Laser skin resurfacing to improve the appearance and quality of your skin has been one of the most popular skin treatments for the past decade, and recent advances in laser technology have made laser treatments more effective and affordable than ever. If you have been considering the FRAXEL® Laser to improve the appearance of your skin, Indianapolis board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Fata can help.
To find out how skin treatment with the FRAXEL® Laser can benefit your complexion, please call 317-575-9152to schedule a consultation at our Indianapolis office today.
Early Laser Treatments
All lasers are a source of energy that heat the skin at a controlled depth to stimulate the production of new skin and collagen. The name for this technique is laser skin resurfacing.
The first laser used for skin resurfacing was the CO2 laser, but it had significant drawbacks. It caused a heat injury on the skin surface, which causd oozing and the formation of a crust that lasted about two weeks. The CO2 laser caused a prolonged redness of the skin that typically lasted 3-4 months. Also, there were more frequent than expected problems with scarring and abnormally lightening of the skin (hypopigmentation). The downsides of the CO2 laser led to the development of lower energy lasers, which were safer but still resulted in some of the same problems.
The FRAXEL® Laser
The FRAXEL® Laser was the first laser found to be safe, effective, and has almost no downtime. We believe that FRAXEL® Laser is the best combination of safety and effectiveness ever offered in a laser. The technology is unique in that it uses microscopic laser beams that penetrate your skin without damaging the surface. The effect on the skin surface is therefore minimal while the deeper layers of the skin (the dermis) are being treated.
The pigment of age or sun spots will gradually work its’ way to the surface and old skin cells will flake off. New collagen will form beneath the surface, which fills out and firms up the skin to diminish fine wrinkles and acne scars.
Advantages of the FRAXEL® Laser are:
- Minimal down time.
- Minimal risk of infection and scars.
- It can be used to treat the neck, chest and hands.
To get the best results with the FRAXEL® Laser, you will need four to five treatments and they are spaced four weeks apart for each treatment. The laser treatments are performed in our office with topical anesthesia, and the cost of four treatments is often less than one treatment with a CO2 laser.
How is Recovery after FRAXEL® Laser?
You will experience some redness and swelling for a couple of days. By the third day your skin may have a bronze hue as the pigment works its’ way to the surface. Any discolorations can easily be covered with makeup, and they are usually gone within one week.
You may experience some dryness and flaking as your old, dead skin cells are shed. Use a mild moisturizer, such as Aveeno® or Cetaphil®. You will also need a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
To assist you as you gather information on the FRAXEL® Laser, Dr. Fata has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions based on his extensive experience with patients who have had FRAXEL® Laser treatments.
How much does FRAXEL® Laser Cost?
The estimated total cost for FRAXEL® Laser skin resurfacing is $850 per treatment, which includes the FRAXEL® Laser fee and all follow-up care by Dr. Fata. Additional areas, such as the chest or neck, may be discounted.
Schedule Your Appointment in Indianapolis, Indiana
Dr. Joseph Fata performs FRAXEL® Laser treatments on his patients in Indianapolis and Carmel, Indiana. Call 317-575-9152 or contact Renaissance Plastic Surgery online for more information.
