Fractional Laser Treatment
A non-aggressive skin resurfacing method that is useful for post-acne scarring, photodamage, wrinkling and resistant pigmentation disorders
Like pixels in a photo, thousands of tiny treatment zones combine to give you the full picture.
If you look at a newsprint photo up close, you'll see that the image is actually comprised of thousands of tiny spots of ink. Similarly, Fraxel® laser treatment produces thousands of tiny treatment zones on skin, known as micro thermal zones.
These micro thermal zones can be made to penetrate deep into the second layer of skin (dermis) and at the same time eliminate old epidermal pigmented cells. Just as important, though, are the areas of skin the Fraxel® laser leaves untouched.
For every micro thermal 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.
Previous technologies have only allowed resurfacing treatment upon the face, but this extremely safe and effective technology can be used on the face and anywhere else on the body including the hands, eyelids, décolletage and neck.
Benefits of Fraxel® laser treatment:
- improves texture, tone and pore size;
- erases unwanted brown spots;
- smoothes wrinkles around the eyes and acne scars;
- rejuvenates the neck, chest and hands;
- requires minimal downtime.
What is the Fraxel® Laser?
Up until now, there have been two primary categories of laser skin treatment: "ablative laser resurfacing and non-ablative laser or light-based therapy", each with their pros and cons.
Ablative techniques regenerate ageing and sun-damaged skin with superior cosmetic results, but are associated with significant side-effects, risks and prolonged redness, healing and recovery times. Non-ablative techniques, on the other hand, generally carry fewer risks but require numerous treatments over several months, producing only limited clinical results of cosmetic improvement.
The Fraxel Laser is an innovative new laser system that can rejuvenate or "resurface" sun-damaged skin without causing a visible wound or a prolonged, uncomfortable healing period.
This 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 ablative lasers that remove the top layer of skin, the Fraxel Laser produces tiny, microscopic sites of thermal impact separated by areas of unaffected, healthy tissue. The unaffected healthy tissue between treatment zones contains viable cells that promote rapid healing of the outer skin layers. At the same time, each micro thermal wound penetrates into the dermis to remodel collagen. Thus, Fraxel Laser strives to achieve the skin improvements obtained with conventional CO2 laser resurfacing but without the associated side effects or downtime.
How does the Fraxel Laser work?
Rather than treating the entire skin surface at one time, the Fraxel Laser creates a pattern of evenly spaced microscopic laser "spots" surrounded by normal undamaged skin. Because the skin surrounding the spots is not injured, healing takes place very quickly, and without creating a visible wound. Repeated treatments create additional spots, until the entire skin surface is treated.
How many treatments will I need?
Each session with the Fraxel Laser treats approximately 15-20% of the skin surface. Typically 3 to 5 treatments performed a week to a month apart are recommended depending n the severity of the problem, although most patients will notice some improvement even after a single treatment. "Maintenance" treatments can be performed as needed.
The indications for treatment with this modality include:
- Fine lines and moderate wrinkles
- Irregular skin texture
- Areas of skin discoloration, sun and age spots, hyperpigmentation and melasma
- Sagging skin
- Acne scarring
Where on the face or body can the Fraxel Laser be used?
The Fraxel Laser can be used anywhere on the body where the skin would benefit from resurfacing. Unlike traditional laser resurfacing, which removes the entire skin surface, most of the skin is left undamaged after each treatment, and heals rapidly from the surrounding, normal skin. Of particular interest are the neck, hands and décolleté, which were not treatable with previously available methods.
Are there any treatments for sun-damaged or scarred skin besides the Fraxel Laser?
Sun-damaged facial skin has traditionally been treated with deep peels and laser resurfacing. These procedures are invasive, involve a certain amount of risk and downtime, and cannot be performed on areas other than the face. Certain non-invasive laser treatments used for wrinkles, such as light chemical peels, micro dermabrasion and photodynamic therapy can be used, but with less permanent or noticeable results.
Are Fraxel Laser treatments safe?
Although the Fraxel Laser is a new and innovative technology, to date there have been no reports of scarring or infection from treatment. At higher powers, mild blistering and/or temporary skin discoloration can occur, especially in darker-skinned patients.
Is the Fraxel Laser treatment painful?
An anaesthetic cream may be applied at least 1 hour prior to the treatment session. For higher power settings, local anaesthetic or oral pain medicine may be used for the treatment session.
How long does each treatment session take?
Each treatment session may take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending upon the size of the area treated.
How soon can I return to my normal activities?
There may be some redness and swelling in the treated areas and a mild burning or itching sensation, which usually disappears in a few hours. Redness may persist for a few days, and the skin may take on a "bronzed" appearance. As the microscopic spots are shed over the course of a week or so, the skin color will return to normal. If anesthetic injections are used, there may be some bruising in the injected areas. Very rarely, there may be crusting or blistering in some areas, especially if higher powers are used.
If you have been given oral medication for pain or sedation, you are not to drive until the next morning; otherwise, you may resume your normal activities immediately. No special aftercare is needed in the treated areas, and you may resume your normal skin care regime immediately.
When will I see the results?
Although most patients will see some improvement within a few days after the procedure, it is the collagen remodeling in the deep layers of the skin over the several months after treatment that causes the smoothing and tightening. There may be gradual improvement for up to a year following a series of treatments.
Are Fraxel Laser treatments permanent?
The changes in the epidermis and dermal collagen induced by Fraxel Laser treatment are permanent; nevertheless, time, sun exposure, and gravity will continue to take its toll. The Fraxel Laser "turns back the clock", but doesn't keep the clock from ticking.