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What if we could repair our skin - diminishing wrinkles and skin discoloration caused by the aging process - like we can repair old photographs? In today's computer age, photographs are restored pixel by pixel, smoothing out irregularities and blemishes and restoring color and clarity.
Today we can. A new, innovative and FDA-approved treatment called Fraxel® Laser Treatment systematically improves skin tone, smoothing out fine lines and evening out skin discoloration, by treating minute sections of the skin. This type of selective treatment causes collagen to regenerate while not affecting the rest of the skin's surface. The laser dives deep into the dermis in thousands of small dots on the face, leaving the surrounding areas unharmed. These unaffected areas help speed up the healing process while the treated areas promote skin improvement (rejuvenation).
The results are often compared to the superior results of ablative laser peels (like CO2 Laser resurfacing) and have been covered in such publications as the New York Times. Patients get the results of the laser peels, but without the uncomfortable and long healing process.
About Fraxel® Laser Treatment
The key difference between Fraxel® Laser Treatment and more traditional ablative methods is that Fraxel® Laser does not affect all of the skin at once. Instead of a blanket surface treatment, Fraxel® Laser treats pinpoint areas on the skin, penetrating small fractions by 400 to 700 microns — just deep enough to stimulate significant collagen regeneration. These treated areas begin to regenerate collagen and the surrounding non-affected areas help to speed up the recovery session.
In addition, Fraxel® Laser can be used on any part of the body — it is not just for facial treatments. Delicate skin suffering from damage due to sun exposure on the neck or chest can be treated easily. Any part of the body is appropriate. The end result is impressive change to fine lines and wrinkles and a smoothing out of skin tone and color with virtually no down time.
How Fraxel® Laser Treatment Works
Fraxel® Laser Treatments typically happen in the doctor's office or at a Medical Day Spa. A topical anesthesia is applied which takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to take effect.
Once the anesthesia is activated the actual treatment can begin. It typically lasts 25 to 30 minutes and consists of a special light wand to be passed over the surface of the skin. As the wand makes contact with the skin it sends a laser beam into the dermis creating a very small thermal interaction. Fraxel® Laser Treatment does not treat the entire surface area, instead, small pinpoint areas will absorb the laser, causing the treated area to rebuild collagen and allowing the non-treated area to help with the healing.
There is very little discomfort with the treatment. Most people report a prickly sensation that stops as soon as the treatment is over.
How Many Treatments Does Fraxel® Laser Treatment Require?
Most people have five Fraxel® Laser treatments. Typical treatments last about 20 to 25 minutes and are spaced about two weeks apart. The treatment schedule can be modified to fit the patient's needs or schedule.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Fraxel® Laser Treatment?
Anyone who wants better skin complexion, to diminish fine lines or to improve skin discoloration can benefit from Fraxel® Laser.
Is Fraxel® Laser Treatment Safe?
Fraxel® Laser is very safe and is FDA-approved. Fraxel® Laser has fewer side effects than ablative laser techniques and requires less recovery time. Most people experience a temporary reddening or swelling of the face - much like a mild sunburn — that lasts a couple days.
What Kind of Results Can I expect from Fraxel® Laser?
Fraxel® Laser produces great results. Fraxel® Laser successfully minimizes fine lines and wrinkles as well as an ablative laser peel and evens out skin discolorations caused by the sun or aging. Because Fraxel® Laser Treatments are based on the regeneration of collagen, the ultimate results will not be visible for about six months after treatment. However, most people begin to notice positive changes to their skin within about a week and the improvements continue for about six months.
What is Recovery Like?
Recovering from a Fraxel® Laser Treatment is a lot like recovering from a mild sunburn. The skin will redden or slightly swell initially. The swelling with diminish after a day or two and the skin will slowly lose some of its redness and fade to a "tanned" color for three to fourteen days after treatment, similar to a sunburn, mild peeling or flaking may occur. During this time and the following months patients are encouraged to wear sunscreen twice a day to limit sun exposure and promote optimum results.
Popular Fraxel LinksRelated Press ReleasesThanks to recent advancements, Fraxel's blue dye is no longer required! Marina Plastic Surgery is combining two innovative treatments—Fraxel® Laser and ThermaCool™—to give back the confidence thousands have had stolen by melasma and aging skin... Dr. Stevens is one of the first plastic surgeons in the Los Angeles area to begin a new laser technology, the Fraxel® Laser Treatment... |
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