from the Fall 2008 issue
We are pleased to introduce the latest in fractional skin resurfacing – the Fraxel re:pair™ laser system (Re:pair). This system delivers a new type of treatment called Fractional Deep Dermal Ablation, designed to improve deep lines and wrinkles, textural irregularities (acne scars), pigmented lesions (age and sun spots, freckles, melasma and other skin discoloration), and vascular changes (redness) on the face and neck. The FDA-cleared Re:pair was introduced at the 66th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in San Antonio in February 2008. It has already become the new paradigm in CO2 skin resurfacing. The New York Post named it as a “Best Quality-of-Life Breakthrough” for wrinkles. The Today show called it a “mini-medical miracle” that could help patients avoid face lifts.
Fraxel is a laser technology that gets its name by resurfacing only a fraction of the skin with each treatment. With the Fraxel, a cluster of tiny laser beams is delivered to the skin, forming microscopic treatment zones. With the Re:pair, those treatment zones are tiny columns of vaporized or ablated skin – hence the treatment is called Fractional Deep Dermal Ablation (FDDA™). The treated area contracts and tightens the surrounding skin while also breaking up unwanted pigment. Because the surrounding skin is unaffected, the Re:pair FDDA treatment dramatically reduces the recovery time and risk factors usually associated with a traditional CO2 resurfacing.
So, what does this new Fraxel treatment mean in terms of results? Reddish, brown-spotted, wrinkled, sun-damaged skin becomes smoother, tighter, less red and more even in appearance. We have seen sensational results with our patients – on their faces, around their eyes and on their necks – all the areas that get the most sun damage from chronic ultraviolet exposure. You will find before-and-after pictures of some of our Re:pair patients on our website. We are also using it successfully on facial acne scars.
The Re:pair joins with our Fraxel re:store™ laser system (Re:store) to offer our patients a choice in fractional laser treatments. The Re:pair can deliver more results in fewer treatments than the Re:store. Roughly, one Re:pair treatment is equal to four or five Re:store treatments. Patients wanting to achieve results faster may prefer the Re:pair. However, the downtime with the Re:pair is greater due in part to the ablative nature of the treatment. Also, the amount of downtime correlates with how aggressively we set the laser parameters. Generally speaking, deeper wrinkles and greater skin laxity call for stronger energy settings on the laser and, hence, greater downtime. Patients with less severe wrinkles and laxity will experience less downtime.
During the first 48 to 72 hours after the Re:pair treatment, there will be redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding, oozing and crusting. Usually by day four or five, the skin is still pink or red and still somewhat swollen, but makeup can be worn to cover the redness. The newly-healed skin retains some degree of pinkness, which gradually fades over a few weeks up to a month. To help with healing, reduce downtime and enhance results, patients receive a series of Omnilux™ LED skin rejuvenation light-therapy treatments. During these office visits, we closely monitor our patients’ post-laser course of healing.
Of course, sunscreen is essential to protect your beautiful new skin. In addition, we recommend using anti-aging skin-care products, containing active ingredients such as antioxidants, growth factors and retinoids to continue the collagen-building process. Like the Re:store treatment, the Re:pair procedure triggers collagen remodeling. That remodeling continues for six months or more after the procedure.
Just like any procedure, there are possible risks associated with the Re:pair laser treatment, including infection, pigmentation changes and scarring. By proper patient selection and judicious use of the laser, these risks can be minimized.
Schedule a consultation with either Dr. Bruce or our PA, April Harrison, to find out if the Fraxel Re:pair or Re:store treatment is right for you. Call 713.850.0240 today for an appointment.
Click here to view a few of our before and after images for the Fraxel re:pair treatment, and see our actual results.
For more information, see:
Fraxel: Second Generation
Summer 2007
Fraxel: Improving Stretch Marks and Acne Scars
Spring 2008
Signature Fraxel:
Speeds Recovery and Enhances Results
Spring 2008
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