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Fraxel® Laser Treatment in Orange County is a “fractional” treatment that produces thousands of deep, tiny columns in your skin, called microscopic treatment zones (mtz). The term “fractional” means that only a percentage of the skin surface is affected with each pass of the laser. Fraxel intensively treats only some of the epidermal cells without affecting all of them. This method of fractionally treating the skin reduces the healing time and promotes the skin’s natural process for creating new, healthier tissue to replace the damaged cells.
Natural Image OC provides Fraxel Laser Treatment. The Fraxel laser has been approved by the FDA to treat multiple skin conditions anywhere on the face or body, including:
Fully ablative laser treatment involves the vaporization of entire layers of skin cells at a very high temperature. This treatment is very effective but requires a healing period. The Fraxel re:store laser is almost a hybrid but does not remove the skin. Instead, the laser beams create tiny columns of intense heat that cause the skin to go into repair mode, improving texture, color and creating a collagen-building response.
Fraxel treatments strive to offer patients a measure of the effectiveness of ablative lasers with the benefits of gentler, non-ablative lasers. It’s safe, easy, and delivers results. Fraxel is a favorite laser of most dermatologists. There are two Fraxel wavelengths: the 1550 and 1927. 1550 is better for redness and wrinkles, while the 1927 is better for precancers.
Fraxel has many of the positive impacts of ablative lasers but the gentler benefits of the non-ablative treatments. Healing time is significantly accelerated so there is less downtime. Because the Fraxel Laser leaves the skin intact, only moisturizer is necessary afterward. Some patients are able to return to routine activities, including work and social obligations, on the same day of treatment, however, it is normal to have 3-4 days of swelling with the 1550 and 5-6 days with the 1927. Depending on your skin condition and treatment strength, you may require a little more time. Ask us about our Fraxel light treatments, which have no downtime.
Fraxel 1550 for scarring is generally more aggressive and may mean 3-4 days of swelling and redness. Dr. Sikorski will help you understand how Fraxel Laser Treatment will fit into your schedule.
Swelling and redness are the most common side effects from the 1550 Fraxel treatment. If swelling does occur, it is minimal and will subside between 3-4 days. Redness may occur and will fade within a few days. There is a very limited risk of infection or scarring. The 1927 Fraxel laser has 5-6 days of downtime. This 1927 wavelength causes the skin to turn a reddish brown color and peel in 5-6 days.
First, a white anesthetic cream is applied to your entire face, chest, arms or the area to be treated, to numb your skin. This anesthetic ointment is left on for approximately 60 minutes prior to treatment in order for the anesthetic to take full effect.
Then Dr. Sikorski glides the laser over your skin multiple times. A chilled air system blows very cold air on your skin to help make the treatment more comfortable. The procedure takes between 20 to 25 minutes for a full face. The anesthetic ointment is washed off immediately after the treatment.
Clinical studies suggest that on average, an effective treatment regimen is 3 to 5 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart for the Fraxel 1550 wavelength. This laser wavelength is for wrinkles, reducing pore size, improving skin texture, and treating acne scars Depending on your condition and schedule, you may space treatment sessions further apart. Results are both immediate and progressive.
For patients who prefer to have a single treatment and a flexible enough schedule for about a week of downtime, the Sciton Erbium or CO2 resurfacing laser are alternative options. Dr. Sikorski offers surgical laser treatment with the Sciton fully ablative laser or CO2 for those desiring a full-performance treatment. The Fraxel 1927 Thulium laser is usually one treatment.
Most patients describe the treatment as having an intense “prickling” sensation. Some minimal level of uncomfortable heat can be expected. However, the topical anesthetic ointment and air cooling alleviate a great part of the discomfort. Thus, most patients find Fraxel treatment tolerable.
During the first 24 hours after treatment, your skin may feel as though it is sunburned, and it will appear pink or red. Make-up can be worn to reduce the sunburned appearance. Your skin will naturally bronze over the next few days. The Fraxel 1927 Thulium goes from sunburned to bronze. Just like a natural sunburn, your skin will flake and exfoliate normally at the end of the week. Using a moisturizer will help reduce the appearance of dry flakes.
Wearing sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher twice a day is especially important. Avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process and for at least 3 months after treatment. Wearing wide-brimmed hats is highly recommended when out in the elements.
You’ll enjoy a relaxing visit to our office, where you can ask questions, meet our staff, take a tour of our office and surgical suite and view additional photo results of our patients.
Your consultation assessment is with a Natural Image OC provider. Fees and procedure preparations are discussed with our patient care coordinator, who will detail the experience with you.
We look forward to meeting with you and helping you find the simplest solution to achieve your desired goals. For a Fraxel laser consultation in Laguna Niguel with Dr. Sikorski, contact her at her office and find out what this treatment can do for you. Call or use our online form.