Fraxel

Overview: Improved appearance through delivery of heat to layers of the skin where collagen production is stimulated. Not harming the surface of the skin, this laser is indicated for those who cannot afford the downtime of a traditional CO2 laser treatment with multiple treatments, results approximate those of a CO2 treatment.

Expected results: Treatment of photo damage and sun spots, reduction of fine and intermediate lines, improvement of scars, reduction of melasma. Treatment is not limited to the face.

Preparation: Vigorous regimen of daily sunscreens (for all areas to be treated) and night time retinoids for several weeks to months (for treatment of face), no alcohol and aspirin for 2 weeks prior to the procedure, vitamin C 1000 mg daily starting 2 weeks prior to the treatment. Local anesthesia is applied prior to treatment.

Post treatment instructions: Rigorous sun avoidance/protection for 3 months. Refrain from alcohol consumption for 2 weeks after the treatment, avoid aspirin for 10 days, continue vitamin C 1000 mg daily for 3 months. Application of ice once an hour for 2-3 days may provide added comfort. There is no need for dressings. Skin care in the immediate postoperative period includes the use of a very gentle non-soap cleanser, broad spectrum sunscreens and oral medication to prevent herpes reactivation. Topical retinoids can be resumed after 1 week.

Time to desired results: 4-8 treatments about 3-4 weeks apart.

Duration of desired effects:  Several years (exact duration is unknown at this time)

Contraindications: Isotretinoin in the past 6-12 months. This laser is safe on all skin types.

Downtime: 1- 6 days of redness and swelling.

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