New Solution
Up until now, there have been two primary categories of laser skin treatment, each with their pros and cons: ablative laser resurfacing and nonablative laser or light-based therapy. Ablative techniques regenerate aging and sun-damaged skin with superior cosmetic results, but are associated with significant risks, side effects, and prolonged healing and recovery times. On the other hand, nonablative techniques generally carry fewer risks but require numerous treatments over several months, producing only limited clinical results of cosmetic improvement.
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Fraxel™ Laser Treatment
(FLT)
This novel fractional approach to laser skin treatment represents
a new science and category of cosmetic skin surgery that offers
patients the positive results of ablative resurfacing with
the low-impact benefits of non-ablative therapies. Unlike
old ablative lasers that remove the top layer of skin, FLT
procedure produces tiny, microscopic sites of thermal impact
separated by areas of unaffected, healthy tissue. The spared
healthy tissue between treatment zones contains viable cells
that promote rapid healing of the outer skin layers. At the
same time, each MicroThermal Zone (MTZ) penetrates between
400-700 microns into the dermis to remodel collagen. Thus,
FLT strives to achieve the skin improvements obtained with
conventional CO2 laser resurfacing but without the associated
side effects or downtime.
Clinical Results
The Reliant Fraxel™ SR Laser has received FDA 510(k)
clearances to treat pigmented lesions (including age spots,
sun spots and skin discoloration) at any location on the body
and periorbital (around the eye) wrinkles, joining the clearance
obtained in 2003 for dermatological conditions requiring the
coagulation of soft tissue. The first case below shows the reduction of pigmented lesions
and periorbital wrinkles (around the eyes).
 
 
 
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How It Works
The innovative Fraxel™ SR Laser is specially designed to alter only fractional volumes of the target tissue. Similar to precise alteration of photographs and paintings, the clinical effect of this treatment technique is to alter the appearance of aging and sun-damaged skin. The creation of tiny microscopic wounds results in a wound healing process and a response to the coagulation of collagen fibers.
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Patient Benefits
FLT offers the benefits of speedy healing and minimal to no downtime. Side effects are minimal and typically involve swelling and redness. Mild swelling should subside within a day or so, and redness usually fades over several days. Patients can apply make-up immediately after treatment and return to routine activities. There is limited, if any, risk of infection or scarring. No oozing or crusting has occured.
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Number of Treatments Needed
Clinical studies suggest that 3 to 5 treatments spaced about 5 to 7 days apart produce a gradual remodeling of dermal matrix components, until complete healing occurs and "good" material that contains collagen and elastin replaces old epidermal and dermal tissue. Over a period of 1 to 3 months, clinical improvement in photo-aged skin correlates with dermal repair and positive skin changes.
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A Typical Treatment
After cleansing with a mild scrub cleanser, an FDA certified blue tint (OptiGuide Blue) is applied to the skin. Then, a topical, lipid-based anesthetic ointment is applied to the treatment area. The blue tint darkens the tiny folds of the skin surface to increase contrast and allow the robotic hand piece to precisely read the discreet contours of the treatment area. Similar to the optical mouse for your computer, the robotic hand piece glides across the skin like a contact airbrush painting the face, which has been turned into a mouse pad via the blue tint. The anesthetic requires 45 minutes to an hour to take full effect. The treatment is then performed using the lipid base anesthetic ointment as the contact lubricant. The blue tint and anesthetic is washed off immediately after treatment. A treatment typically will take approximately 20-25 minutes.
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Pain Factor
Treatment is well tolerated and feels like a prickling sensation. A topical anesthetic ointment is applied prior to treatment to allay any discomfort.
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Safety
The Reliant Technologies Fraxel™ Laser System is cleared by the FDA for dermatological procedures requiring the coagulation of soft tissue and for treatment of periorbital wrinkles and pigmented lesions.
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Price
Cost of treatment(s) will vary depending on the nature of the
patient's condition, the area(s) treated, geographic location
and other related factors. Call 513.351.FACE
(3223) for additional information or email
us.
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