Cosmetic Treatments Fraxel© Laser Therapy

Fraxel fractional resurfacing is a new and exciting technology for sun damage, enlarged pores, wrinkles, skin discolorations, melasma, and acne scars. Fraxel is a unique approach to repairing aging and sun-damaged skin pixel by pixel, spot by spot.

How Fraxel Laser Works

Fraxel Laser Treatment produces thousands of tiny but deep columns of treatment in your skin, known as microthermal treatment zones. This treatment eliminates old epidermal pigmented cells. It also penetrates deep into the dermis. Just as important, though, are the areas of skin the Fraxel laser leaves untouched. For every microthermal zone the laser targets and treats intensively, it leaves the surrounding tissue unaffected and intact. This "fractional" treatment allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area were treated at once, using the body's natural healing process to create new, healthy tighter tissue to replace skin imperfections.

In an FDA-cleared study of Fraxel treatment of skin around the eyes, patients, investigators, and a review panel of expert dermatologists all reported significant improvements in skin texture, wrinkles, and skin discolorations such as age spots and sun spots.

Fraxel Treatment Plan

Before treatment, you and your doctor will discuss which area(s) of your skin is appropriate for treatment, what kind of results you can expect, what to look for after treatment, and how often treatment will be scheduled. Because Fraxel Laser treatment spares healthy tissue, it is effective even on delicate skin areas, such as the neck, chest, and hands.

Preparing For Treatment

Fraxel Laser Treatment can be performed using only a topical anesthetic. The treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed prior to the procedure.

What Happens After Treatment

You will experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour and then virtually no discomfort. The skin will have a pinkish tone for five to seven days. New epidermal skin develops within 24 hours. This process of skin repair involves:

• Bronzing: Your skin will have a bronze appearance that lasts anywhere from three to fourteen days, depending on the treatment level.
• Flaking: Your skin will naturally and vigorously exfoliate as the reorganized epidermal skin replaces dead tissue. Flaking is similar to that of minor sunburn, without the associated pain. Use of a moisturizer will mask the appearance of flaking.
• Sunscreen: Use sunscreen at least twice daily to protect your skin from sun exposure during the healing phase and for several months after treatment. Apply a moisturizing sun block with an SPF of at least 30-plus. For added protection from sunlight, use wide-brimmed hats.

Over the following weeks and months, the body repairs the deeper dermal tissues that have been affected by Fraxel Laser treatment, producing beneficial changes associated with a healthy appearance of your skin.