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Fraxel® laser resurfacing

Conveniently located to serve Omaha, NE

Fraxel before and after

Overview

Non-invasive vs. invasive skin rejuvenation with Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing

Skin rejuvenation using fractional laser technology addresses pigmentation, sun damageacne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and other complexion issues. These non-ablative fractional laser treatments are designed to leave surrounding tissue intact while targeting tiny fractions of the skin to promote collagen remodeling and healing. With non-invasive Fraxel® treatments, the downtime is less than ablative laser treatments or Fraxel® CO2 Repair, and there is a reduced chance of complications with non-invasive treatments.

With multiple fractional laser options available in today’s market, choosing the right provider and finding the right treatment option is important for the results you’re hoping to achieve. Not everyone is a good candidate for the fractional laser resurfacing treatment options available at Schlessinger MD and we pride ourselves on offering safe, conscientious treatment options and setting realistic expectations.

Early invasive options

Since the 1990s, CO2 laser resurfacing has long been the gold standard for a safe and effective treatment for fine lines, wrinkles, sun damagescars and uneven pigmentation. With the more invasive Fraxel® CO2 lasers, there is a need for anesthesia, a greater risk of scarring, and a lengthy recovery period. The recovery time is several weeks and includes red weeping skin, followed by a period of crusted and scabbed skin in the treated area, which gradually sluffs away revealing fresh, rejuvenated skin. The post care is extensive, and patient must be careful with sun exposure and cosmetics.

New non-invasive options

Since then, a new breed of fractional technology has been designed to lessen the risks involved with post procedure healing and to improve the safety and minimize the downtime of this procedure. Fractional lasers are a revolution in the field of laser-based cosmetic treatments. This advanced technology allows for only days of recovering vs. weeks, though patients still must be diligent with post care and limited sun exposure.

The benefits of Fraxel® laser resurfacing

FDA-approved fractional laser technology, helps improve skin tone and texture for a more youthful appearance. In addition to minimizing dark spots and wrinkles, this procedure also refines large pores, evens out discoloration, and helps improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. The treatment can also provide a number of other benefits, including:

  • Minimal downtime
  • Minimal chance of pigment loss
  • Safe and effective for all skin surface areas
  • Promotes tissue contraction and skin tightening
  • Continued improvement in skin appearance over a period of up to six months
  • Alternative to more invasive “cutting” surgeries such as a facelift or even threads

Schedule your consultation

A one-on-one consultation with Joel Schlessinger, MD is the best time to discuss your cosmetic concerns and goals. During your consult we’ll discuss treatment options and whether you’d be a candidate for either of the fractional laser resurfacing treatments available at Schlessinger MD. Your medical history will be reviewed, including all current medications. Details about your treatment plan will be explained to you, including the number of sessions required to achieve the best results, what you can expect immediately post procedure and how you can maintain your treatment results. Whether that is future treatments or our recommended post procedure skin care regimen by Obagi.

Rejuvenate your appearance with Fraxel® laser resurfacing and treat visible signs of aging. Contact Schlessinger MD to schedule your consultation today.

Before & afters

These are unretouched photos of Dr. Schlessinger’s own patients

Q&A with Dr. Schlessinger

Your commonly asked questions answered.

Fraxel® is a semi-ablative procedure that is based upon the skin’s own healing response. Many of the newest fractional lasers use the same technology with different wavelengths to result in improved skin with dramatically less recovery time. Microscopic laser pulses are spaced across the skin with a handheld device. Fractional light energy stimulates collagen and resurfaces the deeper layer of skin so its natural rejuvenation process can renew and repair the complexion. As the formation of new collagen continues to improve over time, most patients will see significant improvement in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin tone, and acne scarring with a fresher, more youthful skin tone and texture.

Fraxel® laser treatments begin with the application of a numbing agent to ensure your comfort during the procedure. You will be required to wear protective eyewear throughout the treatment.

The target area will be divided into quadrants. Then, several passes of the laser will be performed on each quadrant of the target area. During the procedure, your provider will scan the skin being treated with the device’s handpiece in a computer-controlled pattern. This allows our team to treat small areas of skin while leaving the surrounding area intact. You may feel a warm sensation and slight discomfort. A facial treatment can last up to 20-30 minutes.

The laser targets deep within the tissue to produce more effective wrinkle removal and skin rejuvenation. Usually, only one session of Fraxel® CO2 is needed to achieve visible results, however with those more popular, less invasive options, multiple session may be required.

If you are in your late 30s or older, you will see the most benefits from undergoing Fraxel® skin-resurfacing treatments.

Individuals who have darker skin tones, active skin infections, or open sores on the face, are not ideal candidates for these treatments.

Recovery can be quick with non-invasive fractional treatment options, meaning you may only have about a day of downtime after your treatment. With Fraxel® CO2 Repair recovery may be up to a few weeks, depending on the intensity of the treatment. Swelling, redness and sensitivity may be experienced. You will need to limit your exposure to UV rays and to use only mild cleansers and limited cosmetics on your skin to prevent irritation. We’ll provide you with our recommendations on a post laser skin care regimen, as well.

The cost of your Fraxel® laser resurfacing treatment depends on a number of factors, including the exact skin area addressed and the condition being treated. The overall price may also be impacted by the total number of sessions you need to achieve your desired outcome.

“Fraxel® laser treatments are great, but only if used for the correct situation in the proper type of patient. I am careful to make sure it is the right option for my patients, which is incredibly important.”

Contact us to learn more about our cosmetic services.