Fraxel Exclusive to Lower Cape Fear Dermatology Clinic
You have seen it on TV and read about it in magazines. The Fraxel Laser has now arrived in the Coastal Cape Fear region. See for yourself how Fraxel Laser Treatment can help you achieve beautiful looking skin. You can repair your damaged skin with minimal downtime. Restore the health and beauty of your skin and regain your youthful appearance with this safe, non-invasive procedure.
 Dr. Courregé is the first physician in the Wilmington area to offer Fraxel Laser Resurfacing for the treatment of severe sun damage. Fraxel laser resurfacing is approved by the FDA for the resurfacing of aging skin as well as acne scarred and sun damaged skin. The Fraxel Laser procedure will improve the effects of sun damage, wrinkling, dark spots, melasma, large pores and lumpy texture on the face, neck, chest, and hands. It is very good for the treatment of acne scars. There is a continued improvement for up to 3 months following the final treatment. Benefits have been shown to last years when the skin is properly cared for post treatment completion. (regular sunscreen use)
What is Fraxel?
Fraxel is a new, unique technology that creates a smoother skin texture and more even skin tone without the downtime that is required with CO2 Laser or surgery. Fraxel utilizes a novel method of skin rejuvenation called fractional photo-thermolysis (FP) that rejuvenates skin by creating micro-thermal injury zones (MTZ) in a computer controlled, geometric pattern leaving normal skin surrounding each wound to renew and repair the laser impacted skin. By treating small areas of the skin at each treatment session, patients may return to normal activities with minimal side effects and still achieve the results attained with an ablative procedure. Lower Cape Fear Dermatology Clinic, P.A. is the first provider of Fraxel in Wilmington area.
How Does Fraxel Work?
The application of these microscopic impacts, in contrast to universal ablation of the skin as with CO2 laser resurfacing, allows rapid repair of skin and thus there is no or minimal downtime. Typically, a series of 3-5 treatments is performed at 7-14 days intervals – each time creating MTZ's over about 12-20% of the entire treatment area. This "fractional" approach to treating the skin helps promote healing faster than if the entire area had been treated. Healthy skin begins to merge with treated areas, which over a series of treatments, results in a fresher, newer appearance of the skin.
What Can I expect during my Fraxel Treatment?
You will come in at least 1 hour before your treatment time and upon arrival, you will thoroughly wash your face with a mildly abrasive cleanser. An FDA certified water-soluble tint called OptiGuide Blue is applied to the treatment area and is used to guide the laser. The tint is washed off after treatment. A topical numbing cream is applied 1 hour prior to treatment to minimize discomfort. Despite the use of a topical anesthetic, the procedure may be painful. The actual treatment consists of a series of horizontal and vertical passes with the laser. The administrator simply slides the robotic hand piece over the skin with each pass consisting of overlapping strokes. At each visit, the entire skin surface is treated resulting in laser impacts over approximately 20% of the treated area.
What can I expect after my Fraxel Treatment?
Mild swelling and redness is expected immediately following your treatment with a slight sunburn sensation that lasts several hours. Peeling similar to sunburn peeling is expected over the following several days. In areas of more aggressive treatment, it is common to have small scabs or erosions. Aquaphor ointment should be applied to these areas. Sunscreen and makeup may be applied immediately following each treatment with a return to normal activities.
What type of results can I expect?
Over a period of 1-3 months, clinical improvement will occur in skin that will be noticed as a reduction in blotchy pigment, freckles and sunspots, improved skin texture, reduction of fine lies and deeper wrinkles. Skin tightening may also be observed. There is a low risk of infection.
What are the risks of Fraxel Treatment?
The risk of scarring is small due to controlled microscopic areas of laser impacts. Pigment changes consisting of either darkening or lightening of the skin have thus far not been reported with the Fraxel laser treatment; however, long-term pigment changes are possible although unlikely. Delayed healing or risk of infection is felt to be unlikely because only microscopic areas of skin are treated at each session, but healing may be delayed in areas of more aggressive treatment. Cold sore activation may occur when the mouth area is treated. If you are prone to cold sores inform your physician so prophylactic treatment can be recommended.
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