Fraxel Restore

How Does Fraxel Restore Work?

Fraxel Restore is a skin conditioning and resurfacing procedure that works by using a specially calibrated medical-grade laser to remove a very small amount of tissue from your skin. Removing these skin cells stimulates the body to repair the damaged tissue without causing much trauma to the rest of the body. The repair process refreshes and rejuvenates the skin, helping to both tighten it and fill in wrinkles. The repair process can also remove some blemishes, such as scars and sun or age spots because the old, flawed cells are being replaced. The heat of the laser also promotes the production of collagen, which is one of the basic proteins that your body uses to grow new cells. The excess collagen encourages your body to not only repair the cells that have been damaged, but also to grow some entirely new ones, which will help with wrinkles and scars, since these new tissues can fill in the empty spaces and smooth out the overall appearance of your skin.

What Are The Advantages Of Fraxel Restore?

Fraxel Restore is the original Fraxel laser skin resurfacing procedure, which means that it has been tested again and again in clinics across the country. Fraxel Restore is praised for its consistently good results and low incidence of problems, as well as its flexibility in dealing with a wide variety of skin problems. Its main advantage over some of its competitors is that it uses a fractionated laser. The differences between a fractionated laser and the regular CO2 kind that many other procedures use is a little complicated, but in layman's terms, the difference is that instead of being a single, intense beam of light, the Fraxel Restore laser is composed of many tiny, scattered beams, which makes it a much gentler option than many of its other counterparts. A fractionated laser spreads the power of the laser out a little, causing it to remove much smaller amounts of tissue in a scattered pattern, which means that the damaged cells lie right next to healthy tissue, and are surrounded by plenty of intact blood vessels. This widespread pattern makes for much faster and efficient healing, as well as less pain and a shorter, less intensive recovery period.

In addition to its relative mildness, many patients also like the way that Fraxel Restore continues to improve their skin even after their cycle of treatments is complete. Unlike many skin-care products or procedures, the effects of Fraxel Restore do not immediately begin to diminish. Instead, the increase of collagen in the skin and the other long-term effects of the laser mean that problems not only look much better right after the treatment, but that they can continue to improve for up to a year afterward.

What Kinds Of Problems Does Fraxel Restore Fix?

Fraxel Restore laser skin resurfacing procedures are very effective at treating a wide range of skin problems and conditions, all without requiring any form of surgery, or tedious regimens of creams and masks. During your initial consultation, your doctor can advise you more fully about whether or not Fraxel Restore is the right treatment for your particular problem, but you should know that the procedure is widely used for all of the following conditions:

• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Acne scars
• Surgical scars
• Age spots
• Sunspots
• Melasma
• Irregular pigmentation
• Rough or uneven skin texture
• Surface impurities or imperfections
• A dull or dark complexion
• Old or inelastic skin

How Many Fraxel Restore Treatments Will It Take For Me To See My Desired Results?

There isn't an exact, one-size-fits-all answer to this question, because how many treatments it takes depends quite a bit on exactly what kind of problem you are trying to treat, how severe it is, and how healthy your skin is overall. When you meet with your doctor during the initial consultation, he or she will examine your skin and ask you some questions about the kind of results you want to achieve before giving you a personalized estimate of how many treatments you will need. In general, however, most patients are advised to get between three and five sessions of Fraxel Restore laser skin resurfacing treatments in order to get the full effect.

Sessions are usually spaced between two and four weeks apart, although they can be spaced more widely if it is necessary to accommodate your schedule. The effects of your treatments will start to show up immediately, and each successive treatment will add to your improvements. You do not have to finish a cycle once you have started-your results will not worsen for skipping treatments-but you may not get the full effect. Also, some clinics offer package deals on treatment sessions, meaning it might be cheaper to buy a full cycle in advance then to get them one at a time later.

Results from laser skin resurfacing treatments are permanent, but your body naturally develops things like age spots, wrinkles, and sagging over time, so you will not always look just as you did leaving the clinic. If you wish, however, you can return for additional treatments in the future to take care of any problems that are advancing.

Am I A Good Candidate For A Fraxel Restore Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure?

The requirements for receiving a laser skin resurfacing procedure vary a little from state to state and clinic to clinic, but in general they are not very stringent, meaning people of all ages can easily qualify. Some very severe medical conditions may render a patient ineligible for Fraxel Restore, such as cancer heart disease, or some chronic illnesses. In addition, pregnant women should avoid the treatments, and those who are or have been on Roaccutane or a generic form thereof must wait until at least six months after they come off the medication before getting any kind of laser skin resurfacing. For the vast majority of people, however, Fraxel Restore treatments are quite safe, and are successful at treating a wide range of skin conditions, including things like wrinkles, scars, acne scars, and pigmentary problems. The treatments are effective on both women and men of all skin colors, and can be used on almost any part of the body, although the face, neck, chest, and hands are the most popular areas. Laser skin resurfacing is targeted toward people who want better results than they may have previously obtained from light chemical peels or microdermabrasion, but have neither the time nor the money for some of the more intensive cosmetic procedures available

What Should I Expect If I Choose To Get A Fraxel Restore Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure?

If you are interested in getting a Fraxel Restore laser skin resurfacing procedure, the first step is to locate a doctor in your area that offers it. Once you have done this, call to set up an initial consultation with him or her. This is a meeting that will give you a chance to meet with him or her before you commit to anything, and give you a chance to gauge whether or not you would be comfortable allowing him or her to perform the treatment. It also is a great opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the procedure, the doctor's credentials, or the recovery period following your laser skin resurfacing. In turn, it allows the doctor in question to examine your skin and any skin problems you may have, learn a little more about the state of your health and the goals you have for your appearance, and also determine whether or not you are qualified for the procedure. The initial consultation is also usually where the doctor and patient agree upon a price for the procedure, and discuss any needed financial aid.

