Fraxel Laser Treatments

Houston, Texas

Lasers & Technology

Introduction to the Fraxel Laser

Fraxel Laser Treatment produces thousands of tiny but deep columns of treatment in your skin, known as MicroThermal Zones. This treatment eliminates old epidermal pigmented cells. It also penetrates deeply into the dermis. Just as important, though, are the areas of skin the Fraxel laser leaves untouched. The Fraxel laser is so precise that it penetrates the non-living, protective barrier of the skin, called the stratum corneum, as if it were a window and leaves it completely intact. For every microthermal zone the laser targets and treats intensively, it leaves the surrounding tissue unaffected and intact. This "fractional" treatment allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area were treated at once, using the body's natural healing process to create new, healthy tissue to replace skin imperfections.

Before your Treatment

Before starting treatment, you and your doctor will discuss which area(s) of your skin is appropriate for treatment, what kind of results you can expect, what to look for after treatment, and how often treatment will be scheduled. Because Fraxel Laser Treatment spares healthy tissue, it is effective even on delicate skin areas, such as the neck, chest and hands.

Clinical studies suggest that an effective treatment regime is three to five sessions, spaced about four to seven days apart. However, treatment plans can be very flexible and effective, even spaced by weeks or months if that best meets the patient's needs. By design, each treatment session targets between 12-20% of the skin's surface, depending on the clinical parameters selected. Results are immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement is usually visible in about two to three months.

If you are having a significant area of your skin treated, your doctor will develop a pain management approach to maximize your comfort during the procedure.

Preparing for Treatment

Fraxel Laser Treatment can be performed right in your doctor's office using only topical anesthesia in most cases. The treatment area will be thoroughly washed prior to the procedure. Fraxel no longer needs blue dye. Dr. Friedman, along with the doctors of the Derm Surgery Laser Center, now use a Roller Tip that allows for easier and more uniform treatment.

What Happens After Treatment

You will experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour and then virtually no discomfort. The skin will have a pinkish tone for five to seven days. This is a normal sign that the skin is healing deeply, that dermal tissue is being repaired, and there is good blood circulation. Swelling is minimal and generally resolves in two to three days.

You may apply make-up or shave soon after treatment.

Typically patients find they can go back to work soon after treatment or the next day.

Source: www.fraxel.com