What Fraxel Laser Treats

Until now, two varieties of laser treatment have been available for cosmetic enhancement - ablative and non-ablative. Traditional ablative, which literally means vaporisation at a very high temperature, are very effective at destroying unwanted tissue but may have significant side effects and require a lengthy healing period. Non-fractional non-ablative, on the other hand, have very few side-effects and require almost no healing time, but may involve numerous treatments over many months to achieve only modest results.

At long last, a laser with the potency of ablative treatments and the gentle safety of non-ablative lasers received cleanreds to treat a variety of important cosmetic conditions.

Fraxel® Laser Treatment is designed to target ageing and damaged skin by creating microscopic "wounds" within the targeted areas that penetrate well beneath the skins outermost layer. In this way, Fraxel® Laser Treatment combines the impact of ablative lasers with the gentleness of non-ablative lasers, healing occurs so quickly that there is very little downtime for patients.

After several years of studies and mounting evidence of the Fraxel® Laser`s safety and effectiveness, the FDA has cleared this unique new laser to treat the following conditions:

Acne Scars

Before Treatment		After 5 Treatments

Age Spots / Brown Spots

Before Treatment		After 5 Treatments

Melasma (Pigmentation)

Before Treatment

6 Weeks after 4th Treatment

Wrinkles Around the Eyes

Before Treatment		After 4 Treatments

Think of your skin as a family portrait or digital photograph in need of high quality restoration or touch-up.

Just as a damaged photo is delicately restored one small area at a time, or a photographic image is altered pixel by pixel, Fraxel® Laser Treatment improves your appearance by affecting only a fraction of your skin at a time with thousands of tiny micropscopic laser spots.

How Fraxel® Laser Treatment Works

• Fraxel re:store® laser uses patient technology to target ageing and sun damaged skin with microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into the skin.

• The laser treats only a fraction of tissue at a time, leaving the surrounding tissue in tact which promotes rapid healing.

• This stimulates your own bodies natural healing process, replacing the old and damaged cells with fresh, glowing, healthy skin.

See the Fraxel Laser in Action:

Fraxel re:store®, the original and most popular Fraxel® treatment is a safe, non-invasive skin treatment that can resurface damaged skin and uncover the skin of your youth all with minimal impact on your daily routine.

What makes your skin look older?

Over the years your skin is exposed to sun, air pollution, stress, fatigue, and lifestyle factors such as smoking which can affect your skin texture, colour and tightness.

Your skin contains two proteins, collagen and elastin, which keep your skin youthful and tight. But as you age and get more sun damage those proteins break down faster then your body can rebuild. As a result, your skin may start to sag and show damage like wrinkles, deep frown lines or sun spots.

What should I expect on the day of treatment?

There is no pre-treatment skin care regimen. On the day of your treatment, here is what happens.

• After cleansing your skin, anaesthetic gel is applied 50 -60 minutes prior to treatment.
• The aesthetic gel is completely removed before treatment starts.
• The treatment takes approximately 25-35 minutes for a full face.

Does it hurt?

Most patients describe an increased sensation of heat during the treatment.

To minimize discomfort, a topical anaesthetic gel is applied before the procedure and cold air is used on the treatment area during the procedure.

After treatment, most patients feel like they have a sunburn, which usually diminishes in 1-3 hours.

What will look like after the procedure?

During the first 24 hours after treatment, your skin may feel as though it is sunburned and will appear pink or red, cold packs can be used to reduce this appearance. You may wear mineral make up to soften the sunburned appearance.

Your skin will naturally bronze over in the next week or two. As you continue treatment, the sunburned-to-bronzed appearance will repeat.

As with a sunburn your skin will flake and exfoliate normally. Use a moisturizer to reduce the appearance of dry flakes as instructed.

Is there special post-care treatment?

There is no special care after treatment. Generally most patients return to their normal routine within 2-3 days.

You will be able to put on your mineral make up and continue your skin care regimen.

We recommended wearing sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and avoid sun exposure for at least 3 months after your last treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

Clinical studies suggest that on average an effective treatment regimen is 3-6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. This time frame and treatment structure allow for complete healing and the production of new collagen and elastin to replace damaged tissue.

Results

When do the results appear and how long do they last?

• The results of Fraxel re:store®, are both immediate and progressive.

• Soon after the treatment, the surface will feel softer, look brighter and show more even tone.

• The next 3-6 months will bring move improvement as the deeper layers of skin continue to heal.

• Results can last for years depending on your age and skin conditions.

Is Fraxel re:store right for me?

Am I a good candidate? 

• Mild to moderate skin damange
• Wrinkles
• Irregular texture
• Age spots/sun spots
• Acne/surgical scars

What can I expect?

• Smoother, fresher, younger looking skin
• Improved tone and texture
• Erasing of unwanted brown spots
• Reduced fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
• Improved appearance of acne scars and surgical scars

Is it safe?

As with any laser treatment, there are some potential side effects. The most common effects are swelling and redness which are typically minimal and subside quickly.

Other effects might include;

• Minor itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking
• Bronzed skin appearance

The intensity and duration of side effects depend on the aggressiveness of treatment and on your particular healing characteristics.

Fraxel ^® Laser