Benefits of Fractional Skin Resurfacing:
- Reduce or Eliminate Fine Lines/Wrinkles
- Reduce or Eliminate Scars
- Reduce or Eliminate Melasma
- Reduce or Eliminate Sun Damage
- Reduce or Eliminate Hyperpigmentation
- Increase Collagen Production
- Little to No Downtime
- Healthy, Glowing Skin
Acne Scars? Scars? Surgical Scars? Stretch Marks? Cesarean Scar? Fine lines? Deep Wrinkles? Sun Damage?
Let us restore your youthful appearance using the most advanced medical grade technology –Fraxel Skin Resurfacing. The Fraxel Non-Ablative Skin Resurfacing offers both superior results and little to no downtime. The Fraxel micro-beams penetrate deep into the epidermis and dermis for effective, long-term results. The fractional, non-ablative approach stimulates quick healing and little to no downtime.
Fraxel Treatments are also easier than other technologies, which can involve long prep and downtime.
Fractional Laser FAQ
What is Fraxel® Laser Treatment (FLT)?
Fraxel Laser Treatment (FLT) is a new aesthetic solution that repairs aging and sun-damaged skin – pixel by pixel, spot by spot. We describe it as new-generation laser skin resurfacing, similar to digital photo-editing software for your skin.
Think of your skin as a family portrait or digital photo in need of high-quality restoration or touch-up. Imagine how the portrait would be delicately restored, one small area at a time; or a photograph might be digitally altered, pixel by pixel. That’s the principle behind the Fraxel Laser Treatment.
How does Fraxel Laser Treatment work?
Similar to the technique of editing a digital photograph comprised of pixels, Fraxel Laser Treatment precisely produces thousands of tiny columns of treatment zones invisible to the naked eye that target flawed skin and leave surrounding healthy skin untouched. It is the only laser device specially designed to resurface a fraction of skin at a time without breaking the skin’s protective outer barrier. This fractional resurfacing affects between 20 and 25 percent of the skin at any one time, permitting the spared tissue to assist in the rapid healing of damaged cells. FLT also reaches deep into the dermis to stimulate collagen remodeling in the skin layers below. In this way, the body’s natural healing process creates new, healthy tissue to replace skin imperfections.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure (including the application of topical anesthetic) typically takes between 1 and 1-1/2 hours. Some patients are able to return to routine activities, including work and social obligations, the same day of treatment. Others require a little more time, depending upon their skin condition and treatment. There’s no prolonged recuperation, no risk of general anesthesia, and treatment is well-tolerated.
What does the Fraxel laser treat?
Fraxel Laser Treatment is currently FDA cleared for skin resurfacing procedures; to treat fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes; and for treatment of pigmented lesions, including melasma, age spots, sun spots and dyschromia.
What has been the acceptance of the Fraxel laser?
Leading researchers and clinicians have spent the past 3 years testing the safety and efficacy of the Fraxel laser. In Fall 2004, the laser system was commercially launched and has obtained widespread professional acceptance since then.
Based on clinical experience to date, technicians are reporting noticeable improvement in patients after 3 to 5 treatments.
Are there any negative side effects?
We have not experienced any significant or long-lasting adverse effects and have we seen a low incidence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and no reported cases of hypopigmentation. The clinical endpoint we look for with Fraxel Laser Treatment is cell turnover and peeling. After treatment, the patient’s skin tends to be pinkish-red for a few days with slight swelling immediately after treatment. This is normal and signifies that the dermal tissue is being repaired and there is good blood circulation. The repair process typically entails a “bronzing” that lasts anywhere from 3 to 14 days after treatment, followed by a flaking process of exfoliation as the reorganized epidermal skin gradually replaces dead tissue.
Does Fraxel Laser Treatment hurt?
Treatment is well-tolerated with a topical anesthetic ointment to alleviate discomfort. We also use cold air (Zimmer) to increase patient comfort during the procedure. Patients can apply make-up or shave after treatment.
How much does the procedure cost?
An effective treatment regime typically requires an average of 3 to 5 treatment sessions spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart to obtain maximum benefit. Depending on the nature of the patient’s condition, the areas to be treated and other factors, treatment costs range from about $250-$4000.
Are your clients satisfied?
There has been huge patient satisfaction. Our patients are thrilled and word-of-mouth referrals have been tremendous. What makes FLT such a success is that virtually every patient who gets treated experiences a cosmetic enhancement. Treatment offers immediate results – softer, smoother and toned skin – plus an ongoing, cumulative improvement that creates a healthy, vibrant and youthful appearance.
Is there an ideal candidate for treatment?
Patients between the ages of 30 - 55 who has photodamaged skin – lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration, dull or rough texture, age spots, acne scarring, surgical scarring, etc. A Fraxel Laser Treatment especially appeals to those patients who want the positive results of traditional resurfacing methods with minimal downtime or risks.
Can Fraxel Laser Treatment be used with other non-invasive treatments?
Yes. Fraxel Laser Treatment can be used with Botox, Filler Injections, Silkpeel, Chemical Peels, etc. Consultations at Second Skin Medspa are always FREE and we work with every single client on an individual basis to help them meet or exceed expectations, however, expectations must be realistic.
How long do the results last?
Results are ongoing up to 1 year after your last appointment as it takes Collagen and Elastin many weeks to fully develop. How long results last will depend on many factors, such as how you manage your skin care after treatment, environment, etc. Most people have years of younger looking skin. FLT can be used for “touch ups” as needed in the future.
What should I do prior to receiving a treatment?
1. Have a FREE consultation with our medical staff to discuss a possible treatment plan. Read our Fraxel Information and Consent Form prior to your treatment, and discuss any questions or concerns with us. You should be aware that there will be swelling and redness of the treated areas, and plan any social activities following your treatment accordingly.
2. You should not use Accutane for 6-12 months before your treatment.
3. Starting one - two weeks before your scheduled treatment, you should:
- Stop use of all Retinols. This includes Retin A, Tazorac, “antiaging” products (if questions about whether your skincare products or services contains Retinols, glycolic acid, or salicyclic acid, please ask us)
- Stop use of all glycolic acid treatments
- Stop use of all salicylic acid products
- Stop excessive sun exposure
- Stop waxing
- Stop abrasive scrubs
- Stop microdermabrasion treatments
- Talk to your doctor if you have ever had a cold sore, and take anti-viral meds 3 days prior to treatment.
4. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, you are not a candidate for treatment at this time.
or
