I was very happy with the two Fraxel® treatments that I had with Deirdre Campbell. The Fraxel® treatments I had several years ago, at another provider were more expensive and the results were not as dramatic. Deirdre spends a lot of time with the patient and thoroughly explains the procedure and what to expect in great detail. She also spent a lot of time prepping the skin with the numbing cream so the procedure was not as irritating. The treatment itself took longer than other Fraxel® treatments I have had because Deirdre goes over more areas of the skin especially around the eye area. The Fraxel® treatment at Kaiser Permanente is a very good value based on my experience with other Fraxel® treatments, and I was very happy with the results. My most recent Fraxel® treatment was over five months ago, and my skin still looks more firm and lifted than it did before.
Fraxel®
Brown spots, lines, and diminished texture are all part of aging – but they don’t have to be, thanks to Fraxel laser resurfacing. People in San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland and other Northern California communities can come to Kaiser Permanente and enjoy the beautiful, clear skin that Fraxel® treatments can help produce.
Fraxel Re:Store Laser Treatment
Before & After Photos
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Fraxel® re:store
Fraxel® re:store laser treatment is a nonsurgical skin resurfacing technique that uses targeted laser light to single out:
- Sun damage and acne scars
- Age spots and brown spots
- Lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes
- Melasma (mask of pregnancy)
The minimally invasive therapy may also be used to treat other areas of the body, including the neck, chest, hands, and arms, as well as stretch marks. To help achieve full results, a series of approximately 4 treatments is recommended.
Fraxel® Re:Store Laser Treatment Locations
How Is Fraxel® Re:Store Different From Fraxel® Re:Pair?
Fraxel® re:store is less aggressive then Fraxel® re:pair and has less down time (Fraxel® re:pair downtime is approximately 7 days, while Fraxel® re:store downtime is approximately 2 to 3 days.). In most cases, you will need about 4 treatments with Fraxel® re:store, compared to 1 treatment with Fraxel® re:pair. Fraxel® re:store is especially effective on acne scars. Another option for treating sun damage, scarring, or birthmarks is carbon dioxide (CO2) laser skin resurfacing.
Fraxel® DUAL
Fraxel® DUAL combines 2 treatment modalities into a single treatment. Fraxel® DUAL penetrates skin’s deeper layers while still treating some surface signs of aging, for a “best of both worlds” experience with the reduced recuperation time you expect from Fraxel®.
What Results Can I Expect From a Fraxel® Laser Treatment?
A “fractional” therapy, the Fraxel® laser isolates imperfections while leaving healthy tissue untouched. The procedure promotes the skin’s natural healing process, minimizing healing time. New, healthier tissue replaces the old, damaged cells, usually resulting in a smoother complexion, improved texture, and a more even skin tone. Benefits are achieved with a reduced recovery time when compared with traditional laser skin resurfacing. For even better results and faster healing, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be applied to the skin when the laser treatment is completed.
What Can I Expect Before and After Treatment?
In most cases, a Fraxel® treatment is performed in your doctor’s office; the procedure takes approximately 30 minutes per area. Prior to treatment, the area of skin to be rejuvenated receives a thorough cleaning, and a topical anesthetic is applied about an hour before the procedure. To accentuate lines that will be treated, an FDA-certified, water-soluble tint, known as OptiGuide Blue, may be applied. If a large area of skin is treated, your doctor will discuss options to help minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Side effects may include redness and swelling (which usually resolves within 2 to 3 days) and dryness, so you should apply a moisturizer following treatment. You might feel a mild sunburn sensation, or notice bronzing and peeling, depending on both the condition of your skin and the extent of treatment. The OptiGuide Blue solution may leave some blue residue on the skin, particularly on brown spots, but will usually fade within a few days. The risks of infection or scarring are minor. It is important to apply a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 twice daily, as well as to avoid direct sun exposure during the first few months following a treatment with Fraxel®.
What Should I Look for in a Laser Practitioner?
The treatment should be performed by a registered nurse (RN) or physician who’s trained to operate a laser. Different treatment choices must be made for each patient. Side effects such as skin discoloration can result if the laser is operated by an inexperienced practitioner. At Kaiser Permanente, we provide only laser trained RNs or physicians to deliver high-quality care to our patients.
I’m Interested! What’s My Next Step?
To determine if you’re a good candidate for Fraxel® or to simply learn more about the procedure, request a consultation.