How does the Fraxel™ SR Laser work?
FLT produces tiny, microscopic sites of thermal impact separated by areas of unaffected, healthy tissue. Each treated spot, called a MicroThermal Zone, stimulates the body's own natural production of new collagen in the dermis and eliminates old epidermal pigmented cells on the skin's surface. The spared healthy tissue contains viable cells that promote rapid healing of the outer skin layers. Since only 20% of the skin is treated by the laser on each visit, there is speedy healing and minimal downtime.
What does the Fraxel™ laser treat? It smoothes fine lines and wrinkles on the face, including around the eyes. It reduces sun damage, improves texture and tone of the skin, and fades age spots, sun spots and pigmentation on the face, neck, chest, back, forearms and hands. It also improves acne scarring and reduces pore size. Fraxel™ laser treatment results in fresh, healthy skin and a renewed sense of confidence. All skin types benefit from treatment.
How is the
procedure done? A topical anesthetic cream
is applied. A cooling device is used for comfort.
Several passes are done over the treatment area.
Depending on the number of areas treated, the procedure
takes 1 to 2 hours and is well-tolerated. If there
is a history of cold sores (herpes simplex), an
oral antiviral medication is started one day prior
to treatment and continued for another 3 days.
How many treatments are required?
Typically, 3 to 5 treatments are necessary, about 3 to 4 weeks apart. Improvement is noticed within 1 to 3 months. A maintenance treatment done once or twice a year can maintain the results.
How will I look after the treatment? The skin tends to be puffy for a day or so, red for one day, pink for a few days and then appears tanned or bronzed for 3 to 14 days, followed by flaking. Make-up can be applied immediately after the treatment and men can continue to shave. Most patients return to their routine activities by the next day.
Can Fraxel™
laser treatment be used together with other procedures?
Definitely! If spider veins are present, they can
be treated with intense pulsed light. If there is
extensive sun damage, Levulan® photodynamic therapy
can be used. Botox® Cosmetic treats dynamic wrinkles
and fillers plump up deeper creases. Microdermabrasion
and light chemical peels can be performed for maintenance
treatment and anti-aging products should be used
at home. As always, sun protection is a must.
For
in depth information about Fraxel please visit Dr
Gidon's specialty
site about Fraxel.
