Q: What is the Fraxel® SR?

A: The Fraxel® SR is an innovative new laser system that can rejuvenate or "resurface" sun-damaged skin without causing a visible wound or a prolonged, uncomfortable healing period.

Q: How does the Fraxel® SR Laser work?

A: Rather than treating the entire skin surface at one time, the Fraxel® SR laser creates a pattern of evenly spaced microscopic laser "spots" surrounded by normal undamaged skin. Because the skin surrounding the spots is not injured, healing takes place very quickly, and without creating a visible wound. Repeated treatments create additional spots, until the entire skin surface is treated.

Q: How many treatments will I need?

A: Each session with the Fraxel® laser treats approximately 15-20% of the skin surface. Typically 3 to 5 treatments performed a week to a month apart are recommended depending n the severity of the problem, although most patients will notice some improvement even after a single treatment. "Maintenance" treatments can be performed as needed.

Q: Where on the face or body can the Fraxel® SR Laser be used?

A: The Fraxel® SR Laser can be used anywhere on the body where the skin would benefit from resurfacing. Unlike traditional laser resurfacing, which removes the entire skin surface, most of the skin is left undamaged after each treatment, and heals rapidly from the surrounding, normal skin. Of particular interest are the neck and decollete, which were not treatable with previouly available methods.

Q: Are there any treatments for sun-damaged or scarred skin besides the Fraxel® SR?

A: Sun-damaged facial skin has traditionally been treated with with deep peels and laser resurfacing. These procedures are invasive, involve a certain amount of risk and downtime, and cannot be performed on areas other than the face. Certain non-invasive laser treatments used for wrinkles, such as NLite and CoolTouch II lasers, light chemical peels, mcrodermabrasion and photodynamic therapy can be used, but with less permanent or noticeable results.

Q: Are Fraxel® SR Laser treatments safe?

A: Although the Fraxel® SR is a new and innovative technology, to date there have been no reports of scarring or infection from treatment. At higher powers, mild blistering and/or temporary skin discoloration can occur, especially in darker-skinned patients.

Q: Is the Fraxel® SR laser treatment painful?

A: An anaesthetic cream may be applied at least 1 hour prior to the treatment session. For higher power settings, local anaesthetic or oral pain medicine may be used for the treatment session.
How long does each treatment session take?
Each treatment session may take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending upon the size of the area treated.

Q: How soon can I return to my normal activities?

A: There may be some redness and swelling in the treated areas and a mild burning or itching sensation, which usually disappears in a few hours. Redness may persist for a few days, and the skin may take on a "bronzed" appearnce. As the microscopic spots are shed over the course of a week or so, the skin color wil return to normal. If anesthetic injections are used, there may be some bruising in the injected areas. Very rarely, there may be crusting or blistering in some areas, especially if higher powers are used.

If you have been given oral medication for pain or sedation, you are not to drive until the next morning; otherwise, you may resume your normal activities immediately. No special aftercare is needed in the treated areas, and you may resume your normal skin care regimen immediately.

Q: When will I see the results?

A: Although most patients will see some improvement within a few days after the procedure, it is the collagen remodeling in the deep layers of the skin over the several months after treatment causes the smoothing and and tightening. There may be gradual improvement for up to a year following a series of treatments.

Q: Are Fraxel® SR laser treatments permanent?

A: The changes in the epidermis and dermal collagen induced by Fraxel® SR Laser treatment are permanent; nevertheless, time, sun exposure, and gravity will continue to take its toll. The Fraxel® SR laser "turns back the clock", but doesn't keep the clock from ticking.

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