Fraxel continues to get good coverage on TV.
See video clips
Requires
Windows Media Player 
|
 |
Up until now, there have been two primary categories
of laser skin treatment: ablative laser resurfacing and nonablative
laser or light-based therapy, each with their pros and cons. Ablative
techniques regenerate aging and sun-damaged skin with superior
cosmetic results, but are associated with significant side effects,
risks and prolonged healing and recovery times. Nonablative techniques,
on the other hand, generally carry fewer risks but require numerous
treatments over several months, producing only limited clinical
results of cosmetic improvement.
|
This novel 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 old ablative lasers that remove the top layer of skin,
FLT procedure produces tiny, microscopic sites of thermal impact
separated by areas of unaffected, healthy tissue. The spared healthy
tissue between treatment zones contains viable cells that promote
rapid healing of the outer skin layers. At the same time, each
MicroThermal Zone (MTZ) penetrates between 400-700 microns into
the dermis to remodel collagen. Thus, FLT strives to achieve the
skin improvements obtained with conventional CO2 laser resurfacing
but without the associated side effects or downtime.
|
The innovative Fraxel SR Laser is specially
designed to alter only fractional volumes of the target tissue.
Similar to precise alteration of photographs and paintings, the
clinical effect of this treatment technique is to alter the appearance
of aging and sun-damaged skin. The creation of tiny microscopic
wounds results in a wound healing process and a response to the
coagulation of collagen fibers.
|
FLT offers the benefits of speedy healing and
minimal to no downtime. Side effects are minimal and typically
involve swelling and redness. Mild swelling should subside within
a day or so, and redness usually fades over several days. Patients
can apply make-up immediately after treatment and return to routine
activities. There is limited, if any, risk of infection or scarring.
No oozing or crusting has occured.
|
Clinical studies suggest that 3-5 treatments
spaced about 5 to 7 days apart produce a gradual remodeling of
dermal matrix components, until complete healing occurs and "good"
material that contains collagen and elastin replaces old epidermal
and dermal tissue. Over a period of 1-3 months, clinical improvement
in photo-aged skin correlates with dermal repair and positive
skin changes.
|
A topical, lipid-based anesthetic ointment is
applied to the treatment area. The blue tint darkens the tiny
folds of the skin surface to increase contrast and allow the
robotic hand piece to precisely read the discreet contours of the
treatment area. Similar to the optical mouse for your computer,
the robotic hand piece glides across the skin like a contact
airbrush painting the face, which has been turned into a mouse pad
via the blue tint. The anesthetic requires 45-60 minutes to take
full effect. The treatment is then performed using the lipid base
anesthetic ointment as the contact lubricant. The blue tint and
anesthetic is washed off immediately after treatment. A treatment
typically will take approximately 20-25 minutes.
|
Treatment is well tolerated and feels like
a prickling sensation. A topical anesthetic ointment is applied
prior to treatment to allay any discomfort.
|
The Reliant Technologies 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.
|
Cost of treatment(s) will vary depending on the nature
of the patient's condition, the area(s) treated, geographic location
and other related factors.
|
|
|
Purchase
Online Dermatologist-Recommended state-of-the-art Skin Care Products