FRAXEL – FRACTIONAL LASER SKIN TREATMENTS

Fractional laser skin resurfacing is a new technology in laser skin therapy that has been used only for a few years now. Fraxel laser employs a new concept known as fractional photothermolysis. Fractional photothermolysis involves directing a light source only to certain zones and not to the entire surface of the skin. The Fraxel laser creates microscopic separate laser columns of thermal damage surrounded by living, undamaged tissue. Unlike traditional laser photorejuvenation, the healing process of living cells in the epidermis and dermis is quick due to the intact tissue that surrounds the laser columns of thermal damage.

The large surface skin tissue affected by the light source, which would be damaged in a traditional method, takes a significant part in the healing process. This process significantly reduces the recovery time and makes the therapy safe. Thus, the same effect can be achieved using the fractional laser instead of the traditional laser photorejuvenation that carries a high risk of complications.

Fraxel Fractional Laser enables the following treatments:

– wrinkle removal
– stretch marks removal
– skin discoloration removal
– scar removal
– acne scars removal
– skin rejuvenation

In our practice, we use the CO2 laser ablation.

Immediate posttreatment reactions are erythema and swelling. The skin is particularly red the day following the treatment. Several days after the procedure, a patient may feel increased skin tension and observe bronzed epidermis and skin flaking off outer dermis layers. Over the course of a few days, the skin heals itself. Slight erythema and hypersensitivity to external factors may last up to several weeks.

The first effects after the treatment may be noticed over the course of 2 weeks or so. The skin looks fresher, tighter and smoother as a result of shrinkage and coagulation of collagen fibers. However, the biggest advantage of this method is to support the physiological remodeling of the skin that stimulates fibroblasts to produce new collagen. As this process continues, the final effect of the treatment is visible over the course of a few weeks.

To obtain optimal results in this method of ablative therapy, 1 or 2 treatment sessions are required. Since collagen remodeling takes a few weeks, treatment should not be performed at less than 2-3-month intervals.