Fraxel Laser at The Wall Center in Shreveport

There’s a new weapon out to help fight aging skin, and The Wall Center is the first in Louisiana to offer it. The Fraxel laser represents a commitment by The Wall Center to invest in the newest and best technology for the benefit of its patients. Visit our news section to learn more.

Why it's important

The development and formal FDA approval of the Fraxel laser for skin resurfacing represents a significant advance within the field of skin care. Before now, laser resurfacing treatments either came with harsh side effects or required several months to produce results. However, those looking for a smoother, tighter complexion no longer have to sacrifice a healthy layer of skin or weeks of time for recovery.

The Fraxel SR laser, developed by Reliant Technologies, Inc., became FDA-approved in July 2004. It has invoked an extremely positive response from physicians nationwide because of its gentle approach and quick healing time. The benefits of the Fraxel laser have been demonstrated by successfully treating fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, scars, sunspots and age spots.

How it works

By taking a less aggressive approach than most laser skin treatments, the Fraxel laser heats microscopic points of skin using light. The laser creates a grid that separates normal and damaged skin so that the healthy tissues are preserved. The treatment involves almost no anesthesia, side effects or recovery time. In fact, make-up can be worn right away, and there is no need to postpone normal, everyday activities.

A total of 4 to 6 treatments are recommended, spaced out about every 5 to 7 days. This gradual progression of treatment allows for the highest level of safety and the greatest number of benefits.

Reliant Technology

FAQs

Q. What is Fraxel™ Laser Treatment?

A. The Fraxel Laser Treatment from Reliant Technologies is a new aesthetic solution that repairs aging and sun-damaged skin — pixel by pixel, spot by spot. It’s like Adobe Photoshop software for your skin.

Think of your skin as a family portrait or digital photo in need of high-quality restoration or touch-up. Imagine how the portrait would be delicately restored, one small area at a time; or a photograph might be digitally altered, pixel by pixel. That’s the principle behind the Fraxel Laser Treatment.

Q: How does Fraxel Laser Treatment work?

A: The Fraxel laser creates thousands of microscopic thermal spots that form deep, vertical columns or zones of treated skin tissue, which are separated and surrounded by unaffected, healthy skin tissue. This innovative approach allows us to treat a very small fraction of skin at a time so the skin heals much faster than if the entire area were treated at once.

At the top of the treatment zone, the laser energy eliminates old epidermal pigmented cells on the skin’s surface. Penetrating deep into the dermis, the laser energy stimulates the body’s own wound healing response to produce new collagen growth. In this way, the body’s natural healing process creates new, healthy tissue to replace skin imperfections.

Q: How long does the procedure take?

A. The procedure (including the application of topical anesthetic) typically takes between 1 and 1-1/2 hours. With virtually no side effects or recovery time, it is often referred to as a “no downtime” or “lunchtime” treatment. There’s no prolonged recuperation, no risk of general anesthesia, and treatment is well-tolerated.

Q: What does the Fraxel laser treat?

A. Fraxel Laser Treatment is currently FDA cleared to treat fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and pigmented lesions, including age spots, sun spots and dyschromia.

Q. Are there any negative side effects?

A. We have not experienced any significant or long-lasting adverse effects nor have we seen any evidence of post-inflammatory hyper- or hypopigmentation. The clinical endpoint we look for with Fraxel Laser Treatment is cell turnover and peeling. After treatment, the patient’s skin tends to be pinkish-red for a few days. This is normal and signifies that the dermal tissue is being repaired and there is good blood circulation. The repair process typically entails a “bronzing” that lasts anywhere from three to 14 days after treatment, followed by a flaking process of exfoliation as the reorganized epidermal skin gradually replaces dead tissue.

Q. Does Fraxel laser treatment hurt?

A. Treatment is well-tolerated with a topical anesthetic ointment to alleviate mild discomfort. Patients can apply make-up or shave after treatment, and most return to their routine activities the same day or the next.

Source: Reliant Technology