Using lasers to treat just a fraction of the skin’s surface, such treatments have been extremely successful at improving skin texture, tightening loose skin, minimizing scars, and reducing uneven pigmentation.
Dr. Mark Taylor with Gateway Aesthetic Institute talks about this laser wrinkle treatment that just might be for you.
Fraxel Repair uses two types of lasers … the CO2 and the Erbium YAG lasers.
CO2 lasers create more heat in the skin during treatment. The light and heat help tighten the skin by producing millions of miniscule laser holes. As the skin heals, it tightens and texture improves. It’s almost like micro-aeration of skin, similar to aerating your lawn. Ablative lasers actually remove microscopic tubules of skin, while leaving the surrounding area untreated, thereby allowing the skin to heal more quickly. This treatment is ideal for patients with sagging, wrinkled and severely scarred skin. It’s also used to tighten stretch marks on the stomach and smooth crepe-like skin (sometimes called chicken skin) on the neck.
Erbium YAG lasers offer less aggressive treatments than CO2. The Erbium laser also produces millions of miniscule holes in the skin, but with less heat. As a result, there is generally less redness and faster healing, but with not as much tightening of the skin. YAG treatments work well for less severe wrinkles scars, and other skin texture abnormalities. However, they may not produce as dramatic of a result in someone with severe scars or severely aged and wrinkled skin.
At the Gateway Aesthetic Institute, they offer both types of treatment. For ablative fractional laser treatments (CO2,) they use the Fraxel Repair Laser. They believe it to be the finest such laser in the cosmetic industry today.
For less aggressive treatments (and patients who require faster healing), they also use the Erbium YAG laser. If you’re unsure which treatment is beset (and with so many options, they can understand!) they recommend you come in for a consultation. In the comfort of their offices, they can discuss your goals in person and determine which treatment is perfect for you.
What areas of the body can be treated?
The face and neck are most common, but all areas of the body may be treated.
What are side effects of fraxel repair?
Temporary redness, swelling and oozing of the skin is normal after treatment. Redness pigment change, and a remote chance of scarring are additional risks.
Is fraxel repair treatment painful?
They use topical anesthesia or tumescent anesthesia with oral sedation to ensure that treatment is comfortable.
How many treatments are needed for best results?
Usually one treatment is enough to achieve excellent results. This may vary from patient to patient. Additional treatment may be required for optimum results.
Is there any downtime after treatment?
Healing following laser treatment may require one to two weeks of downtime. Lighter treatment requires less downtime.
How do you know if fraxel repair treatment is right for you?
Schedule a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. You may also email a photo to Gateway@xmission.com
To learn more about fraxel repair, call the Gateway Aesthetic Institute at (801) 595-1600. Their offices are located at the south end of the Gateway Mall at 440 West 200 South, Suite 250, Salt Lake City. Check their website at www.gatewaylasercenter.com
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