Fraxel: Part 2

How does Fraxel work?

The energy beam generated penetrates deep layers and tightens the tissues. Because of the low intensity of Fraxel laser, there is no outward damage to normal skin surface. The energy beam also causes the synthesis of newer collagen and elastin with the end result of a full taut skin which appears beautiful. All this is of course theoretical as most people get a crappy result.

What happens after Fraxel treatment?

After treatment, most individuals have some degree of redness and mild swelling which usually dissipates in 12 hours. All individuals should avoid sun for the next 4 weeks and if that is not possible, one must wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 20. Immediately after the Fraxel, the skin texture may feel a little rough and it is advisable to apply some moisturizer.

Is Fraxel laser painful?

There is no laser that is painless. You will definitely feel some pain. It feels like a hot needle but the pain lasts a few seconds. This is repeated over many times.

When does on see results with Fraxel?

The effects of Fraxel laser are not immediate. Only some people see mild to moderate benefit at the end of 3 weeks but the full cosmetic benefits are not seen for 4-8 weeks. Despite what doctor’s claim, the majority of individuals who undergo Fraxel only get one thing- disappointment.

Does Fraxel work in everyone?

Nope, it works in some lucky people but in the majority, it does nothing. Why it works in some people is more due to good luck and nothing to do with the laser.

How many sessions are required?

Plenty. Most people require at least 4-6 sessions of Fraxel treatment to get the optimal result. Remember, cosmetic surgeons like to live a fancy life and who do you think is going to pay for all the nice living!

Acne Scars 101

Acne is a upsetting skin disorder. There are millions of individuals who develop acne in their adolescent years and the experience sucks. The majority of individuals do get over their acne without much ado. However, a fair number of individuals are unlucky and develop prolonged/repeated episodes of acne often leading to development of ugly scars. No matter what anyone says, acne scars can make life miserable.

Why only some people develop acne scars and others remains a puzzle. One individual may develop a single pimple and the darn thing ends up as an ugly scar and then there are some individuals who have multiple acne and end up with a clear face. Anyway, acne scars are classified as:

- Depressed scars- meaning that the scar drops into the skin
- Ice pick scar
- Thick raised scar – resembles a keloid

Most experts believe that acne scars occur because the body senses an injury and tries to repair it. Often this repair is faulty and the end result is a scar. All scars are due to an excess of fibrous tissue.

There is a tremendous variation in who develops a scar and to what degree. Some types of acne are more prone to scar formation and this is particularly true of inflammatory nodular cystic variety. Nodular cystic acne usually affects the deeper layers of skin.

Consumers should understand that just because an acne scar occurs does not mean that it will be permanent. In many cases, the scars lighten up and sometimes may even disappear. In most people, the body attempts to remodel the acne scar. However, in some individuals this remodeling does not occur and the scar persists.

Fraxel laser and acne scars

What is the fraxel?

Fraxel is the latest laser which is frequently used to resurface skin. One of the major benefits of fraxel laser is that it does not cause any damage to normal skin and thus there are fewer side effects and the recovery time is very short.

What skin disorders are treated by Fraxel?

The Vendors of Fraxel claim that the laser can be used to treat a variety of skin disorders including:

- removal of liver spots, aging spots
- removal of skin pigmentations that are caused
by minor trauma
- erase wrinkles around the eyes
- decrease intensity and remove certain acne scars
- rejuvenate the neck and face
- help reverse the signs of photo aged skin

How many fraxel treatments are required for acne scars?

There is no skin disorder that can ever be cured by the cosmetic surgeons in one session. For Fraxel to work, you need many sessions (a lot to do with money). The number of treatment sessions you need will be determined by your doctor, but you can rest assured that there will be many sessions. Each Fraxel session is spaced over 4 week intervals and can last anywhere from 4-6 months.

How does fraxel work for acne scars?

The fraxel is like any other laser. It emits a beam of light which generates energy. The great advantage of fraxel laser is that these energy beams are focused. This means that the laser only works on the damaged skin and does not damage normal skin (at least this is what is claimed). Once the energy beam penetrates the deeper layers of skin, it stimulates or remodels collagen and elastin. During each treatment, the Fraxel laser repairs only a small portion of skin. As the collagen remodels and elastin tightens, the end result is a skin which appears, full, smooth, younger and more attractive looking.

What are the benefits of a fraxel laser for acne scars?

Because Fraxel laser does not damage normal skin, the side effects are much less. In the past, the old lasers used to damage normal skin and thus, the downtime was significant. With Fraxel, the downtime is minimal. Because the side effects are minimal, Fraxel laser can be safely used on other parts of the body without fear of causing damage.