Q.  What is Fraxel® Laser Treatment?

A.   The Fraxel Laser Treatment from Reliant Technologies is a new aesthetic solution that repairs aging and sun-damaged skin -- pixel by pixel, spot by spot. We describe it as new-generation laser skin resurfacing, similar to AdobeÒ PhotoshopÒ Software for your skin. 

        Think of your skin as a family portrait or digital photo in need of high-quality restoration or touch-up. Imagine how the portrait would be delicately restored, one small area at a time; or a photograph might be digitally altered, pixel by pixel.  That’s the principle behind the Fraxel Laser Treatment.

Q:  How does Fraxel Laser Treatment work?

A:    Similar to the technique of editing a digital photograph comprised of pixels, Fraxel Laser Treatment precisely produces thousands of tiny columns of treatment zones invisible to the naked eye that target flawed skin and leave surrounding healthy skin untouched. . It is the only laser device specially designed to resurface a fraction of skin at a time without breaking the skin’s protective outer barrier.  This fractional resurfacing affects between 12 and 20 percent of the skin at any one time, permitting the spared tissue to assist in the rapid healing of damaged cells.  FLT also reaches deep into the dermis to stimulate collagen remodeling in the skin layers below. In this way, the body’s natural healing process creates new, healthy tissue to replace skin imperfections.

Q:  How long does the procedure take?

A.  The procedure (including the application of topical anesthetic) typically takes between 1 and 1-1/2 hours. With minimal, if any, side effects or recovery time, most patients return to routine activities the next day.  There’s no prolonged recuperation, no risk of general anesthesia, and treatment is well-tolerated. 

Q:  What does the Fraxel laser treat?

A.  Fraxel Laser Treatment is currently FDA cleared for skin resurfacing procedures; to treat fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes; and for treatment of pigmented lesions, including melasma, age spots, sun spots and dyschromia.

Q:  What has been the acceptance of the Fraxel Laser?

A.     Leading researchers and clinicians have spent the past 3 years testing the safety and efficacy of the Fraxel Laser. In Fall 2004, the laser system was commercially launched and has obtained widespread professional acceptance since then. 

Based on clinical experience to date, doctors are reporting noticeable improvement in patients after three to five treatments.

In our practice, we have observed nice improvements in uneven skin color and wrinkles around the eye area. Our Fraxel laser resurfacing results are comparable to other traditional modalities that are associated with far more significant side effects and downtime.

Q.  Are there any negative side effects?

A.  We have not experienced any significant or long-lasting adverse effects nor have we seen any evidence of post-inflammatory hyper- or hypopigmentation. 

The clinical endpoint we look for with Fraxel Laser Treatment is cell turnover and peeling.  After treatment, the patient’s skin tends to be pinkish-red for a few days with slight swelling immediately after treatment. This is normal and signifies that the dermal tissue is being repaired and there is good blood circulation.  The repair process typically entails a “bronzing” that lasts anywhere from three to 14 days after treatment, followed by a flaking process of exfoliation as the reorganized epidermal skin gradually replaces dead tissue.

Q.    Does Fraxel laser treatment hurt?

A.      Treatment is well-tolerated with a topical anesthetic ointment to alleviate discomfort.  We also use contact cooling to increase patient comfort during the procedure.  Patients can apply make-up or shave after treatment.  

Q:   Are your patients satisfied?

A:  There has been huge patient satisfaction.  Our patients are thrilled and word-of-mouth referrals have been tremendous. What makes FLT such a success is that virtually every patient who gets treated experiences a cosmetic enhancement. Treatment offers immediate results -- softer, smoother and toned skin – plus an ongoing, cumulative improvement that creates a healthy, vibrant and youthful appearance.