LASER SKIN REJUVENATION FOR WRINKLE TREATMENT, UNEVEN SKIN TONE

Fraxel is one of the most popular cosmetic brands for laser skin treatments, both for laser skin rejuvenation and laser resurfacing. The three Fraxel laser systems address an array of skin issues, from mild to severe, with high precision. Since Fraxel laser skin rejuvenation treatments are fractional, they target only specific areas and leave surrounding skin unaffected.

In “Wrinkle Treatment and Laser Skin Rejuvenation, Part 1 and 2,” we discussed the 2014 ASDS Consumer Survey on Cosmetic Dermatologic Proceduresresults. Released by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) in July, it reveals consumers are most considering cosmetic procedures that reduce wrinkles and provide better skin tone.“Both laser resurfacing to smooth wrinkles and skin-tightening via high-frequency ultrasound have become safer and typically produce good results,” says ASDS President-Elect George J. Hruza, MD. “I would hypothesize that’s one of the reasons both are top treatments under consideration.”

We previously covered monopolar radiofrequency treatments with Thermage and laser skin rejuvenation with Spectra, a dual-pulsed, Q-switched Nd: YAG laser with four wavelength modes (532, 585, 650 and 1064 nm). In the third segment, we’ll discuss Fraxel laser skin treatment options

LASER SKIN TREATMENT WITH FRAXEL RE:FINE, DUAL AND RE:PAIR

The basis of all laser skin treatment options is to stimulate new collagen, which then addresses and alleviates the skin concern by stimulating new collagen production. Fraxel lasers are either a fractional non-ablative laser skin treatment (Fraxel re:fine and Fraxel DUAL) or ablative laser resurfacing (Fraxel re:pair).

Laser skin rejuvenation treatments target aging skin, eradicate fine lines and wrinkles, improve overall skin tone, minimize acne scarring, and more. All three are fractional photothermolysis laser skin treatments, a technology Fraxel pioneered in 2001 that treats microscopic volumes of skin with each pulse. Dr. Umar of FineTouch Dermatology says that downtime is shorter for healing due to the laser skin treatment technique.

The re:fine and DUAL aggravate the skin’s surface and slightly below, while the re:pair ablates (vaporizes) tissue on the deer epidermis layer. Fractional non-ablative treatments are safe on all skin tones, Fitzpatrick scale I to VI. The fractional ablative treatment is safe on light to medium skin types, I to III. Each laser skin rejuvenation treatment addresses specific skin issues based on the severity of the patient’s skin concerns and skin tone. With all three, light energy heats the skin surface and/or the deeper skin layers to stimulate collage production and start the wound healing process.

Fraxel laser skin rejuvenation breaks down the original collagen fibers of the scars and is replaced with new fibers*

FRAXEL DUAL LASER RESURFACING AND WRINKLE TREATMENT

Fraxel DUAL is the most popular laser for Dr. U’s patients to treat an array of mild to moderate skin concerns with its dual lasers. The 1927 nm wavelength Thulium fiber laser works more superficially. The 1550 nm wavelength Erbium fiber laser works on deeper layers of the skin and is more intense.

Fraxel DUAL laser skin treatments are FDA approved for skin resurfacing and soft tissue coagulation procedures; treatment of periorbital wrinkles (crow’s feet); treatment of acne scars and surgical scars; and treatment of pigmented legions, including senile lentigos, solar lentigos, actinic keratosis and melasma. It also works on all skin types and areas of the body, with a typical treatment regimen of three to five sessions with intervals of two to four weeks.

Fraxel’s family of lasers addresses an array of skin conditions, from mild to severe. It’s best to consult with a dermatologist such as Dr. U to see which laser Fraxel laser rejuvenation treatment is best for you. Schedule an appointment with FineTouch Dermatology so Dr. U can explain each specific Fraxel laser and what each laser has FDA clearance for.

Laser skin rejuvenation treatments stimulate collagen production.*