The extraordinary property of Fraxel laser that sets it apart from all predecessors is that a single beam of light is broken up, or “fractionated” into lots of microscopic beams.  These points or dots of laser light penetrate deeply into the skin to cause effective collagen regeneration.  However, only 20% or so of the skin surface area is targeted during each treatment, so there is a much lower risk of complications, such as scarring or hypopigmentation, than in older systems, such as CO2 or erbium lasers. These multiple columns of laser-caused damage (coagulation) stimulate new collagen production and blood vessel growth.  Superficial pigment problems are also wiped out with each treatment.  As collagen grows and matures, skin tightening occurs, decreasing wrinkles and signs of aging.

If you are interested in the Fraxel procedure, please contact our clinic.  Also check out our specials of the month!

As the holiday season comes around, many of us start thinking about what we can do to look our best.  This may mean getting some special clothes, hair styles, or cosmetic treatments.  When considering rejuvenating or enhancing cosmetic treatments, timing is crucial.  For instance, Botox lasts 3 months and doesn’t take full effect for 1 week.  So, there’s no rush to get it for a special occasion that is 3 months away, but you should give it at least a week, and possibly more if you are prone to bruising.  Other injectable treatments, such as Juvederm and Radiesse, have instant results but may have some swelling or bruising that takes a few days to resolve.  Fraxel, should be done at least 2 weeks prior to a an engagement since there may be some redness or roughness to the skin after treatment.  Laser tattoo removal requires multiple treatments, so timing is not that important.  Chemical peels are variable but at least a week should be allowed.  Other esthetician treatments, such as facials and microdermabrasion are less invasive and a day may suffice, depending on the treatment.

At TMD Medispa, we use the Fraxel Re:store.  This is the upgraded Fraxel that penetrates deeply using fractionated erbium glass laser (to 1500 nanometers) and does not require blue dye.  The original Fraxel employed blue dye and did not penetrate as deeply.  Since it is non-ablative, it can be used on a broad range of skin colors and types.  It is not the same as the Fraxel Re:pair, which uses a fractionated carbon dioxide laser.  The Re:pair is a highly aggressive laser treatment which requires more advanced anesthesia and is much higher risk than Fraxel Re:store.  It was also released more recently, so the technology is not as mature as the Fraxel Re:store.

When you choose a Fraxel Re:store treatment, you can be assured that you are signing up for an aggressive and effective yet safe treatment.  During your free consultation, your clinician will help determine if Fraxel Re:store laser resurfacing treatment is right for you.

Fraxel is a premium laser treatments for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation.  Unlike conventional laser treatments and chemical peels, Fraxel targets only a percentage of the skin during each treatment, so a deeper, more effective treatment can be delivered safely.  As with most things though, combining different modalities of treatments maximizes the unique positive effects of each one.

Botox can be combined with Fraxel by working on deeper wrinkles, while Fraxel works on skin texture and finer wrinkles.  Deep wrinkles caused by muscles of facial expression can only be improved with Botox and fillers.  Together, Botox and Fraxel are powerful tools in improving facial wrinkles.  They can even both be performed on the same day.

Fraxel and IPL Photofacials may also be combined.  Redness and sunspots are the specialty of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light).  These usually come about from aging and sun damage.  Fraxel is great for smoothing the texture and fine wrinkles in such photo-aged skin but the results are even better when combined with IPL.  These treatments do need to be performed on different days.  Also, IPL Photofacials are restricted to lighter skin tones.

Check out our monthly specials for super deals this month on combination Fraxel treatments.

Fraxel and fractionated lasers have revolutionized the treatment of various tough skin conditions, such as acne scarring.  Fraxel works by breaking up the deeply penetrating laser beam into tiny fractions which are spread out over a broader area.  With each treatment, only a portion, such as 20%, is treated and the tiny areas heal quickly.  The effect over a large area is quite significant and causes smoothing out and tightening.  Over the course of several treatments, as much as 100% of the skin is treated.  In the era before fractionated lasers, such treatment had much greater risks of scarring and extensive down-time for healing.  Fraxel, however, allows more controlled and safer treatment that is even safe enough to be performed on darker-skinned patients.  Fraxel has been shown to be effective for acne scarring/pitting, as well as wrinkles, melasma, scars, and stretch marks. Call TMD to see if Fraxel is right for you.