| |
| What is Fraxel? |
Fraxel involves the use of the latest in skin care laser technology to
purposefully stimulate the body’s own restorative processes by controlled
damage done to the skin. Reaching deep into the skin’s second layer, the
dermis, Fraxel helps to stimulate the body’s restorative abilities and thus
new collagen and skin is formed. Older skin that is damaged is removed
from beneath the epidermal layer, the outermost area of skin. The process
of controlled skin damage in small areas which are separated by healthy
skin allows for minimal healing time and highly effective skin rejuvenation. |
| |
| Who is a candidate for Fraxel? |
For anyone suffering from age spots, effects of the environment such as
sun damage, acne scars, wrinkles near the eyes, melasma or commonly
referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” and even stretch marks, Fraxel
is a great way to achieve clearer and even more radiant looking skin. |
| |
| Which areas of the body can Fraxel treat? |
Fraxel may be used on the face, neck, chest, legs, stomach, arms and
hands. |
| |
| How many treatments are necessary? |
The number of treatments needed to acquire certain results will vary from
patient to patient. Discussing this with Dr. Gilbert is always recommended.
Usually up to five monthly sessions may be needed. Patients usually begin
to see changes as their skin heals over a two to three month period of
time. |
| |
| Are the treatments permanent? |
Patients can enjoy long lasting results as long as their skin is maintained
and well taken care of over time. However, age and the environmental
elements can still cause skin changes as time progresses so Fraxel is a
skin rejuvenation procedure which can be repeated if further unwanted
changes occurs to the skin. |
| |
| How is the Fraxel procedure performed? |
The treatment begins by cleansing the skin and applying a topical cream
to numb the treatment area about an hour prior to treatment. This is to
keep the patient comfortable during the procedure. The laser is then used
to help the skin rejuvenate in the associated treatment area. The epidermis
and dermis layers of the skin are treated, yet no visible damage is done
to the epidermal layer of the skin. By only damaging specific areas of the
skin, spread out over the area being treated, healthy and unaffected skin
is left in tact to support the healing process and stimulate the body’s healing
capacity. This results is the production of new collagen and even more
radiant skin. Treatments usually conclude in about a half hour. |
| |
What should be expected during recovery from a
Fraxel treatment? |
After the treatment has concluded, the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis,
will remain undamaged while the deeper layer, the dermis, begins to heal.
The patient may notice the appearance and discomfort of a sunburn and
eventually a slight tanning or bronzing of the skin which begins to show
in a few days depending on the skin type. The old skin cells will slough off
and the skin will gradually repair itself, igniting new collagen development.
The skin should be treated as a sunburn, keeping it moisturized and out
of heavy sun exposure. Sunscreen and protective clothing is a good idea.
Patients can expect to return to daily activities within two to three days.
Makeup may be worn to help alleviate some of the redness to the skin if
desired and if the skin is not too sensitive to the touch. Shaving may also
be done if discomfort is minimal. Every patient’s skin is unique so different
recovery times are normal. |
| |
| When will results from Fraxel be apparent? |
Results will usually begin to show in about two to three months post
treatment, yet every patient’s skin type varies. |
| |
| What is unique about Fraxel? |
By fractionally treating skin in specific areas, while leaving some skin
unaffected nearby, Fraxel allows for an easier and less invasive procedure.
Due to this approach to skin rejuvenation, the body’s healing response is
enhanced and new collagen develops. Fraxel is a balanced laser treatment
which allows for the high effectiveness of some other more invasive laser
treatments while maintaining a shorter recovery time and fewer side effects |
| |
