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Fraxel

Non-Invasive AntiAging Cosmetic Procedure

I just bought my Baby Quasar and used it only once but I have to say my skin feels so soft.

I wanted to add this comment but I will give everyone an update after my full 6 weeks of using it. I have tried everything to diminish my wrinkles and nothing seems to work.

I thought I would give Baby Quasar a try to see if it works and if not I may try Fraxel.

Has anyone had Fraxel done and did it work?

Hopeful

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Baby Quasar

I too have a Baby Quasar, which I love. I’m pretty consistent in using it, so I think I am getting maximum results.

My face doesn’t look so drawn and thin anymore. At 62, I have very few lines on my face. I’ve had other procedures as well, so I can’t say for sure which helps the most.

I suspect there’s even some synergy in combining treatments.

Thermage

I had Thermage just two years ago and had great results; but I would hesitate to go through it again.

It was quite painful. If you’ve ever had facial electrolysis, remember how it felt on very delicate areas like the upper lip; then multiply that by 600. My treatment was 600 zaps.

I am thankful I found an excellent plastic surgeon with a lot of Thermage experience; because after having my procedure I started reading about women who allegedly had been scarred by Thermage.

Thermage/Fraxel News

I’ve gotten a bit off track here but this is a good segue into something I just read: Thermage recently acquired Reliant Technologies which manufactures Fraxel.

My first reaction was they must be looking for a less painful alternative. ;-)

But actually, the company says the two technologies are fundamentally different. Thermage is calibrated to tighten up lax skin and Fraxel aims to refine or repair photodamaged skin (fine lines, wrinkles, age spots). I suspect there is some overlap though because my Thermage did both.

In other news, I read that Fraxel has begun research and development on a line of home laser skin care appliances. [I think they ought to call the line Baby Frasar – just kidding.] This is something to watch.

Anyway, the safety record of Fraxel to date is very good – in experienced hands.

What Fraxel Is and Does

You probably know that Fraxel is a CO2 fractional laser treatment which has received FDA approval.

Fractional refers to the fact that the treatment is applied to a fraction (about 25%) of the skin surface with each pulse. Leaving about 75% of the area unaffected minimizes downtime; but also means that multiple sessions may be required.

The first two levels of Fraxel laser machines (re:fine and re:store) are non-ablative, meaning they do not work by burning away surface skin. They penetrate beneath the surface to heat and irritate tissue which stimulates repair mechanisms to jump into action and produce new collagen.

So while you should not experience peeling or scabbing after re:fine or re:store treatments, you will probably have redness and swelling lasting from a few days (re:fine) to about a week (re:store).

The latest Fraxel release is named re:pair. This is an ablative fractional combination laser treatment and you can expect oozing, peeling and a longer recovery time.

Other differences among the three are price per procedure and depth of penetration.

Fraxel re:fine has the least penetration and is intended for medical spa and general practitioner use.

Fraxel re:store and re:pair provide deeper penetration and are intended for use by more specialized medical professionals, i.e. plastic surgeons and dermatologists.

What do Patients Report After Fraxel?

I found some very helpful info on RealSelf.com.

When I last checked, there were reviews written by 140 people who claim to have had the treatment or are otherwise knowledgeable about Fraxel (spa owners, medical professionals).

The reviewers are split virtually down the middle: 51% say Fraxel was worth it; 49% say no.

A few reported severe pain.

Fraxel can be quite pricey, so I’m not at all surprised that 49% felt it’s not worth it.

If you spend an average of $2600, you want some pretty impressive results. My Thermage cost about the same and was definitely worth the money to me.

Some reviewers reported paying up to $18,000 for Fraxel treatments.

Are There Risks Associated with Fraxel?

Yes of course. There are risks associated with any medical procedure.

Fractional lasers are less likely than full pulse lasers to cause post inflammatory hypo- or hyperpigmentation. They are also less likely to cause vaporization of facial fat pads which leave facial depressions or an overall hollowed out appearance.

If you decide to give Fraxel a try, seek out the most experienced professional in your area. Ask to see before and after photos of previous patients.

If you are not allowed a consultation with the medical professional who will perform your treatment, my personal decision would be to turn and walk out the door.

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice.

 

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