FRACTIONAL RESURFACING (FRAXIL)

Fractional Laser Treatment produces thousands of tiny but deep columns of treatment in your skin, known as microthermal treatment zones. This treatment eliminates old epidermal pigmented cells. It also penetrates deep into the dermis. Just as important, though, are the areas of skin the Fractional Laser leaves untouched. For every microthermal zone the laser targets and treats intensively, it leaves the surrounding tissue unaffected and intact. This "fractional" treatment allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area were treated at once, using the body's natural healing process to create new, healthy tighter tissue to replace skin imperfections.

At your initial consultation, we will determine the best fractional laser treatment plan to produce your goals. By design, each treatment can target between 20 and 40 percent of the skin's surface. Clinical studies suggest that on average, an effective treatment regimen is 3 to 5 sessions, spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart. Depending upon your condition and schedule, you may choose to space treatment sessions even further apart. Results are immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement is usually visible in about 2 to 3 months. Because a Fractional Laser Treatment spares healthy tissue, it is effective even on delicate skin areas, such as the neck, chest and hands.

You will experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour and then minimal discomfort. The skin will have a pinkish tone for 3 to 7 days. This is a normal sign that the skin is healing. Swelling is minimal and generally resolves in 2 to 3 days. You may apply make-up or shave soon after treatment. Some patients are able to return to their normal rotuine, including work, the same day of treatment. Others require a little more time, depending upon their skin condition and treatment. New epidermal skin develops within 24 hours. Be sure to use sunscreen at least twice daily to protect your skin from sun exposure during both the healing phase and for several months after treatment. Apply a moisturizing sun block with an SPF of at least 30-plus. For added protection, use wide-brimmed hats when in direct sunlight.Over the following weeks and months, the body repairs the deeper dermal tissues that have been affected by the Fractional treatment, producing longer beneficial changes associated with a healthy, youthful appearance. Optimal benefits are seen at 18 weeks/4 months.
How is Fractional Laser different from other laser treatments? Until Fraxil, there were two types of available laser treatments. Ablative laser treatment, which literally means to vaporize at very high temperature, is very effective but has significant side effects and requires a lengthy healing period. The other available laser treatment, being non-ablative, has little or no side effects and almost no healing time, but requires numerous treatments over many months and has limited results at best. Fractional Laser treatments offer the effectiveness of fully ablative treatments with the benefits of the gentler lasers.

How are Fractional Laser Treatments performed?
The procedure takes between 20 to 25 minutes for a full face.
Is Fractional Laser Treatment painful?
Most patients describe the treatment as having a "prickling" sensation.
Fractional laser is an erbium laser that can penetrate up to 200 microns deep into the epidermas. That is as deep as a regular resurfacig laser, but not as much surface damage so the healing time is minimal. There are several different brands of lasers that now offer Fractional Resurfacing. Most work on the 20% to 40% of the skins surface while some go deeper than others with the thermal penetration.

There are several different brands of lasers that now perform Fractional Resurfacing, such as Pixel, Mixto, ActiveFX and DOT Fractional resurfacing laser. Call to make your appointment for this popular and effective treatment!

POST FRACTIONAL RESURFACING PROCEDURE

• Do not put any acids, harsh products or scrubs on the face through the healing period (usually 1 week).  You may use TheraPearl ice packs to alleviate the sunburned feeling, do not wash your face the first night.  Appy the Oil over the numbing cream.  You should expect a lot of swelling for at least 3 days.

• On day two and three:  Wash with gentle cleanser, and rinse.  You can use a warm wash cloth to steam your face and help the oil penetrate.  Do this several times in a row, and multiple times throughout the day. You may re-apply the oil several times a day if you wish.  The oilier you are the quicker you recover. Apply Bactroban 2 x a day if needed. Apply titanium sun block if going outside (not chemical sunscreen)

• Day 4:  By this time most of your crust should be gone and baby soft skin is there in its place.  You will still be pink and sensitive for a few days.  Please be gentle ;-)

• On the 7th day you may start using the Clairsonic

Brush (if you have one) to cleanse your face and then apply the oil.  You may also begin using the Exfolia Cloth.  Cleanse the face and rinse, then wet the Exfolia Cloth and buff lightly.  Do not use cleanser on the cloth, it doesn’t exfoliate as well that way. 

• After the crust is gone if you need to wear makeup put a coat of the healing oil then add some titanium powder and rub in.  It gives coverage without showing up the rough texture like a liquid makeup or regular powder will.

In case of an emergency you can contact:

Office 972-869-6900
 or
Sherry’s Cell Phone 972-342-2900