Fraxel Laser Skin Treatments
Laser skin rejuvenation has emerged as one of the top five most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the United States, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's statistical reports of 2007 and 2008. It is unique to other skin resurfacing treatments, while offering the same benefits with significantly less discomfort and recovery time, although multiple treatments are often necessary, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.
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Candidates and Conditions
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Fraxel treatment's average candidate is someone who is experiencing the early visible signs of aging in the skin, according to DocShop.com. Fraxel can correct skin discoloration in the form of age spots or liver spots caused by sun damage, uneven skin tones and acne scars. According to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, Fraxel is the only laser treatment approved for treating melasma, a skin discoloration condition caused by pregnancy. It is also used to correct unwanted textural conditions, such as crows feet, and fine lines and wrinkles. It is also used to shrink large pores. While it is commonly used on the face, it can also be used on the neck, chest, arms, and hands.
How It works
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Fraxel laser treatment is named as such since it only affects a fraction of the skin.
Fraxel laser technology penetrates the top surface of the skin, and creates tiny wounds in its dermis (middle) layer, the thickest skin layer composed mainly of collagen (the skin's natural fibrous protein, responsible for its health and appearance). The surrounding skin tissue is left untreated, which promotes reparation and rapid healing in this controllable-wound process. The epidermis (surface layer) remains undamaged as the dermis layer begins to heal. The old, abnormal skin cells are sloughed off as the skin repairs itself. Collagen is regenerated. -
Benefits
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Fraxel laser treatment is not ablative like other skin resurfacing treatments, meaning that it doesn't burn off the surface skin tissue. DocShop.com's report says that Fraxel only affects 15 to 20 percent of the target skin area to produce results. Therefore, side and effects and recovery time are significantly less than other resurfacing treatments. Also, for optimum performance on different skin conditions, Fraxel technology is adjustable.
Fraxel stimulates the growth of new collagen, which continues to improve the health and appearance of the skin long after the procedure. The new skin tissue and collagen produced by Fraxel laser treatment offers the patient a dramatically rejuvenated appearance. Fine lines and wrinkles are reduced or removed, the skin tone is more even, and the overall complexion looks smoother and more youthful.
Procedure
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A topical anesthetic is applied to clean skin about one hour before the laser procedure. Each laser pulse may produce a slight pressure, which, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, feels like the snap of a rubber band against the skin. The same source reports that Fraxel treatment sessions are completed within about a half-hour to an hour, depending on the condition being treated and its size.
Recovery
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Fraxel offers its benefits with minimal recovery time. There is no downtime after treatment, so patients can resuem their normal daily activities immediately. The recovery of the skin bears some redness and swelling, and a sensation similar to a slight sunburn, all of which subsides within a few days, or, at longest, within two weeks, according to DocShop.com.
Cost
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The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery Treatment reports that the cost for Fraxel laser resurfacing typically ranges between $400 and $1,000 per session. The skin condition, size of the treatment area, surgeon fees, and patient objectives are all variables that affect cost.
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