Fraxel Laser for Skin Resurfacing in Florida
The cosmetic surgery field is constantly welcoming new additions to the long list of treatments for removing wrinkles, age spots, scars and other skin flaws. The Fraxel procedure involves the division of a laser beam into thousands of microscopic treatment zones, each targeting a specific area of skin. The selective portions of skin are heated and then healthy new cells fill in the damaged areas. Healing time is reduced because fewer cells have to be replaced. A patient can expect to see results within a few days after the first session although it is important to note that the overall effect will occur gradually over time. For optimal results, Fraxel patients are encouraged to have 4 to 6 20-minute sessions spaced 7 to 10 days apart. Common side effects include a red sunburned appearance to the skin, a feeling of tight skin and mild to moderate flaking. These reactions tend to reduce and go away after a few days and are less severe than effects associated with other laser resurfacing methods. The Fraxel treatment has been compared with altering a photograph with a computer program such as Adobe Photoshop. Similar to the photo editor who zooms in on every single tiny imperfection, a surgeon focuses on small areas of skin paying close attention to detail in order to create a smooth and youthful appearance. Most people who choose to use Fraxel will focus on areas of the face, arms, hands and chest in order to remove undesirable skin flaws including fine lines, aging spots, wrinkles, acne scars and melasma, the skin condition in which symmetrical brown spots occur on the skin as a result of overexposure to the sun. Results are usually seen early on during treatment, often after the first session. This is because the laser targets collagen beneath the skin and as the collagen is repaired and re-grown the skin will take on a tighter, smoother feel. Many women are turning to this new form of skin renewal due to its ability for turning back the years, the physically visible ones anyway. While the face has long been the primary target for cosmetic surgery, now other areas of the body can receive the same changes. This avoids the common problem that arises when a woman’s face is young and smooth in appearance yet her hands and arms are clearly those of a much older woman. Through laser resurfacing of all areas a woman can erase years of skin damage in just weeks. Fraxel is unique because of how the treatment actually does what it does. The laser produces thousands of tiny localized treatments known as MicroThermal Zones. These zones are what define an area that will undergo alteration and an area that will remain untouched. During the process, collagen and elastin are regenerated and about 20% of the skin is resurfaced with each session. What makes Fraxel special is its ability to bypass healthy, living skin cells and touch only those cells that require re-growth. This level of precision makes the procedure safe, reliable and worth the big bucks it’s going cost. The “fractional” treatment area is what makes the healing process work so quickly. Instead of the body facing a large portion of skin to re-grow it can focus on smaller areas. The Fraxel laser treatment can also be distinguished by the process through which treatment is performed. A doctor will start by administering local anesthetic as requested by the patient (no sedatives or pain medications are required). Next an FDA-approved blue tint is applied to the skin to create a colored surface that allows the laser to travel over the skin’s surface. A computer hand piece is then maneuvered across the desired treatment area and the lasers go to work beneath the surface. Fraxel costs anywhere from $950 to $2000 per session, depending on market area and individual treatment requirements.
Article contributed by Ellie Loveman.
Fraxel FL
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