Wrinkles and Facial Rejuvenation
Fraxel Laser Treatment
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New Solution
Up until now, there have been two primary categories of laser skin treatment: ablative laser resurfacing and nonablative laser or light-based therapy, each
with their pros and cons. Ablative techniques regenerate aging and sun-damaged skin with superior cosmetic results, but are associated with significant side
effects, risks and prolonged healing and recovery times. Nonablative techniques, on the other hand, generally carry fewer risks but require numerous treatments
over several months, producing only limited clinical results of cosmetic improvement.
Fraxel™ Laser Treatment (FLT)
This novel fractional approach to laser skin treatment represents a new science and category of cosmetic skin surgery that offers patients the positive
results of ablative resurfacing with the low-impact benefits of non-ablative therapies. Unlike old ablative lasers that remove the top layer of skin, FLT
procedure produces tiny, microscopic sites of thermal impact separated by areas of unaffected, healthy tissue. The spared healthy tissue between treatment zones
contains viable cells that promote rapid healing of the outer skin layers. At the same time, each MicroThermal Zone (MTZ) penetrates between 400-700 microns
into the dermis to remodel collagen. Thus, FLT strives to achieve the skin improvements obtained with conventional CO2 laser resurfacing but without the
associated side effects or downtime.
How It Works
The innovative Fraxel SR Laser is specially designed to alter only fractional volumes of the target tissue. Similar to precise alteration of photographs and
paintings, the clinical effect of this treatment technique is to alter the appearance of aging and sun-damaged skin. The creation of tiny microscopic wounds
results in a wound healing process and a response to the coagulation of collagen fibers.
Dermatology Associates patient, before any treatments with Fraxel. Main concern is uneven pigmentation
Same patient after 4 Fraxel treatments in six weeks.
Patient Benefits
FLT offers the benefits of speedy healing and minimal to no downtime. Side effects are minimal and typically involve swelling and redness. Mild swelling
should subside within a day or so, and redness usually fades over several days. Patients can apply make-up immediately after treatment and return to routine
activities. There is limited, if any, risk of infection or scarring. No oozing or crusting has occured.
Number of Treatments Needed
Clinical studies suggest that 3-5 treatments spaced about 5 to 7 days apart produce a gradual remodeling of dermal matrix components, until complete healing
occurs and "good" material that contains collagen and elastin replaces old epidermal and dermal tissue. Over a period of 1-3 months, clinical improvement in
photo-aged skin correlates with dermal repair and positive skin changes.
A Typical Treatment
After cleansing with a mild scrub cleanser, an FDA certified blue tint (OptiGuide Blue) is applied to the skin. Then, a topical, lipid-based anesthetic
ointment is applied to the treatment area. The blue tint darkens the tiny folds of the skin surface to increase contrast and allow the robotic hand piece to
precisely read the discreet contours of the treatment area. Similar to the optical mouse for your computer, the robotic hand piece glides across the skin like a
contact airbrush painting the face, which has been turned into a mouse pad via the blue tint. The anesthetic requires 45-60 minutes to take full effect. The
treatment is then performed using the lipid base anesthetic ointment as the contact lubricant. The blue tint and anesthetic is washed off immediately after
treatment. A treatment typically will take approximately 20-25 minutes.
Pain Factor
Treatment is well tolerated and feels like a prickling sensation. A topical anesthetic ointment is applied prior to treatment to allay any discomfort.
Safety
The Reliant Technologies Fraxel Laser System is cleared by the FDA for dermatological procedures requiring the coagulation of soft tissue and for treatment
of periorbital wrinkles and pigmented lesions.
Price
Cost of treatment(s) will vary depending on the nature of the patient’s condition, the area(s) treated, geographic location and other related factors.
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