Fraxel Laser

Learn about the new Fraxel CO2 resurfacing laser for correction of more profound sun damage and aging

New Fraxel DUAL - with fast acting Thulium wavelength for pigmentation

"Younger Skin, Easier"

News Video - Fraxel Laser For Acne Scars

New upgraded technology for the Fraxel re:store offers the most powerful, precise and comfortable resurfacing laser experience available. Fraxel re:store, which we have been using with great success since early 2004, has developed increased capability by allowing for complete customizing of your treatment...whether for mild sun damage and light wrinkles, all the way to severe acne scarring.

Depth of penetration has increased by 30% with the new Fraxel. This means that deeper scars can be more effectively smoothed and more quickly.

***Our Fraxel treatment specialist, Laura Reynolds, R.N. came to us after her role as a Western Regional Trainer for Reliant Technologies. Her expertise has been invaluable to our patients who have the benefits of special experience levels.

Of course you have questions. Our reception staff can provide basic information, but if you prefer to speak with our Fraxel and Thermage Specialist, Laura, please complete this short form and you'll receive a personal call back. Laura can provide answers to all your questions.

From Reliant Tech (now Solta) - "The results of clinical trials studying 50 subjects treated over seven months with the Fraxel SR1500 laser showed that treatment at higher energy levels with more precise focus on smaller fractions of skin had multiple benefits for patients. The procedure provided a 75 percent improvement of acne scars, surgical scars and deep wrinkles, as reported by subjects and independent evaluators. Subjects were followed for three months after their last treatment. Deeper penetration led to greater volume of tissue treated.  Efficiency of the laser resulted in reduced risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, observed during the clinical trial by the overseeing physician, Dr. Zakia Rahman. 

 “We have seen enhanced clinical efficacy in field tests of the Fraxel laser,” said Dr. Rahman. “Patients noted a comfortable treatment with virtually no interruption in their daily activities and no reported complications".

Turn Back the Clock on Aging

After your very first Fraxel Laser Treatment, you will begin to feel the difference in your skin, as it gradually becomes softer, smoother and fresher. Fine lines around your eyes will noticeably fade. So will uneven coloring and the brown spots caused by aging and sun exposure.

The results are natural-looking with no demarcation lines, long-term redness or the "shiny" face look that was common with older lasers. After several treatments, your friends and colleagues will remark on how youthful and healthy your skin looks. Unless you tell them you've had laser treatments, they'll never know.

Fraxel for Sun Damage, Pigmentation and & Wrinkling

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.

Patient Treatment Guide

Areas and Problems  treated by Fraxel:

• Face - Surface wrinkles, brown spots, pigmentation and roughness
• Face - ACNE SCARS FDA Approved
• Face, neck and chest - Acne scars, Actinic Keratosis
• Neck - Wrinkles and pigmentation
• Chest - Sun damage, wrinkles, freckles, brown spots
• Hands - Age spots, weathered appearance
• Arms - Age spots, rough skin, actinic keratoses
• Any Body Location - Surgical Scars

Fraxel for Acne Scars has become one of the most effective treatments available. By disrupting and re-organizing collagen, the skin surface is smoothed considerably. Acne scars, old and new, respond equally well. The new Fraxel re:store is especially adept at treating acne scars with minimal discomfort and maximum results.

Before starting treatment, Dr. Pilest 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.

Through a systematic gentle resurfacing of the skin, Fraxel removes even stubborn melasma and has FDA approval for that particular condition. A series of comfortable laser treatments resurfaces 20 to 25% of the treated area each time.

The most effective treatment regime is a series of five treatments, spaced from 2 to 4 weeks 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 20-25% of the skin's surface, depending on the clinical parameters selected. This assures a quick skin recovery time and rapid healing. Results are immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement is usually visible in about two to three months. Fraxel Website

Preparing for Treatment

Fraxel Laser Treatments can be performed right in the Total Dermatology office using only topical anesthesia in most cases. Treatment is well tolerated and feels like a prickling sensation. The treatment area will be thoroughly washed prior to the procedure. then a layer of topical numbing gel is applied. Once the the numbing gel has taken effect, a clear gel is applied to the treatment area and your Fraxel Treatment begins. With the latest Roller Tips and sophisticated software, no blue dye is needed.

During Treatment

Dr. Pilest will glide the laser hand-piece across the area to be treated...face, neck, chest, hands or desired treatment location. A special cooling device will blow chilled air across the skin as it is being treated. As the hand-piece delivers the laser energy in tiny "dots", you will feel a heated prickling sensation and hear a sound from the machine that resembles radio static. In about 30 minutes, you're done.

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. Some patients may wish to use the new Oxygenetix makeup instead of regular makeup for its special healing and camouflage properties.

What Happens When You go Home

New epidermal skin develops immediately, within 24 hours. This process of skin repair involves:

Bronzing: Your skin will have a bronze appearance that lasts anywhere from three to 14 days, depending on the treatment level.

Flaking: Your skin will naturally and vigorously exfoliate as the reorganized epidermal skin replaces dead tissue. Flaking is similar to that of minor sunburn, but without the associated pain. Use of a moisturizer will mask the appearance of flaking.

Over the following weeks and months, the body repairs the deeper dermal tissues that have been affected by the Fraxel treatment, producing longer beneficial changes associated with a healthy, youthful appearance. Sunscreen: Be sure to use sunscreen at least twice daily to protect your skin from sun exposure during both the healing phase and for several months after treatment. Apply a moisturizing sun block with an SPF of at least 30-plus. For added protection, use wide-brimmed hats when in direct sunlight.

Safety-FDA approved

The Solta Fraxel Laser System is cleared by the FDA for dermatological procedures requiring the coagulation of soft tissue and for treatment of periorbital wrinkles and pigmented lesions.
FDA approval for effective treatment of Melasma, Periorbital Wrinkles, Acne Scars, Surgical Scars, Pigmented Lesions and Skin Resurfacing.

Fraxel News Videos

Treatment Results Page

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Fraxel is often combined with the following Treatments:

Thermage for tightening and firming skin and reducing wrinkles
Botox for relaxing furrows, frown lines and crows' feet wrinkles
Cosmelan De Pigmentation Program for resistant pigmentation of chloasma and melasma
Skin Rejuvenation Treatments such as Obagi or Chemical Peels
ViPeel for a 7 Day solution to fresher, clearer and more even toned skin
Photofacial (IPL) for diffuse sun-induced hyper-pigmentation
Photo Dynamic Therapy for actinic keratoses and resistant acne and scarring
Vbeam Laser for veins and redness
Dermal Fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm or Prevelle Silk