Fraxel is a laser technology that can be combined with different treatments to give the skin a brighter, smoother and youthful look. Fraxel can lessen fine lines and wrinkles, reduce visibility of age and sun related damage, decrease uneven pigmentation, improve acne scarring and melasma. It can be combined with several other treatments to enhance overall results.
Fraxel is noninvasive. It uses light beam technology to target the deeper layer of the skin (dermis.) Particular areas of the skin are targeted and treated, leaving surrounding skin untouched. The laser heats and wounds the layers of the dermis. The body's natural reaction is to heal the wound. The result is a rebuilding of the epidermis. Over several weeks, the old skin is replaced with healthy, new, younger looking skin.
Fraxel patients will be able to return to normal activities after receiving treatment. There may be some tenderness and redness of the skin, but this should subside within a few days. The skin may look like the patient has a sunburn.
Microdermabrasion and Fraxel
Microdermabrasion improves the overall appearance of the surface skin (epidermis.) It works by polishing the surface layer of the skin to remove dead and damaged skin cells. There are several different microdermabrasion methods. Microdermabrasion will not remove large scars. It will diminish the appearance of fine lines, small scars and uneven pigmentation. Microdermabrasion in combination with Fraxel can give a more youthful looking appearance.
Mild Chemical Peels and Fraxel
A doctor may recommend a mild chemical peel in addition to Fraxel treatments. Chemical peels penetrate the skin's surface layers to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, small shallow scars and sun damage. Peels will improve the overall texture of the skin.
Botox, Dysport, Purtox and Fraxel
Fraxel can be combined with botulinum toxin type A injections. These injections can temporarily block the nerves that cause the muscles to contract. These injections are typically used to correct the appearance of the deeper wrinkles that develop between the eyebrows (frown lines.)
Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers and Fraxel
Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can be used to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, nose, mouth and lips. They can also be used to soften the appearance of nasolabial folds around the mouth. Hyaluronic acid is a natural chemical found in the tissue of all living organisms. It stimulates collagen production and adds moisture to tissue.
Radiesse
Radiesse is used to treat facial lines and wrinkles. After injection, the connective tissue will bond with the microspheres in the solution to give a fuller, smoother look. Radiesse is composed of a carboxymethylcellulose gel suspended in a hydroxyl apatite solution containing microspheres.
Artefill
Artefill is a permanent filler. It contains a bovine collagen that has been added to a microsphere suspension solution. It is used to treat deep wrinkles.
Evolence
Evolence is used to treat severe, deep lines and wrinkles. It is a combination of porcine collagen and sugar. Evolence is structurally more stable than gels and results can last up to one year.