If you decide during your consultation that you are ready to go ahead with the procedure, you will schedule an appointment at this time. Then the doctor will instruct you on how best to care for your skin in the interim, and what to do to prepare for your laser skin resurfacing treatment. This may include restrictions on how much or what kind of makeup to use for a certain length of time before the procedure, restrictions on certain cleansers or lotions (especially some of the harsher ones, such as those specifically targeting acne or containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids), and instructions on when and how to cleanse your face or any other area(s) you want to have treated. Your doctor may also prescribe you some sort of antibiotic to take before you have your procedure to minimize the risk of any kind of infection.

On the day of your procedure, try your best to arrive at the clinic early. This will not only give you a chance to fill out any necessary paperwork and avoid delays, but it will also help you to relax. Being a little nervous about laser skin resurfacing is completely normal, especially if you haven't had it before, but it isn't much fun. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life, even for just a few minutes before your procedure, can help reduce your anxiety level, which in turn will make your experience with laser skin resurfacing more pleasant. If you cannot shake your anxiety, you may be able to get a mild sedative from your doctor or his staff to make it safe for you to have your surgery.

When the doctor is ready for you, you will be brought back into a preparation room. Your doctor may perform a quick exam, and then he will clean your skin and administer your anesthetic. Although there is not typically much pain associated with laser skin resurfacing, you will almost certainly be given some form of anesthetic to control what pain there is and to keep you from worrying. Typically, this anesthetic takes the form of a surface-numbing gel. It is quite effective and has the advantage of not requiring any needles or special training to use, but it can take a while to kick in-sometimes as long as an hour. Bringing a book to your appointment will help you pass the time while you wait for your procedure to begin. Your doctor may also have you take an antibiotic to help reduce the risk of a post-procedure infection.

Once you have received your anesthesia, the doctor will bring you in to his or her procedural room. There, he or she will use the Fraxel Restore laser to remove a very small amount of tissue from the surface of the skin. Because the Fraxel Restore laser is fractionated and less intense than many medical lasers, the doctor does not need to remove very much tissue at all, so the procedure will probably not be either very painful, nor too traumatic. When it is finished laser skin resurfacing treatments generally take between 20 and 40 minutes to perform, depending on how many areas are being treated and how extensive the problems are), you will be given a quick exam to make sure that you aren't experiencing any negative reactions, and then you will be sent home to start your recovery.

What Is The Recovery Like For Fraxel Restore?

Fraxel Restore laser skin resurfacing procedures are pretty mild, as far as cosmetic procedures go, but there is a certain amount of discomfort which is to be expected after the treatment. Fraxel Restore treatments usually cause the skin to appear reddened or slightly raw for a few days up to a week after the procedure. In appearance, it will resemble sunburn, and the pain will be reminiscent of a burn as well. Some swelling is also quite possible for a few days following the surgery, as is itchiness or tingling. Occasionally, patients may have trouble with some dryness or mild peeling-again, like sunburn. Patients with dark skin or those who have had the procedure in order to address skin pigmentation issues may find that their skin actually darkens for the first few days, but the effect is temporary and it will lighten again soon. Patients who are prone to acne may experience brief flare-ups for a day or two, but these should also pass fairly quickly. Full recovery from the procedure usually takes between one and two weeks, although you should be able to resume most of your normal activities after the first few days.

Before you leave the clinic, your doctor will counsel you regarding what over-the-counter pain medications you should take f they are needed, or he or she may give you a prescription for something a little stronger. You can also use cool compresses to help sooth any irritated or painful patches, although you should be careful not to leave an ice pack on the area for any longer than ten minutes at a time. You will also want to wear comfortable clothing during your recovery, and you should to try to avoid any excessive bumping or scarping of skin-not only will it increase your pain, but it may slow down your recovery as well, and make your more vulnerable to an infection or other complication. Because laser skin resurfacing procedures to do break the surface of the skin, you will probably not be required to wear bandages.

In order to speed your recovery, you may be given one or more medications to take. Make sure you do so according to the schedule you are given, even if it is bothersome or seems unnecessary. Use a timer or set an alarm if you have difficulty remembering to take your medication at its scheduled time.

In addition to the medications, you will likely be given a special moisturizer or cream to apply to the affected area, preferably several times a day. If you got your laser skin resurfacing procedure on your face, you may also be asked to sleep with your head elevated on one or two extra pillows for the first few nights. You should refrain from wearing makeup or performing any of your regular skin care regimen for at least four days following your procedure.

Finally, you need to be aware that your skin will be extremely vulnerable to the sun for up to three months after your procedure. Ideally, you should try to avoid the sun altogether, but if you must go out, be sure to apply sunscreen liberally, and try not to stay outside for more than a few hours at a a time. If you get a sunburn during this time, it will be worse than usual, and it could do permanent damage to your skin, and even increase your risk of developing skin cancer down the road.

Above all else, listen to your doctor's instructions. Your recovery from laser skin resurfacing does not have to be particularly difficult or painful, but if you disregard his or her advice, it may become so. Remember, your doctor has had years and years of training in medicine in general and this procedure in particular. He or she is more familiar with the recovery process then you are, and more likely to have the right answers. It's in your best interest to follow all of his or her instructions as closely as you can.