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FraxelTM Laser Resurfacing & Wrinkle Reduction
We are pleased to be the first Plastic surgery practice in San Diego and one of the first in Southern California to offer the FRAXEL Laser.
As seen on the TODAY Show, CNN, Allure and W Magazine, the FRAXEL Laser Treatment is a revolutionary procedure is allows us to treat your skin in a way never before possible. The Fraxel laser penetrates deeply into the skin dermis with thousands of tiny microthermal treatment zones, employing a technique called fractional photothermolysis. Fractional laser resurfacing leaves the surrounding tissue unaffected and intact, permitting the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area was treated at once. Thus, downtime is minimally compared to more extensive and damaging resurfacing lasers such as the CO2 or Carbon Dioxide laser. More importantly, many of the long term complications seen with the Carbon Dioxide laser are avoided and all skin types and colors can be safely treated.
Until today, most lasers treated the skin with high power levels and macroscopic spot sizes. The problem with this approach is that healthy tissue is often damaged along with the skin that is being treated. In addition, there was no overriding technological intelligence for controlling the amount of thermal injury that the skin receives.
Reliant's approach is based upon the evolving science of Fractional Photothermolysis. This has been developed by Drs. Rox Anderson and Dieter Manstein of Harvard's Wellman Laboratories in collaboration with Dr. Scott Herron and Len DeBenedictis, of Reliant Technologies.
Treating the skin fractionally with patterns of microscopic laser spots, each of which is 70-100µm in diameter, results in a unique wound healing process. This is aided by the fact that each laser spot (known as a MicroThermal Zone, or MTZ) is surrounded by healthy tissue. Many of the stem cells and melanocytes in the papillary dermis are spared. Fractional wound healing results in both rapid reepitheliazation of the epidermis as well as collagen remodeling to depths of 400-700 microns.
Artist's depiction of Fractional Photothermolysis
Clinical studies suggest that 4-6 treatments spaced about a week apart produce a gradual remodeling of dermal matrix components, firming collagen and elastin. A topical anesthetic and a unique blue dye are used prior to treatment, which takes about 60 minutes. Laser treatment itself takes another 45 minutes.
Before
After
(Courtesy of Reliant Technology)
Side effects are minimal. A mild sunburn sensation occurs for approximately an hour after the treatment. The skin has a pinkish tone for 1-3 days. This is a normal sign of healing. Swelling is minimal.
BeforeAfter
(Courtesy of Reliant Technology)
Within 24 hours, new epidermal skin begins to emerge. This process of skin repair involves flaking and bronzing. The use of sunscreen throughout the process is absolutely necessary. Optimal improvement may take 3-6 months.
BeforeAfter
(Courtesy of Reliant Technology)
Fraxel Laser Treatment is effective for:
- Skin rejuvenation
- Reduction of fine wrinkles
- Rejuvenation of sun damaged skin on the face, neck, shoulders and hands
- Reduction of age spots and blotches
- Acne scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Improvement in coarse and deeper wrinkles
More details regarding your FRAXEL laser treatment can be discussed and planned in a personalized, individualized consultation with our registered nurse laser specialist and our plastic surgeon.
More information about Fraxel:
- New! Fraxel Repair Laser
- Fraxel Laser on Oprah
- Fraxel re:pair laser on The Today Show
- Fraxel Restore Laser
Call our office today at 858-453-7224 or our toll-free line, 877-336-5900, now as appointments are at a premium and we want to be able to treat your needs.
Call FACESplusTM at 858-453-7224 to learn more about cosmetic surgery, lasers, and non-surgical options.
