Fraxel Laser Information Hampshire UK

 

Excellent for:

  • Any skin pigmentation that creams cannot clear
  • Sun-damaged and leathery skin 

Good for:

  • Acne scars, surgical scars and stretch-marks 
  • Lines in the thin skin around the eyes

 

What does it do?

Skin rejuvenation creams will treat the epidermis (outer layer of the skin). Fraxel laser treatment is the safest way of treating conditions that affect the dermis (the inner layer of the skin).

One Obagi Blue Peel gives the same result as three Fraxel laser treatments for pigmentation but is less effective at treating scarring and stretch marks. However, it will tighten the skin more.

 

Which areas can it treat?

Any area on the body apart from the palms and soles.

 

What are the advantages of Fraxel laser treatment?

The advantages of treatment with Fraxel over an Obagi Blue Peel are:

  • "Down time" is reduced to a minimum. You can usually return to day to day activity within 2-3 days while wearing concealing make-up.
  • Permanent side-effects are reduced to a bare minimum.

 

Is Fraxel laser treatment safe?

Fraxel laser treatment is safe and effective when used by experienced operators.

 

Does Fraxel laser treatment hurt?

It used to. However, research published in November 2010 has shown that low power treatment, which is very tolerable, is as effective as high power treatment which was fairly uncomfortable.

Where we can, we will augment the numbing effects of the local anaesthetic cream with injections of local anaesthetic. This takes away all the discomfort.

 

How should I prepare for treatment?

You must treat your skin with Obagi Nu-Derm before and during the treatment period. If you have dark skin or melasma, Obagi Nu-Derm treatment needs to be continued for three months after the last Fraxel laser treatment.

 

What does treatment involve?

Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed and then local anesthetic cream will be applied and left for 30-60 minutes to numb your skin.

You will then be treated with 4-10 passes of the Fraxel laser.

Afterwards, your skin will be cooled with cold-packs until you are ready to go home.

 

How will I look immediately after treatment?

The skin will be red and swollen.

 

Is there any important aftercare?

If you are treated at the Wessex Skin Clinic:

  • We will look after you in our Recovery Room until you are ready to go home
  • You will be supplied with the necessary aftercare creams
  • You will be shown how to use the creams described in the post-treatment information sheet
  • You will be given an emergency contact number to call in the unlikely event that you develop any problems.

 

How soon after treatment will I notice an improvement?

You will notice an improvement 3-4 weeks after the first treatment.

 

How many treatments will I need?

Most people will need three treatments. People with acne scarring should budget for five treatments. People with melasma will usually need three treatments but may need five.

 

How long does the improvement last?

The improvements will last for months or years, if you continue to use a maintenance program of Obagi Nu-Derm.

 

What side-effects are there?

Anticipated

  • Temporary redness and swelling
  • Temporary dryness, bronzing and bumpiness

Unanticipated

  • Infection
  • Blisters and shallow ulcers
  • Uncommonly, except in people with dark skin or melasma; a temporary increase or reduction in skin colour
  • Rarely; scarring or permanent changes in skin colour

 

Who shouldn't have Fraxel laser treatment?

  • Women who are pregnant or breast feeding
  • If you are prone to forming keloid scars, seek treatment from an experienced Consultant Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon