Fraxel Laser
Cosmetic surgeons now have a more precise way to resurface skin with a laser: fractional photothermolysis. Commonly referred to as Fraxel Laser treatment, this procedure uses lenses to break up the laser energy into pinpoint beams of light seen only at the microscopic level. Surgeons target minuscule areas of old epidermis cells, leaving larger quantities of healthy skin tissue unscathed. Think of it as skin laser treatment no longer throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
Fraxel Laser treatments are best applied to acne scarring, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, and lowering contrast between healthy skin and areas of discoloration. The greatest achievement of Fraxel technology is the ability to remove the effects of dysfunctional melanocytes, the skin cells responsible for pigmentation, while minimizing the damage to other skin cells in the immediate area. As a result, the procedure is non-invasive, less painful, and heals quicker than older or more traditional laser treatments.
Like all laser treatments, Fraxel Laser procedures rely most heavily on the skin's natural rejuvenating process. Our skin is regularly sloughing off entire layers of skin and replacing the old with new cells. As we age, or become injured from trauma or sun exposure, the skin cells are not as capable of producing the fresh, new cells. However, scars and other similar flaws are naturally reduced by Mother Nature. Laser treatments speed the process along by committing controlled damage to the skin to undo the effects of unwanted skin conditions.
Since Fraxel Laser treatments do not go as deep as traditional laser treatments, the recovery time and pain factor are lower. Another bonus with Fraxel Laser treatment is the lack of general anesthetic so patients do not have to "go under." Instead, a topical cream is applied to numb the area, and most patients describe the pain as akin to a bad sunburn. Unfortunately, Fraxel procedures do require a number of sessions, and up to a couple of months for complete healing and display of repaired skin.
The after effects of Fraxel Laser are mild when compared to other cosmetic surgery options. Treated areas will appear pink or red and fade to a bronze for one to two weeks. The skin may become prone to excessive flaking since the skin cells are working overtime to repair and renew the layers of skin removed by the laser. It is absolutely vital 30 SPF sunscreen is used at least twice daily to protect against UV rays. The melanocytes that have been removed are the skin's natural defense against absorbing harmful UVA and UVB rays. Now that the melanocytes are missing, you may even need to resort to a hat or physical avoidance of sunshine until skin is completely healed in a few months.
Finally, make sure to speak about cosmetic surgery options with both your surgeon and regular doctor. While rare, normal medications or other health conditions can create complications with recovery and healing. This is especially true for those with diabetes. Only your physicians can tell if Fraxel Laser procedures are the right treatment option for your skin's conditions. While some victims of skin conditions involving uneven pigmentation have found relief with Fraxel Laser treatment, there are some who have not. If your cosmetic surgeon is not as concerned about your medical history than the payment method, it's time to find a different licensed professional in your area.
Facial flaws from scars, or skin conditions that create uneven pigmentation may not be health concerns from a physical stand point, but they rank very high from an emotional health perspective. Cosmetic surgery also significantly alters personal appearance. Patients may find themselves dealing with many of the same strong emotions as when the flaws first developed. Talking to a licensed counselor or therapist can help to make sure cosmetic surgery matches the beauty outside with the beauty inside, because it just doesn't work the other way around.
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