| Dr. S. Sasha Jazayeri MD is board certified in Dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Cosmetic Dermatology.
Q. What is the difference between ablative and non-ablative laser treatment?
A. In ablative therapy the top layer of the skin is vaporized and destroyed. New skin will grow from below and replace the previously removed layers. Although the results can be very good with ablative therapies, this method can result in a much longer recovery time with more oozing, redness and swelling.
With non ablative treatments, on the other hand, the recovery time is much faster and the risk of discoloration or scarring is lower.
Q. How does the Fraxel (Restore) laser treatment work?
A. Fraxel technology is a relatively novel method for treating damaged skin. As the name implies Fraxel treats a fraction of the affected skin each time.
It is designed to target aging and damaged skin by creating thousands of microscopic holes within the targeted areas that penetrate well beneath the skin's outermost layer. In this way, Fraxel Laser treatment triggers the body's own natural production of new collagen and skin cells.
The procedure is effective even on delicate skin areas, such as the neck, chest and hands.
Fraxel Restore laser treatment, with its gentle non-ablative skin rejuvenation and rapid healing time, is now available to people of all skin types to minimize wrinkles and tighten skin.
Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Fraxel laser treatment?
A. Thanks to its advanced technology, Fraxel Restore can treat a variety of skin conditions very effectively, while minimizing the healing time. Like any laser treatment, however, there are some risks involved. So ask your laser operator about these.
Q. How soon can the clients see results after the Fraxel laser treatment?
A. Most patients see results after one treatment, however to achieve maximum results it typically takes 4 treatments depending on the patient.
Q. What skin conditions can the Fraxel laser treatment treat?
A. Fraxel can treat a number of skin conditions. It can help remove wrinkles on the face, including around the eyes, acne scars, surgical scars, age spots/sunspots, melasma (which are brown patches due to hormones and the sun) and precancerous cells known as actinic keratoses.
Q. How does laser treatment help to lighten or completely remove unsightly birthmarks?
A. Birth marks would typically be removed surgically or some red birthmark patches can be removed using a special laser different from Fraxel, not widely available.
Lasers work by delivering a high energy beam of light that targets certain colors or layers within the skin. There are several form of lasers each targeting a specific skin condition. The two most commonly used methods to remove brown spots from the skin are Fraxel and IPL.
Q. What are Telagiectasias and how can laser treatment help?
A. Telangiectasias are tiny superficial blood vessel that can be seen on the skin, mostly on the face. These are often unsightly and are not necessary for the health of the skin; in other words the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin does not depend on these vessels. Several methods can be used to eliminate the telangiectasias: IPL , lasers, and electric cautery. IPL, or intense pulse light is a non ablative form of light therapy commonly used to help remove these vessels without affecting the superficial skin. Most patients will need about 4-5 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart. |
