Fraxel
Treatment Information
With today's emphasis on active, healthy lifestyles, most men and women feel a lot younger than they look. Aging and sun-damaged skin, wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, and brown spots often mask their inner beauty. Fortunately, there is a new aesthetic laser solution that provides a fresh chance to turn back the clock on aging.
The breakthrough Fraxel Laser Treatment was developed by Reliant Technologies in conjunction with the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, the developers of the novel concept of "fractional" laser therapy. Fraxel Laser Treatment can be used to improve conditions present in superficial and deeper layers of the skin. FDA-cleared indications include: skin resurfacing; treatment of wrinkles around the eyes; and treatment of pigmented lesions, such as age spots, sun spots, and melasma. FDA clearance is pending for treatment of scars resulting from acne, surgery, or trauma. After Fraxel Laser Treatment, skin generally feels softer, looks smoother and tighter, and pores are usually smaller.
To appreciate the benefits of Fraxel Laser Treatment, think of a family portrait or digital photograph in need of high-quality restoration or touch-up. Just as a damaged painting is delicately restored one area at a time, or a photographic image is altered, pixel by pixel, the Fraxel laser improves your appearance by affecting only a fraction of your skin at a time with thousands of microscopic laser spots. It's like digital photo-editing software for your skin! The unique 'fractional' approach is a huge step forward in providing significant cosmetic results with modest downtime. This advanced treatment is the first cosmetic laser to provide an effective, gradual procedure that creates new healthy tissue by stimulating the body to naturally repair aging and photo-damaged skin without significant risks or recovery time.
Fraxel Laser Treatment is performed in our office using topical anesthesia. Treatment takes about 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area(s) being treated. Because the procedure does not "ablate" or remove the outer skin layer, patients can resume routine activities right after treatment. Swelling is moderate and generally resolves in about 4 days. The skin will have a pinkish tone for 5 to 7 days.
For optimal improvement, a series of 4 to 5 treatments spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart has been shown to be most effective. Results are both immediate and progressive, with noticeable, beneficial effects accumulating over 1 to 3 months.
Fraxel FAQ