Fraxel Restore Dual - Scarring

Fraxel® Restore Dual laser treatment provides a fractional approach to laser resurfacing of the skin.  This treatment offers a novel way to improve sun damaged, discoloured and scarred skin by offering patients results with minimal down-time.  More aggressive treatments may make patients somewhat pink and swollen for several days.  This laser approach is specifically designed to treat only fractional volumes of skin.  We are the only dermatology centre in New Zealand providing this service and were the first to introduce the latest version of this laser into New Zealand.

Benefits

• All areas of the face, hands, neck and body can be treated
• Treatments are a non-ablative approach to repairing ageing and sun damaged skin
• Down-time is dependent on the depth of treatment
• Minimal risk
• Improves acne scars, surgical scars and wrinkles
• Reduces brown discoloration (freckles, melasma, brown age spots)
• Smoother, fresher looking skin
• Improved tone and texture
• Topical anaesthetic cream is required

Alternatives

• Chemical peels
• Laser skin resurfacing (fractionated CO₂)
• Gemini KTP
• Revlite Q-Switched Nd:Yag Laser

How Does it Work?

The concept is based on narrow beams of energy treating a fraction of the skin surface, leaving intact normal surrounding tissue around each narrow cylindrical tissue injury zone (microscropic Thermal Injury Zones - MTZ).  Fractionated wound healing thus results in rapid replacement of the sun-damaged, surface layer of the skin, and promotes collagen remodelling in the deep dermis.  For Fraxel® laser treatments we have Fraxel Restore Dual.

Who is a Candidate?

The suitability of candidates basically depends on the required treatment.  All skin types can be treated.  High energy levels deep into the skin can cause pigmentation in darker-complexioned individuals.  This can be treated at a later date with a lower setting.

What Can I Expect?

Patient can expect a gradual improvement in the colour and contour of the skin.

Safety and Side-Effects

• Pigmentation alteration, infection and scarring - are possible with most laser treatments.  The Fraxel® Restore Dual treatment provides control in laser skin rejuvenation and risks are minimal.
• Pain - some patients may feel pain with this procedure similar to the snapping with a rubberband.
• Mild sunburn - you will experience a mild sunburn sensation for one to two hours after treatment.
• Bronzing - your skin will have a bronzed appearance for three to fourteen days depending on the treatment level.
• Flaking - your skin will naturally exfoliate as the reorganized skin replaces dead tissue.
• Scarring - there is a small chance of skin scarring, including abnormal, raised scars.
• Bleeding - laser treatment may cause some pinpoint bleeding which will not leave any lasting effect.
• Blistering - the laser may produce heating in the upper layers of the skin, resulting in steam formation which can produce separation between the upper and middle layers of the skin, resulting in blister formation.  This will subside in 2 - 4 days.
• Scabbing - a scab may be present after a blister forms. 
• Redness and swelling - will vary depending on your skin and treatment levels.  Swelling usually resolves within 2 - 3 days.

Recovery Time

You will experience a mild sunburn for about an hour, and then minimal discomfort.  The skin may remain pink for up to five days.  This is a sign which reflects the skin is healing deeply.  Swelling is minimal and generally resolves within 2 - 3 days.  Patients can usually return to work within two days.

Does it Hurt?

The procedure is performed once topical anaesthesia has been applied for 60 minutes prior to treatment.  Cold air is used on the treatment area during the procedure to minimize discomfort.  It takes a full hour for the topical anaesthetic to take full effect.  The procedure time varies between 30 - 45 minutes.

Before Treatment Instructions

• Avoid tanning one month before the procedure.
• Prescriptions - please refrain from using prescription creams, lotions or products containing Retin-A derivatives and Alpha Hydroxy acids for five days pre and post treatment.

After Treatment Instructions

For at least 24 hours after treatment your skin will feel as though it has been sunburned and will appear pink or red.  Bronzing of the skin takes place over the next one to two weeks.  Like a natural sunburn, your skin will flake and exfoliate normally.  The application of moisturizers will certainly help.  You will be given instructions with regards to their use.  Once the area has settled, the twice daily application of a sunscreen such as Neutrogena Age Shield is important.  Direct sunlight exposure should be minimized.

Who Performs the Treatment?

Dr McKerrow or his specialist laser nurse.

See the Fraxel Restore in Action - Click Here