Fraxel™ re:store Laser

About the Fraxel re:store laser

The Fraxel re:store laser has recently captured the national spotlight as a top new advance in the field of skin rejuvenation, with media coverage in Health, Prevention, CNN, and CBS, to name a few. It offers a "fractional" approach to laser skin resurfacing, leaving tiny microscopic islands of untreated skin between the treated areas. As a result it can impressively repair aging, scarred, discolored and sun-damaged skin with minimal to no downtime. The creation of microscopic wounds results in tiny areas of collagen regeneration which gradually restore the skin, both on the surface and at depth, similar to altering the individual dots that make up a photograph in a newspaper or magazine

Benefits

• All areas of the skin, including face, neck, hands and body can be treated
• Wrinkles, discoloration, including sun spots, brown age spots and hormonal facial discoloration (melasma) can usually be effectively treated
• Uneven discoloration, sometimes including areas that are too light, can be improved
• Precancerous lesions are reduced
• Scarring of all types including acne scarring, burn and surgical scars can be improved, sometimes quite dramatically
• Large pores and skin roughness can be improved
• There is little to no downtime
• Recovery is quick and usually there is no need to miss work
• Risk is minimal; Fraxel re:store has the best risk/benefit ratio of any laser

Alternatives to Fraxel re:store

• Sciton Broad Band Light System (BBL)
• CO2 and Sciton Erbium YAG resurfacing
• Microlaserpeel
• Fillers (Restylane, Radiesse, Juvéderm)
• Subcision
• Sciton or Medlite laser toning

How does the Fraxel re:store laser work?

If one views a magnified newspaper photo, one will see that the picture is actually comprised of thousands of tiny spots of ink. Similarly, this laser treatment produces thousands of tiny microthermal zones. These zones penetrate deeply into the dermis producing collagen remodeling and reducing wrinkles. They also resurface the uppermost portion of the skin, resulting in the formation of new epidermal cells with reduction or complete elimination of uneven pigment. Further, the remaining areas of untouched skin between these microthermal zones allow the skin to heal much faster compared to conventional laser skin resurfacing.

Who is a candidate for treatment?

The Fraxel re:store laser is useful for all skin types. However, people with darker skin types are a bit more likely to develop increased pigmentation, which is almost always temporary.

How should I prepare for treatment and what should I expect?

One should avoid tanning for a month before treatment. Fraxel re:store treatment is performed right in our medical facility using only topical anesthesia. Some people will also use oral medication to improve the comfort level. The topical anesthetic will remain on about 45 minutes prior to treatment. Treatment with our Fraxel re:store system is now faster, usually 30 minutes or less and with each treatment you should see steady improvement in skin color and the skin surface

What happens after treatment?

You will experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour and then virtually no discomfort. The skin will have a pinkish tone for five to seven days. This is a normal sign that the skin is healing deeply, that dermal tissue is being repaired, and there is good blood circulation. Swelling is minimal and generally resolves in two to three days. You may apply makeup or shave after the treatment. Typically patients find they can go back to work soon after treatment or the next day.

How does the recovery process proceed?

New epidermal skin develops immediately, within 24 hours. This process of skin repair involves some mild bronzing of the skin and some mild exfoliation of the skin. Moisturizer helps with this and the use of sunscreen after treatment is strongly recommended.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments necessary will vary from person to person, but generally will require three to six treatments. Treatments are generally monthly, but may be spaced at longer or shorter intervals.

Does it hurt?

Treatment with the Fraxel re:store laser requires the use of a topical anesthetic cream to make the procedure comfortable. For some individuals this can be supplemented by oral pain control medication given before the start of the procedure.

Who performs the treatments?

Treatments are performed by our highly skilled and compassionate RNs. Dr. Bock is almost always available on the premises, or nearby.

Why should you choose California Skin & Laser Center for your Fraxel re:store treatment?

At California Skin & Laser Center, we want you to have an excellent outcome and to feel that your needs and concerns have been promptly addressed in a caring and sensitive fashion. We strive diligently to ensure your satisfaction, your comfort, your privacy, and your safety. All treatments are supervised or performed by a board-certified dermatologist with many years of successful experience in a large variety of cosmetic procedures. Many treatment modalities are available, and we can recommend the one or two that are most likely to meet your needs; we're here to meet your needs and help you realize your aspirations. At our clinic in Stockton, CA, we serve communities throughout San Joaquin County and the Central Valley, including Lodi, Sacramento, Tracy, Manteca, Modesto, Galt, and Valley Springs; many of our patients also come from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Safety and Side Effects

We have found the Fraxel re:store to be the safest laser we have ever used. Infection, scarring and change in skin coloration (either hyper or hypopigmentation) is possible with almost any laser treatment; the Fraxel re:store, however, provides unprecedented control in laser skin rejuvenation. Risks are minimal, though the specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for any person can be determined only at the time of the consultation. All procedures have some degree of risk, although the risks of the Fraxel treatments tend, for the most part, to be minor.