The introduction of fractionated laser technology now offers a treatment option which treats uneven pigmentation, lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and loose skin with results that last up 5 to 10 years.
In a recent ASAPS study, chemical peels and microdermabrasions were among the most popular non-surgical cosmetic enhancement procedures.
Unfortunately, these procedures must be repeated several times a year to maintain their results. Chemical peels will help even skin pigmentation and improve the texture of the skin. Microdermabrasions remove the outer most layer of dead cells, which with multiple treatments reduces lentigenes or brown spots and makes the skin appear refreshed. However, even when combined, chemical peels and microdermabrasions simply cannot effectively treat lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and loose skin.
Reliant Technologies, the originator of fractional laser skin resurfacing, offers a way to treat pigmentation and texture like chemical peels and microdermabrasion but also effectively treats lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and loose skin, often with a single treatment, that lasts for years.
Fraxel lasers are separated by two classes- Erbium and CO2, or non-ablative and ablative. The Fraxel Re:store is an Erbium non-ablative class laser. By employing a continuous scanning pattern, the practioner can control the density with which the laser treats the skin. The laser coagulates microscopic pixels which penetrate 1.5 millimeters into the skin, called microthermal zones, which stimulate collagen synthesis for removal of lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and tightening the skin. This fractionated treatment also evens skin pigmentation and texture. Because this is a non-ablative laser, multiple treatments may be required to achieve optimal results.
The Fraxel Re:pair is a fractional ablative CO2 class laser, and is the only fractioned CO2 that has been clinically proven and received FDA clearance for treatment of lines, wrinkles, irregular pigmentation, textural abnormalities, and vascular dyschromia (redness). The Fraxel Re:pair has also been clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of acne and atrophic scars. Utilizing the same continuous scanning technique as the Fraxel Re:store, a microscopic treatment zone is penetrated, removing old skin and causing an instantaneous contraction from untreated skin, producing a tightening effect. With minimal downtime and the risks associated with surgery removed, the Fraxel Re:pair treatment offers a preventative measure to someone who is considering a facelift in their future. Since this laser is ablative, a single treatment will produce significant results.
With the popularity of cosmetic procedures on the rise, it is important to know the effectiveness and implications of a procedure in order to determine what will work best for you. If you have enjoyed the benefits of facials and microdermabrasions, consider laser resurfacing as a means to acheive more significant and permanent results.
American Beauty and Wellness is your information resource for surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic medical procedures. Use this site to find out the latest cosmetic innovations, such as Botox, Juvederm, and Thermage, and where to find the doctor nearest you that can provide these treatments.
Karl Swanson, M.D. is a graduate of the University of Illinois Medical School. He served as a Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force and is currently the Medical Director of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center locateded centrally in Florida. Dr. Swanson and his staff are dedicated to providing the latest and most effective treatments to their patients up and down the East Coast, ranging from Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Orlando to Los Angeles and New York.