Fraxel™ Laser Treatment

Fraxel ™ is a unique laser therapy designed to dramatically repair fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars while improving skin texture and pigmentation – even on delicate skin. It is a proven, safe approach to repairing aging and sun-damaged skin, with many of the benefits of ablative laser skin resurfacing, but without the downtime, side effects and lengthy recovery period.

Unlike the old ablative lasers that remove the top layer of skin, Fraxel ™ produces tiny, microscopic sites of thermal impact separated by areas of unaffected, healthy tissue. The healthy tissue between treatment areas contains viable cells that promote rapid healing of the outer skin layers. At the same time, collagen fibers are coagulated in the treated areas resulting in skin improvement.

Essentially, the laser is equipped with a computer system that scans the surface contour of the skin and treats about 20% of the skin surface during each treatment. The non-treated skin protects the surface and aids with a very quick recovery making this option quite different from existing chemical peels or carbon dioxide lasers. However, patients undergoing Fraxel ™ treatments will require a planned course of 3-5 sessions, occurring once every 1-3 weeks to treat the entire surface. The face, neck, chest or hands can be treated, however treatment should be limited to no more than 2 areas during any setting.

The procedure begins with an application of topical anesthetic to improve the comfort for the patient. In addition, OptiGuide Blue, a topical blue temporary dye, is applied to the surface to aid the computer in detecting the areas to be treated. The laser is then applied to the surface and slowly guided across the contour of the treatment area. Most patients describe the sensation as a “prickling” feeling, or multiple tiny light “pin” touches. Adequate coverage with topical anesthetic makes the treatment quite tolerable in most cases.

At the completion of the treatment, a topical aloe vera product is applied and the blue dye is removed from the treated areas. Patients can immediately return to normal activities but should expect some swelling to occur and persist for about 24 hours. In addition, redness of the treated area will be seen immediately and will subside over 3-4 days. Make-up can be applied immediately.

This laser’s ability to randomly and effectively leave a majority of the skin surface unaffected during each treatment, allows it to be an innovative form of resurfacing with minimal to no down time…a truly remarkable treatment option.

Courtesy of Reliant Technologies