Fraxel Laser Treatment

FRAXEL™ LASER TREATMENT

Fraxel™ laser treatment is a revolutionary concept in laser resurfacing of the skin. It was devised as a direct result of physicians (and their patients) wanting the benefits of laser skin resurfacing without the downtime side effects and lengthy recovery period associated with traditional invasive lasers.

How does it work
Fraxel™ laser treatment produces thousands of tiny microscopic laser spots which produce deep columns of treatment in your skin (known as microthermal zones), carefully eliminating old epidermal pigmented cells deep within the dermis. However, for every microthermal zone the laser targets and treats intensively, Fraxel™ laser treatment leaves the surrounding tissue unaffected and intact. This unique “fractional” (or pixel-by-pixel) process allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area were treated at once, utilising the body’s natural healing process to create new, healthy and tighter tissue to replace skin imperfections.
What areas of the skin can be treated with Fraxel™
Because of the unique Fraxel™ laser delivery system it is effective on delicate skin and is approved for use on the neck, chest and hand areas. Your Surgeon will discuss which area(s) of your skin are appropriate for treatment and decide your programme of care.

How many treatments will I need
Depending upon your specific needs most treatment regimes require three to five sessions to achieve the maximum result. Each treatment session targets between 15-20% of the skin’s surface and results are immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement is usually visible in about two to three months.

Treatment sessions are spaced approximately two weeks apart, but this is very flexible and sessions can be organised to suit your needs, weeks or months apart, with no detrimental effect to the final result.

What does the procedure involve
A topical local anaesthetic is applied to the area(s) of treatment one hour prior to the session. The treatment area will then be thoroughly cleansed and a blue based water-soluble tint will be applied to highlight the contours of the skin.

The Fraxel™ treatment will take approximately between 30-45 minutes (depending upon the extent of area to be treated) and the blue tint is removed prior to you leaving the clinic. You will be advised to stay and rest at the clinic for observation for approximately 30 minutes after the treatment. Additional time maybe required for pre and post treatment photographs so please allow a total time of several hours at the clinic.

After the procedure
Most patients report a sunburn sensation for about an hour and then virtually no discomfort thereafter. The skin will have a pinkish tone for five to seven days – this is a normal sign that your skin is healing deeply. Swelling is minimal and generally resolves in two to three days. New epidermal skin develops immediately and this process of skin repair involves:

Bronzing – your skin will develop a bronze appearance that lasts anywhere from 3 to 14 days.
Flaking – your skin will exfoliate naturally as the reorganised epidermal skin replaces dead tissue.
Sunscreen – you will need to apply a sunscreen twice a day for several months after the treatment.

You may apply make-up or shave soon after treatment. Most patients find that they can return to work within 48 hours following the treatment.

When will I see the results
After your very first Fraxel™ session you will begin to feel the difference in your skin as it gradually becomes softer, smoother, tighter and fresher. Fine lines around your eyes, uneven colouring and the bronze spots caused by ageing and sun exposure will gradually fade.

After several treatments, your skin will have a much more youthful and healthy glow with results that you can really see and feel.

Risks related to this procedure
Due to the unique delivery of the Fraxel™ laser system there are very few risks associated with the treatment. However, the skin can be highly sensitive and care must be taken to minimise any adverse reactions. Please ensure that you complete your medical and skin history forms in full and discuss any skin problems you may have with your Surgeon prior to treatment.

The most frequently associated risks are as follows and normally disappear within a few days or weeks of treatment:

Swelling
Redness/blanching
Onset of herpes simplex (cold sores)
Burns/blisters/scabbing
Hyper or hypo pigmentation changes
Bruising
Mild/moderate discomfort (during treatment)
Itching

In the unlikely event of an adverse reaction permanent scarring may occur.

further information and appointment
more information about the procedure


	BEFORE YOUR SURGERY Two weeks before the surgery, you should not take any medications containing aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid), since these products affect the bloods clotting mechanism and therefore may lead to excessive bleeding during and after surgery, hence resulting increased bruising. Taking high doses of vitamin E preparations, eating large amounts of garlic and consuming alcohol can also produce the same result and should be avoided. If pain medication is necessary, we recommend you take ibuprofen/paracetamol. It is in your own best interests to quit smoking, at least two weeks before and until 2 weeks after surgery. It is well known that smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels, which leads to a decreased blood supply to the skin, thus slowing and interfering with the healing process. Be sure to inform your surgeon of any medications you take, as well as possible allergies including (drug, latex, plasters and so on). Your surgeon will decide whether preliminary examinations are necessary, such as blood tests, an electrocardiogram, or x-rays of the lungs. If this is the case, these tests should be performed several weeks before the surgery. It is best not to wear any makeup when you come in for your operation. Wear loose clothing that doesn't need to be pulled over your head; you may also want to bring a scarf to cover the bandages on the way home. Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before your operation. Make certain you have someone to collect you and stay with you overnight after the surgery. You are not allowed to drive a car for 48 hours after the surgery, due to the effects of the anaesthetic. On the day of the operation, the surgeon will explain each step of the procedure, and the nurse will assist you throughout the operation. A local anaesthetic will be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) with a very fine needle. You will feel a slight sting and a light burning sensation, but that will disappear almost immediately. The anaesthetic will last about 2-3 hours and will guarantee you have a painless procedure. At the end of the operation, your face will be cleaned with a sterile solution; a dressing will then be applied as well as a facial band that will sit under chin and around the head.

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