Fraxel Laser in San Diego, CA

State-Of-The-Art Laser Technology

The latest Fraxel Laser system is the Fraxel DUAL, which provides selective treatments for both resurfacing and/or superficial pigmentation. The Fraxel Dual actually is a platform for two separate lasers – the Fraxel Restore Erbium laser, and the new Thulium wavelength for superficial pigmentation.

One major advantage of fractional laser resurfacing is that it can be used not only on the face but on many areas of the body. This state-of-the-art advanced procedure is a “Total Body Laser.” We can treat a variety of conditions all over the body to improve skin appearance on chest, arms, hands, upper back and even the legs:

• Pigmentation: freckles, age spots, sun damage and Melasma
• Texture: wrinkles, enlarged pores, rough skin, actinic keratoses
• Scars: acne scars, surgical scars
• Tightens: subtly builds collagen in response to the laser thermal effects

Is Fraxel FDA-Approved?

Yes. The Fraxel Lasers have FDA 510(k) clearances for acne scars and surgical scars; skin resurfacing procedures; pigmented lesions such as age spots, sun spots and diffuse pigmentation; melasma; treatment of wrinkles around the eyes; and for other dermatological conditions.

How Is The Fraxel Dual Different From The Previous Fraxel Laser?

The Fraxel Restore, the original fractional resurfacing laser, uses a “coagulation” process which superheats columns of skin, but does not vaporize them (as is the case with CO2 lasers). Healing is quick since surrounding skin tissue stays completely unaffected. Studies and practical application indicate that 3 to 5 sessions usually spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, provide the best response. However, treatment plans can be very flexible and effective, even spaced by weeks if that best meets the needs of our patients.

By design, each treatment session targets about 20 to 25% of the skin’s surface, depending on the treatment level selected. Our new Fraxel Dual is able to speed up the treatment process by up to 25%.

The Fraxel Thulium For Pigmentation

The Fraxel Thulium is a pigment-specific laser which is typically used once, with more difficult cases requiring a second session. The process typically is complete over a 7 day period. Epidermal pigmentation from sun exposure, epidermal melasma and some levels of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation are ideal problems to be alleviated by the Fraxel Thulium laser. However, certain skin types require a preparatory period during which time those patients will use topical pigment suppressors to prevent bounce-back hyperpigmentation.

How your skin type affects treatment protocol. All lasers work by heat and heat has the potential to create an inflammatory process in the skin. Patients with backgrounds which include southern hemisphere countries, Asia and the Middle East all have potential higher risk. For this reason, we require patients with those ethnic skin types to properly prepare their skin. Our medical staff will determine your potential suitability. All FRAXEL treatments are performed by Dr. Mani or our trained laser staff using topical anesthetics and blocks. There is no need for heavy sedation as the treatment is tolerable and quick.

FAQs

What Happens After Treatment?

Fraxel laser treatments leave you feeling as if you have had sunburn for about 1 to 2 hours. More aggressive treatments for acne scarring may mean more extended heat sensations, but this will dissipates fairly quickly. Your skin will stay pink for usually 5 to 7 days. This is a normal sign indicating your skin is healing on a deep level. Swelling is mild and generally is gone in 2 to 3 days. The skin will also be tight and have a sandpaper-like feel. The skin usually flakes off around day 2 or 3 and lasts for another day or so. New epidermal skin develops immediately, within 24 hours.

What Are The Benefits Of Fraxel Laser Treatments?

This treatment eliminates old epidermal pigmented cells. It also penetrates deeply into the dermis. This will reduce pigmentation, freckles, melasma, age spots, wrinkles, acne scars, rough skin and weathered appearance in face, neck, chest, arms, hands and any part of the body. It is also safe on all skin types.

What Are The Risks Of Fraxel Treatment?

• Hyperpigmentation – This is usually only with skin type IV-VI and if skin is not prepared well before procedure (by using products such as retinol, vitamin C, and hydroquinone to lessen production of pigment by melanocytes). Hyperpigmentation is not very common, as settings for Fraxel are very individualized and providers assess the patients skin type and settings are customized for them.
• Burning – This may happen if a patient uses any skin care products not authorized by the provider after treatment while the skin is healing, or from sun exposure after treatment while the skin is healing. This can be avoided completely if the patient follows the skin care regimen and instructions provided by the provider, and avoids sun exposure after treatment.
• Infection – This is rare, but is more common if the patient pets and touches the area of their skin that was treated with Fraxel after touching their pets while the skin is still healing.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The greatest benefit is achieved with 4 to 5 treatments. However, the doctor or our specially trained cosmetic nurses will be able to determine how many treatments you need. Patients willing to undergo a short amount of downtime may prefer our TotalFX laser procedure which is a combination of our ActiveFX and DeepFX.

When Can I Go Back To Work?

Typically patients find they can go back to work soon after treatment or the next day.

Is It Possible To Use Make-Up Or Shave Right After My Treatment?

Makeup use or shaving is usually permitted once the treated skin columns are healed. This is usually within a day or two, but is dependant upon your level of treatment.

How Do I Protect My Skin After Treatment?

You must completely avoid the sun for the first few days and take extra care to protect your skin from more damage Required is SPF 30-plus sunscreen and applied twice a day.. Talk to one of our staff members about our medical-grade sun block and post-laser skin treatments.

Give your skin a refreshed and healthy appearance with Fraxel® treatments for men and women in San Diego, Encinitas, La Mesa, El Cajon, and surrounding areas of California. Contact La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic today to schedule a consultation.