Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing

Cosmetic Laser Centers^SM is proud to be one of the first physician offices in the Pittsburgh area to offer Fraxel® laser treatments. Fraxel® laser treatments have received vast national media coverage including on: The TODAY Show with Katie Couric, Extreme Make Over, and The View to name a few. Locally, WTAE Channel 4 Action News reported a story on Fraxel® which featured a patient of Cosmetic Laser Centers^SM receiving a treatment. It also featured an interview with Dr. Krysinski. To view this interview please click on the following link.

Fraxel® Laser treatments are designed to target aging and damaged skin by producing thousands of deep microscopic treatment zones. For every treatment zone, there are areas of surrounding tissue left intact. In other words, approximately 20% of the surface is treated at one time, leaving the surrounding area intact to help with a quicker recovery. This “fractional” ablation of tissue is important because it allows the skin to heal much quicker then if the entire area was treated. The “fractional” approach allows patients to have minimal if any down time and return to their busy schedules almost immediatly. Dr. Krysinski often relates Fraxel® to aerating a lawn to promote new, healthy growth.

Until now there have been two broad categories of laser treatments, ablative and non ablative. Traditionally ablative lasers are very effective however they carried greater risks and lengthy healing times. Non ablative lasers created fewer side effects and less down time but results were modest. Fraxel® has filled the gap in-between with its “fractional” ablative technology. It provides the impact of an ablative laser with the gentleness of non-ablative lasers. The FDA has cleared Fraxel® for the treatment of acne scars, age spots, benign brown spots, melasma and wrinkles around the eyes. Because Fraxel® laser treatment spares tissue, it can be used on delicate areas such as neck, chest and hands.

  

Question & Answers:

Q: How does Fraxel® work?

A: Fraxel® is designed to treat aging and damaged skin by targeting portions of specific damaged tissue. By creating microscopic treatment areas within the targeted area Fraxel® treatments trigger the body’s natural healing process and accelerates the production of collagen and new healthy skin cells.

Q: What are the benefits of Fraxel®?

A: Since Fraxel® has the impact of ablative lasers but the more gentle benefits of non-ablative treatments, healing time is significantly accelerated which leads to minimal if any "downtime". Some patients return to routine activities, including work and social activities the day after treatment. Others require a little more time, depending on the patient's treatment and/or personal preference.

Q: What Are The Risks of Fraxel® Laser Treatments?

A: Swelling and redness are the most common side effects from treatment. If swelling does occur, it is usually minimal and will subside within a day or two. Redness may occur and will fade within a day or two. Many relate the swelling and redness to the effects of being sunburned. There is a limited risk of infection or scarring.

Q: How Many Fraxel® Laser Treatments Will I Need?

A: Clinical studies suggest that on average an effective treatment regime is three (3) to five (5) treatments, spaced approximately 4 weeks apart. Optimal improvement is usually seen after 2 to 3 months. This time frame and treatment structure allows for complete healing and replacement of damaged tissue with new collagen, elastin and viable skin cells.

Q: Are Fraxel® Laser Treatments Painful?

A: There is some discomfort associated with the Fraxel® treatment. Most patients describe Fraxel® as a "prickling" or “hot” sensation. A topical anesthetic and an air cooling device are used to make the treatment comfortable and to alleviate discomfort.

Q: What Should I Expect After A Fraxel® Laser Treatment?

A: During the first 24 hours after treatment, your skin may feel as though it has been sunburned, and it will appear pink or red. Make-up can be worn to reduce the sunburned appearance. New epidermal skin develops within 24 hours.

The process of skin repair involves:

Bronzing: Your skin will have a bronzed appearance for 3 to 14 days

Flaking: Your skin will naturally and vigorously exfoliate as the reorganized skin replaces dead tissue. Many equate the flaking as that similar to a minor sunburn, but without the pain. Use of a moisturizer helps to mask the flaking.

Over the following weeks and months, the body repairs the deeper dermal tissues that have been affected by the Fraxel® laser treatment, producing longer beneficial changes associated with a healthy, youthful appearance.

Q: What Precautions Should I take After Treatment?

A: You should always protect your skin from sun exposure. After Fraxel® protection is even more imperative because of the new tissue that has been produced. Wear a sunscreen of AT LEAST SPF 30 or higher. Be sure to re-apply throughout the day. Avoid direct sun exposure during the healing phase and for at least three months after treatment. If you are out in the sun, wear a wide brimmed hat in conjunction with sunscreen to provide additional protection.