Fraxel is the current leader in fractionated laser technology for cosmetic purposes. The technology behind this revolutionary laser, fractional photothermolysis, delivers laser energy in microscopic pulses which treat the skin deeply but in a more gentle fashion than other lasers. Fraxel comes in three forms: Re:Fine, Re:Store, and Re:Pair.
The Fraxel Re:Fine laser is an “erbium” laser and is the least aggressive of the three Fraxel lasers. It is manufactured for use in medical spas, and treatments can be administered by a trained aesthetician or nurse. The Fraxel Re:Store laser is a more aggressive version of the Re:Fine laser, and is intended to be used in physician offices. Both lasers will improve the texture and tone of skin through the process of collagen remodeling. In addition, the color of skin will be improved by removing age spots and uneven skin color. There is little recovery time with either of these lasers, but improvement in wrinkles is not as significant as some patients desire.
The Fraxel Re:Pair laser uses a carbon dioxide (“CO2”) wavelength and is the most aggressive of the Fraxel lasers. This laser is more of a surgical laser than the others, because it removes skin (i.e., it is ablative), whereas the Re:Fine and Re:Store lasers leave the skin intact (i.e., they are nonablative). As a result, there is a longer recovery time after a Re:Pair laser treatment, but the results are far superior in terms of wrinkle removal.
In the past, lasers would uniformly remove entire layers of skin leaving a waxy, burned look to the skin after a long period of wound healing. With fractionated laser technology from Fraxel, the skin is rejuvenated without the prolonged healing time and waxy appearance.
The Fraxel Re:Pair laser should be done by a trained physician, preferably a board-certified plastic surgeon, and patients should expect about 3 to 5 days of healing. The reward is beautiful radiant skin with significant improvement in those pesky wrinkles.
Click here to learn more about Fraxel laser treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. John Burns, just call his office at 214-515-0002 or send an email to: info@DrJohnBurns.com. Dr. Burns and his staff look forward to helping you.