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LASER SKIN RESURFACING
FRAXEL LASER THERAPY
Fraxel laser treatment is a new technology in laser skin resurfacing. It is useful for fine wrinkles, and skin lines, sun damaged skin and brownish pigmentation changes. It was created to provide the benefits of laser skin resurfacing without the downtime side effects and prolonged recovery times of more invasive laser therapy or deep chemical peels. Ablative techniques such as the CO2 laser skin resurfacing or the deep TCA or phenol peels produce dramatic results but entail significant side effects and prolonged healing and recovery times. Non-ablative techniques such as the Cool touch laser carry fewer risks but require many treatments over several months with the final results appearing slowly over time. The Fraxel laser combines the advantages of an ablative procedure with the low risks and minimal downtime of a non-ablative procedure. The Fraxel laser treatment produces thousands of tiny microscopic laser spots in your skin (microthermal zones) which removes old epidermal pigmented cells within the deep dermis. At the same time the Fraxel laser penetrates deep into the dermis to remodel collagen. The Fraxel laser leaves the adjacent surrounding skin unaffected and intact. This partial or “fractional’ treatment process is analogous to the pixels of a digital camera picture. Each “pixel” in a Fraxel laser treatment represents a treated area surrounded by areas of healthy, untreated skin. This fractionated technology results in more rapid healing than if the entire skin surface area were treated at one time. This Fraxel treatment can be used on the face, neck, chest and hands with effective results. Each treatment session targets 15-20% of the skin surface area and the results are immediate and progressive. Most patients will require 3-4 treatments for optimal results which are usually visible in about 2 to 3 months. The treatment sessions are spaced about two weeks apart but this can be adjusted somewhat with no detrimental effect to the final result. A typical treatment session involves the application of a strong topical anesthetic cream about one hour before to the area of skin to be treated. The area is then treated with the Fraxel laser and takes about 45 minutes. Ice compresses may be used during this post treatment phase. Most patients describe a tingling sensation for about an hour and then little if any discomfort afterwards. The skin will have a pinkish color for 5 to 7 days and there may be some minimal swelling of the treated areas. New epidermal skin develops immediately, within 24 hours. The process of skin healing involves mild bronzing of the skin and some exfoliation as well. Moisturizers and sunscreens are essential during this recovery phase. Patients may use make up to camouflage the pinkish hue if necessary and most can return to work the next day after treatment. When healing is complete, the skin will have a softer, smoother appearance and many fine lines and brown spots will have disappeared. Optimum results are generally achieved by a series of 3-4 treatments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Infection, scarring and changes in skin pigmentation (either increased or decreased coloration) are possible with any laser treatment. The risks with Fraxel laser treatment are minimal and may include swelling scabbing and blisters but these are uncommon. The specific risks and suitability for any person who desires Fraxel laser treatment is best determined at the time of initial consultation. CO2 LASER THERAPY The carbon dioxide laser has been a popular tool for many years. Also known as the ultrapulse laser, it limits the thermal impact to the most superficial portion (outer layer) of the skin. When the skin is treated with the ultrapulse laser, a clean, layer-by-layer vaporization of the epidermis occurs. The undesired skin literally evaporates due to the high water content of the epidermis. New skin then resurfaces and the laser is therefore best suited for those conditions that are superficial in nature, such as fine lines and wrinkles, blotchiness(dark and light patches) keratoses, scaling and mild acne scarring. The skin in these conditions is resurfaced or rejuvenated by the vaporizing action of the laser. The procedure is quick, bloodless and does not require general anesthesia. The healing process takes place over 2 to 4 weeks, leaving a pink, smoother new skin appearance. Because the ultrapulse laser is so precise, the risk of scarring or other complications (such as infection) is minimized. |
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