We are born with smooth, baby
like skin. As we
go through life, our skin is subject to many experiences
that make it less than perfect.
Time, heredity and gravity work against us. Sun exposure,
acne and smoking also take their toll, adversely affecting
the health of our skin and our appearance as well. We
notice the development of time lines, wrinkles, brown spots,
scars and sagging of the skin. The skin lacks luster
and the complexion may become sallow.
Until recently, our ability to reverse these signs of aging
and sun damage with one laser was limited to an older technology
(CO2 and Erbium Laser) that had a definite complication rate,
required anesthesia, and significant down-time.
After years of research by a team of world renowned experts
in the field, the Fraxel Laser was recently introduced. This
revolutionary technology can take years off your appearance. After
a series of treatments the skin becomes softer, smoother
and fresher. The fine lines around the eyes will noticeably
fade. So will the brown spots caused by aging and sun
exposure. All with minimal or no down-time!
The Fraxel has moved to the forefront, and has recently
been approved by the FDA, as the first choice of a technology
to treat acne scars and melasma, two very troubling conditions. The
Fraxel Laser has also been FDA approved for skin resurfacing,
and we are happy to say that the Fraxel is the first
laser that can resurface other areas of the body such
as the neck, chest, back, arms, and hands.
The Fraxel is an FDA cleared laser which produces thousands
of tiny columns of microscopic treatment zones in your
skin, leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. This "fractional" treatment
approach allows the skin to heal much faster than if all
the skin was treated at once. Following each treatment,
the body's natural healing process creates new healthy
tissue to replace skin imperfections.
The laser refines the skin in a precisely controlled
fashion. A
treatment course consists of 3-5 procedures, spaced at least
one week apart. The Fraxel Laser produces a gentle
remodeling of collagen under your skin's surface. Improvements
in your appearance will continue for up to six months,
or more.
What is the treatment like?
We begin by imaging your skin with the Visia Complexion
Analysis System, a computerized digital imaging system
that will not only establish your baseline image, but
it has the capability of seeing under the surface of
the skin to look for changes that are not yet apparent
to the naked eye. With
this information and after a careful examination, we
develop a customized treatment program for the Fraxel
Laser.
The face is then cleansed and a topical anesthetic is
applied for 45-60 minutes. We then apply a blue water soluble
tint which helps the laser target imperfections and contours
of your skin. The hand piece of the laser is guided
across the skin's surface in a precise and predetermined
fashion, based on the specific goals of the treatment. There
may be some slight discomfort at times, which patients describe
as prickling sensation but the treatment should be well tolerated. This
portion of the procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. The
skin is cleansed before you leave, a cool mask is applied
and a sunscreen/moisturizer is applied.
What will I feel and look like following the treatment?
You may experience a slight sunburn sensation following
the treatment which can last for a few hours. The
skin may have a pinkish tone for several days and mild
swelling that may last a day or two. These are
completely normal signs and reflect the healing process
that is underway. There
is no oozing, crusting or bleeding. Some flaking
may occur but extensive peeling is not expected. Flaking
represents an exfoliation of damaged tissue. Moisturizers
are helpful at this stage and the use of sunscreen (30-60
sun block) is very important.
Will I have to limit my activities following the
treatment?
You can resume normal activities right away. Makeup
can be applied whenever desired. Sun protection is
very important to use at all times, whether it is sunny
or cloudy outside. We recommend a 30-60 SPF sun
block.
How many treatments are recommended?
The number of treatments required depends on several
factors, including the extent of wrinkles, scarring and
sun damage that you have. This will be best determined at time
of consultation. The range of treatments that
is typical is 3-5 usually spaced 1-2 weeks apart.
Are there any complications?
Due to the controlled and predictable nature of this
laser, side effects are very uncommon. As with any laser
there are the risks of temporary or permanent discoloration,
scarring, bruising, etc., but with the Fraxel laser, these
are very remote. The laser can be used in all skin
types, but it is used with more caution in patients with
the darkest skin types.
Are there things I need to do in preparation
for the Fraxel treatment?
It is recommended to be tan free for this procedure
and to refrain from using topical retinoids like RetinA
or Differin for 2-4 weeks prior to the first treatment. In
patients who get cold sores, we usually start an antiviral
agent like Valtrex or Famvir.
What treatments can be done in conjunction with Fraxel?
A few of the more common procedures to be performed in
combination with Fraxel include Thermage, Photofacials,
Botox Cosmetic
™, and Restylane.
Prices start at $500, dependent upon areas treated.
Click on the thumbnails below to see Dr. Roger
Bassin featured in the media on the topic of Fraxel
Laser Treatments.
Fraxel Laser Treatments Video Media
Click On Screen Shot Below To See Video
Fraxel Laser Video
Fraxel Laser Video
How do I get started with Fraxel Laser Treatments?
Dr. Roger Bassin and the staff at The Bassin Center For Plastic Surgery would be happy to help you set up a private consultation to discuss Fraxel Laser Treatments. Schedule an appointment online or call us at One of our Florida locations: Melbourne, Florida Location @ 321.255.0025 - Orlando, Florida Location @ 407.851.3888 - Tampa, Florida Location @ 813.872.7800 - The Villages, Florida Location @ 877.333.3223.
