Q - What is Fraxel re:pair treatment?
Fraxel re:pair treatment is a revolutionary new way to correct deeper wrinkles and tighten skin. Fraxel re:pair treatment also has a much lower risk of scarring or delayed pigment changes than other ablative procedures. Fraxel re:pair treatment is a safe and effective way to remove years from your appearance.
Q - How does Fraxel re:pair treatment work?
Like some other ablative procedures, Fraxel re:pair laser treatment uses a high-intensity carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to vaporize unwanted tissue. But unlike other ablative procedures, Fraxel re:pair treatment uses fractional technology to deliver dramatic results with dramatically faster recovery time – all in a single treatment. Fraxel re:pair treatment uses thousands of microscopic laser columns to penetrate deep into the skin and remove old, damaged skin cells. This stimulates your body’s own natural healing process, which replaces the cells with fresh, glowing, healthy skin. Because the technology is so precise, Fraxel re:pair treatment works not only on the face, but also on delicate skin areas like the neck, chest and hands.
Q - How is Fraxel re:pair treatment different from Fraxel re:store treatment?
Both Fraxel re:pair treatment and Fraxel re:store treatment use fractional technology, but in different ways. As an ablative procedure, Fraxel re:pair treatment uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to vaporize microscopic columns of tissue deep within the skin. Because Fraxel re:pair treatment intensely treats the most severe skin damage, results are achieved in a single treatment and recovery time is generally longer than other Fraxel treatments. Fraxel re:store treatment, on the other hand, is a non-ablative technique that intensively treats older skin cells while leaving the skin’s protective barrier intact, thus resulting in no clinical downtime.
Q - What are the benefits of Fraxel re:pair treatment?
Significant results in a single treatment
A preemptive strike against a facelift – through skin-tightening that defends against loose, saggy skin
Smoother, more even skin tone and texture
Softening of deep frown lines and wrinkles
Improved appearance of redness caused by sun damage
Q - What FDA clearances has Fraxel re:pair treatment received? Fraxel re:pairlaser has received FDA clearance for many indications on and off the face, including:
Wrinkles
Irregular texture
Age spots/sunspots (pigmented lesions)
Sun-induced redness (vascular dyschromia)
Q - How many treatments will I need and how quickly will I see results?
Clinical studies suggest that for most people, maximum results are realized in just one treatment. The Fraxel re:pair treatment was specifically engineered to enable your physician to tailor the treatment to your particular needs. If you have deep, severe sun damage, your physician may treat the skin more aggressively, which can mean up to a week of social downtime. No matter what your situation is, Fraxel re:pair treatment can produce remarkable results without the prolonged recovery time and complications of other procedures.
Q - How is Fraxel re:pair treatment performed and does the treatment hurt?
First, your skin will be cleansed. Then, 60 to 90 minutes prior to treatment, a topical numbing agent will be applied to the treatment area. Your physician may also choose to give you another medication, such as Ativan, to relax you. Most patients describe an increased sensation of heat during the treatment, and there may be some discomfort or pain. However, unlike the experience in traditional CO2 treatments, you will feel quite comfortable immediately after a Fraxel re:pair treatment. The procedure takes approximately 30-40 minutes for a full face.
Q - What should I expect after Fraxel re:pair treatment and what are the risks?
Depending upon the aggressiveness of your treatment, there might be some pinpoint bleeding following the procedure, as well as some oozing for up to 48 hours until the wounds close up. The most common side effects are edema (swelling), which usually subsides after a week, and erythema (redness), which may last up to a month, depending on the aggressiveness of treatment. Other temporary side effects may include minor itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking, and a bronzed skin appearance. Some of these skin reactions may not occur with all patients.
Q - What precautions should I take after treatment?
Follow your physician’s advice on wound care, which is essential for your skin to heal properly. Wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, avoid direct sun exposure for at least 3 months after your last treatment, and wear a wide-brimmed hat when you’re in the sun.
Q - How long do the positive effects of Fraxel re:pair treatment last?
The results of Fraxel re:pair treatment are both immediate and progressive. Soon after the treatment, the surface of your skin will feel softer, look brighter and show more even tone. The next 3 to 6 months will bring more improvement as the deeper layers of the skin continue to heal.
