brown Spots

185 Page Rd * Pinehurst, NC 28374

Phone: (910) 295-8760***Fax: (910) 215-0311

Stephen E. Rostan, MD

R. Carter Grine, MD

Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology and Dermatopathology

Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology

Pamela Guest, MD

Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology

Elena M. Avila, PAC,

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Fraxel Laser Treatment

What is Fraxel Laser Treatment

Fraxel Laser Treatment is a safe, non-invasive procedure that allows you to rediscover the fresh, healthy skin you had when you were younger..

What does Fraxel Treat?

Until now, two varieties of laser treatment have been available for cosmetic enhancement-ablative and non-ablative. Ablative, which literally means to vaporize at a very high temperature, are very effective at destroying unwanted tissue but have significant side-effects and require a lengthy healing period. Non-ablative, on the other hand, have very few side-effects and require almost no healing time, but involve numerous treatments over many months to achieve only modest results.

At long last, a laser with the potency of ablative treatments and the gentle safety of non-ablative lasers has won approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to treat a variety of important cosmetic conditions.

Fraxel Laser Treatment is designed to target aging and damaged skin by creating microscopic "wounds" within the targeted areas well beneath the skin's outermost layer. In this way, Fraxel Laser treatments trigger the body's own natural production of new collagen and skin cells. And because Fraxel Laser Treatment combines the impact of ablative lasers with the gentleness of non-ablative lasers, healing occurs so quickly that there is very little downtime for patients.

After several years of studies and mounting evidence of the Fraxel Laser's safety and effectiveness, the FDA has cleared this unique new laser to treat the following conditions:

Benefits of Fraxel Laser Treatment

Skin Resurfacing
Erase unwanted brown spots (Melasma and Pigmentation)
Smooth wrinkles around the eyes and acne scars
Rejuvenate your neck, chest and hands

There is simply nothing else like Fraxel Laser Treatment for improving the appearance of your skin and giving you a renewed sense of confidence.

How does Fraxel Laser Treatment Work?

Fraxel Laser Treatment produces thousands of tiny but deep columns of treatment in your skin, known as microthermal treatment zones. This treatment eliminates old epidermal pigmented cells. It also penetrates deep into the dermis. Just as important, though, are the areas of skin the Fraxel laser leaves untouched. For every microthermal zone the laser targets and treats intensively, it leaves the surrounding tissue unaffected and intact. This "fractional" treatment allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area were treated at once, using the body's natural healing process to create new, healthy tighter tissue to replace skin imperfections.

Treatment Plan

When you have your scheduled initial consultation, your physician will determine the best treatment plan for your desired results. By design, each Fraxel Laser Treatment targets between 20 and 25 percent of the skin's surface. Clinical studies suggest that on average, an effective treatment regimen is 3 to 5 sessions, spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart. Depending upon the condition of your skin and your schedule. Results are immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement is usually visible in about 2 to 3 months. Because Fraxel Laser Treatment spares healthy tissue, it is effective even on delicate skin areas, such as the neck, chest and hands.

Age Spots / Brown Spots

Acne Scars

Before After

Before

After

Fraxel Laser Treatment can be performed right in your doctor's office using only topical anesthesia in most cases. If you are having a significant area of your skin treated, your doctor will develop a pain management approach to maximize your comfort during the procedure. Blue tint before Fraxel Laser Treatment

The treatment area will be thoroughly washed prior to the procedure. OptiGuide Blue, an FDA certified water-soluble tint, is applied to the treatment area to highlight the contours of the skin. This tint is washed off after treatment.

After Treatment

You will experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour and then minimal discomfort. The skin will have a pinkish tone for 5 to 7 days. This is a normal sign that the skin is deeply healing. Swelling is minimal and generally resolves in 2 to 3 days.

You may apply make-up or shave soon after treatment. Some patients are able to return to routine activities, including work and social obligations, the same day of treatment. Others require a little more time, depending upon his/her skin condition and treatment.

New epidermal skin develops within 24 hours. This process of skin repair involves:

Bronzing: Your skin will have a bronze appearance that lasts anywhere from 3 to 14 days, depending on your treatment level.
Flaking: Your skin will naturally and vigorously exfoliate as new skin replaces dead tissue. Flaking is similar to that of minor sunburn, but without the associated pain. Use of a moisturizer will mask the appearance of flaking.
Sunscreen: Be sure to use sunscreen at least twice daily to protect your skin from sun exposure during both the healing phase and for several months after treatment. Apply a moisturizing sun block with an SPF of at least 30-plus. For added protection, use wide-brimmed hats when in direct sunlight.

Over the following weeks and months, the body repairs the deeper dermal tissues that have been affected by the Fraxel treatment, producing longer beneficial changes associated with a healthy, youthful appearance.

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