Fresher Younger Skin with Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing— Las Vegas
Blotchy pigmentation, fine lines and dull crinkly skin texture are the hallmarks of the facial aging process. Without youthful and smooth skin texture and even skin tone, skin tightening surgery cannot fully achieve the youthful appearance we aim for, when considering facial rejuvenation.
Fraxel® Laser Rsurfacing can restore your skin with fresh new skin cells triggered by the laser process. This process can improve aging changes or the uneven skin surface caused by acne scarring. Because the treatments are fractional (only a percentage of your skin is treated each time) using a random overall pattern, you can heal from each treatment rapidly and avoid a tight or overdone look, or the prolonged redness so common with aggressive CO2 laser resurfacing.
Dr. Mary C. Herte has been providing Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing for her patients at our Las Vegas cosmetic surgery practice since the first Fraxel® Laser was developed and this ground-breaking technology was FDA approved for use. She has invested in the newest technology and now offers the customization options of the revolutionary Fraxel® re:store dual® for her patients, with 2 different lasers available to target both texture and pigmentation problems. Fraxel® is highly effective for all skin types and safe enough to use on the neck and chest as well as body areas.
You can’t go back and un-live your years of sun exposure (whether from actual sun bathing, beach life, boating, hiking or other sports and athletics like tennis and horseback riding). But Fraxel® can reduce the damage that those hours in the sun have produced on your face. Softening the lines, freshening and brightening the complexion and evening out the skin pigmentation, Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing can reduce the visible signs of sun damage and aging and give you healthier and younger looking skin.
Preparing For Your Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing Procedure:
Avoidance of exfoliating treatments or products (like Retin A or retinol) is essential prior to your Fraxel® procedure. Because the stratum corneum layer of the skin (the protective dead cell layer) acts as a “bandage” after Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing to hide the healing process, it is important that this layer is undisturbed in the 2 weeks prior to each Fraxel® treatment.
In addition, Dr. Herte may prescribe the use of the Obagi® System which incorporates a bleaching agent (hydroquinone) to reduce pigment cell activity for several weeks prior to Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing to minimize your skin’s response to the bright light of laser treatment. This is particularly important in skin types with blotchy pigmentation, freckling or easy ability to tan. This bleaching treatment program should be continued after each Fraxel® procedure for a minimum of 8 weeks and throughout the entire treatment series.
The Fraxel® Procedure
Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing is performed in our office laser procedure room under topical local anesthesia. The skin to be treated is coated with a strong topical anesthetic cream left in place until full effect is achieved (about an hour or so). This reduces the discomfort of the laser procedure. In addition, Dr. Herte recommends that you take an oral sedation medication to relax you during the procedure for the 45 minutes or so that it takes, and ensure that we can use the most effective laser settings and strength to give you your best results.
Depending on your specific skin condition and the goals of treatment, either the 1927nm (for correction of more superficial texture and pigmentation) or 1550nm (for treatment of deeper lines and scars) laser or both are used to treat the targeted areas. Dr. Herte will work with our specially trained and experienced registered nurse, who actually performs the Fraxel® treatment, to customize your treatment program.
The Fraxel® Laser scanner is set to select a random pattern and then lays down laser pulses automatically over the treated area as the hand piece is rolled over the skin. Laser technology is based on the effect of heat directed to the depth of the skin, so the feeling produced is “hot and prickly”. With mild sedation, most patients tolerate this level of discomfort without problem.
Depending on your needs, Dr. Herte may recommend the full 5 treatment program (the most common approach) or a more limited 2-3 treatment booster program.
Your Recovery after Fraxel® Treatment
After treatment you may be red and swollen for a few days and then peel either in sheets like a sunburn with the 1927nm Fraxel® or more subtly with gritty dryness with the 1550nm over the rest of the week. Your skin will be fragile and sensitive for a few weeks after each Fraxel® session, so careful treatment and sun avoidance is essential. Special treatment products for your skin type will be recommended for enhancing your recovery.
Make up may be applied immediately after your procedure if you desire, but must be gently removed, since skin is sensitive to rubbing after treatment.
Schedule a Skin Rejuvenation Consultation in Las Vegas
Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing can smooth and restore your skin with a healthier and fresher complexion. If you would like to find out how Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing or other options for skin rejuvenation can improve your skin, we welcome you to contact our Las Vegas cosmetic surgery center today, and speak to our knowledgeable and caring staff. With an in-depth consultation, Dr. Mary Herte will discuss whether Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing is your best choice to give you a beautifully fresh and healthy complexion. Schedule your consultation today.
