and elastin
What areas of the body does Contour TRL (full-field ablative laser) treat?
The typical treatment area is face and neck.
Is the treatment painful and how long will it take to complete?
Compared to our Halo Laser or ProFractional laser, this is a more painful treatment with a different type of downtime. Although this procedure can be done awake with appropriate narcotics and anxiolytics, as well as facial nerve blocks it is not something we recommend. Along with possible pain concerns, it is a very loud and smelly treatment. At Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, and MedSpa we offer the Contour TRL under twilight anesthesia in the safety of our state certified operating room and comfort of our luxury recovery suites. This allows us to focus completely on your laser while knowing your comfort and safety are already taken care of.
How many treatments do I need?
Most patients benefit significantly from a single treatment.
What is my recovery like?
The first few days after treatment we see you in the office every day for Oxy-Mist treatments to help speed your recovery, as well as to confirm everything is healing appropriately. We will provide you with all the products needed to assist in your skin recovering as fast as possible. After the first week you are usually able to change over to a hydrating moisturizer and hydrating cleanser. Usually by 10-14 days the skin has healed. However, you may notice that your skin is still red or a shade of pink. This can last a few weeks to several months. It is ok to apply make-up at this point and our MedSpa can assist in finding the correct one. Sunscreen is a must during recovery and for the months ahead to protect your new skin. There is a little bit more post-care involved in a full-field ablative erbium laser like ContourTRL, but the results tend to be worth the effort.
