“I’d been using the laser for about nine years, and this new technology was FDA-cleared for fractional skin resurfacing and collagen biostimulation only about a year ago. Since I was experienced and comfortable using it, I enrolled in the training to be certified, which took place in Cleveland, Ohio. My original training for using the laser in my dentistry practice was in Irvine, California and Charlotte, North Carolina,” says Piotrowski.

“The American Academy of Facial Esthetics will certify an oral surgeon like me because we have advanced training in head and neck anatomy. We have unique skills in administering local anesthetic with needles, and we already work in the head and neck area. For us, it’s very natural to offer something like this. Additionally, I have liability insurance coverage; the insurance companies trust our skills and will insure us for medical spa procedures like this.”

Treating patients with outstanding results since March, Piotrowski advises that they are pleased with both the results and the short recovery time of three days. “We give them the worst-case scenario of five to seven days, but it’s closer to three. The previous generation of lasers took much longer, usually about two weeks, to heal. They literally lasered off the external skin of your face, and it had to grow back.”

There’s no need for local anesthetics for most procedures, and there is a reduced risk of complications compared to other, more invasive approaches. The procedure can be repeated in 4-6 weeks, but patients don’t need additional treatment. However, the effect is enhanced with each treatment, up to about three visits. After that, it persists for about a year. “Every time you have a treatment, it technically does get better. But there are profound changes by just doing it once. You notice a difference,” says Piotrowski.

How Skin Resurfacing Works
The Waterlase Fractional Handpiece delivers laser light energy into precise rows of micro-perforations in the surface of the skin, activating the skin’s innate repair mechanism for controlled skin rejuvenation.

Surrounding cells from the undisturbed tissue migrate to assist in healing the targeted tissue. Basal cells proliferate and migrate, sculpting new skin layers for a refreshed surface. Newly formed cells seamlessly integrate into the outer layer, potentially enhancing texture and appearance. During this process, new collagen and elastin production may contribute to improved firmness, which can assist with wrinkles.

The Waterlase Fractional Handpiece that Piotrowski uses delivers precise rows of tiny microbeams of laser energy in combination with a cooling spray of air and water for a minimally invasive treatment that heals more rapidly than other types of skin resurfacing lasers. As only a fraction of the skin is treated, there is a large supply of healthy surrounding cells to repair the damage.

Unique to fractional resurfacing is that it improves the overall appearance evenly, even though only a fraction of the skin has been treated. Fractional lasers can treat skin dullness by removing dead skin cells, fine lines and wrinkles, lip lines and smile lines, acne scars, surgical scars, traumatic scars, burn scars, skin rejuvenation, collagen biostimulation, sun damage/sunspots, and melasma as a last resort in carefully selected cases. Melasma is a skin pigmentation condition characterized by dark blotches or spots on the skin, particularly on the face.

Piotrowski is the initial provider for the Waterlase Laser from the Biolase Company in Collier County. Biolase lasers are used worldwide.

Bradley Piotrowski, DDS, is located at 1044 Castello Dr., Ste. 202, in Naples. For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-263-6003. Visit PeriodonticsNaples.com.