Q: What is Fraxel® Laser Treatment?

A: Fraxel Laser Treatment (FLT) from Solta Medical ( formerly known as Reliant Technologies ) is a new aesthetic solution that repairs aging and sun-damaged skin – spot by spot. We describe it as new-generation laser skin resurfacing, similar to digital photo-editing software for your skin.

Think of your skin as a family portrait or digital photo in need of high-quality restoration or touch-up. Imagine how the portrait would be delicately restored, one small area at a time; or a photograph might be digitally ed, pixel by pixel. That’s the principle behind the Fraxel Laser Treatment.

Q: How does Fraxel Laser Treatment work?

A: Similar to the technique of editing a digital photograph comprised of pixels, Fraxel Laser Treatment precisely produces thousands of tiny columns of treatment zones invisible to the naked eye that target flawed skin and leave surrounding healthy skin untouched. It is the only laser device specially designed to resurface a fraction of skin at a time without breaking the skin’s protective outer barrier. This fractional resurfacing affects between 20 and 25 percent of the skin at any one time, permitting the spared tissue to assist in the rapid healing of damaged cells. FLT also reaches deep into the dermis to stimulate collagen remodeling in the skin layers below. In this way, the body’s natural healing process s new, healthy tissue to replace skin imperfections.

Q: How long does the procedure take?

A: The procedure (including the application of topical anesthetic) typically takes between 1 and 1-1/2 hours. Some patients are able to return to routine activities, including work and social obligations, the same day of treatment. Others require a little more time, depending upon their skin condition and treatment. There’s no prolonged recuperation, no risk of general anesthesia, and treatment is well-tolerated.

Q: What does the Fraxel laser treat?

A: Fraxel Laser Treatment is currently FDA cleared for skin resurfacing procedures; to treat

• Acne Scar, Surgical Scar
  
• Fine lines and Wrinkles
  
• Pregnancy Mask / Stretch Mark
  
• Pigmented lesions, including Melasma, Age spots, Sun spots and Dyschromia.

Q: What has been the acceptance of the Fraxel laser?

A: Leading researchers and clinicians have spent the past 6 years testing the safety and efficacy of the Fraxel laser. In Fall 2004, the laser system was commercially launched and has obtained widespread professional acceptance since then.

Based on clinical experience to date, doctors are reporting noticeable improvement in patients after 3 to 5 treatments.

In our practice, we have observed nice improvements in uneven skin color and wrinkles around the eye area. Our Fraxel laser resurfacing results are comparable to other traditional modalities that are associated with far more significant side effects and downtime.

Q: Are there any negative side effects?

A: We have not experienced any significant or long-lasting adverse effects and have we seen a low incidence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and no reported cases of hypopigmentation.

The clinical endpoint we look for with Fraxel Laser Treatment is cell turnover and peeling. After treatment, the patient’s skin tends to be pinkish-red for a few days with slight swelling immediately after treatment. This is normal and signifies that the dermal tissue is being repaired and there is good blood circulation. The repair process typically entails a “bronzing” that lasts anywhere from 3 to 14 days after treatment, followed by a flaking process of exfoliation as the reorganized epidermal skin gradually replaces dead tissue.

Q: Does Fraxel Laser Treatment hurt?

A: Treatment is well-tolerated with a topical anesthetic ointment to alleviate discomfort. We also use contact cooling (if applicable) to increase patient comfort during the procedure. Patients can apply make-up or shave after treatment.

Q: How much does the procedure cost?

A: An effective treatment regime typically requires an average of 3 to 5 treatment sessions spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart to obtain maximum benefit. Depending on the nature of the patient’s condition, the areas to be treated and other factors, treatment costs range from about Rs 5000 to Rs 20000.

Q: Are your patients satisfied?

A: There has been huge patient satisfaction. Our patients are thrilled and word-of-mouth referrals have been tremendous. What makes FLT such a success is that virtually every patient who gets treated experiences a cosmetic enhancement. Treatment offers immediate results – softer, smoother and toned skin – plus an ongoing, cumulative improvement that s a healthy, vibrant and youthful appearance.

Q: Is there an ideal candidate for treatment?

A: Our typical patient is someone in their 40s or older who has photodamaged skin – lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration, dull or rough texture, age spots, etc. Fraxel Laser Treatment especially appeals to those patients who want the positive results of traditional resurfacing methods with minimal downtime or risks. It also appeals to those who are looking for a more dramatic result than might be achieved with non-ablative techniques.

What is the Thermage^® procedure?

Thermage is a safe, non-invasive, radiofrequency (RF) cosmetic procedure that’s clinically proven to help smooth, tighten and contour skin for an overall younger looking appearance. The treatment delivers natural looking results with little to no downtime – on all skin colors, on and off the face, all in a single procedure.

What parts of the body does Thermage treat?

Thermage procedures can effectively and safely treat skin on most body parts, including the face, eyes, lips, tummy, arms, hands, thighs and buttocks. Thermage can also temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite.

What conditions does Thermage treat?

On the face, Thermage can treat sagging skin, loose jowls, lack of definition in the jaw line, sagging neck skin (“turkey neck”), wrinkles and fine lines, and lack of definition in the lips. Around the eyes, Thermage can treat under eye bags, hooding, rough texture on the eyelids, wrinkles and fine lines, and other contributors to tired looking eyes. Elsewhere on the body, Thermage can treat wrinkled, crepey, sagging or bulging skin as well as the appearance of cellulite.

How many treatments will I need?

Unlike many laser procedures requiring four or more sessions, Thermage treatment delivers results in a single treatment for most patients. In fact, when it comes to skin tightening and contouring with little to no downtime, Thermage is the only single treatment, non-invasive procedure on the market.

How long is the treatment?

Thermage treatments average about 45 minutes for the face and up to an hour and a half for other parts of the body, depending on the size, location and condition of the area to be treated. Since Thermage is a short procedure and a single treatment, it fits into your busy lifestyle.

Is there any special preparation or follow-up regime?

No. Unlike surgery, there is no pre-procedure preparation such as blood work or fasting. And there is no special care required after treatment, aside from basic skin maintenance and sunscreens as part of a regular skincare regimen. Since the Thermage procedure has little to no downtime, most patients return to their regular activities immediately following treatment. Some patients exhibit a temporary redness or minor swelling after treatment, but this usually goes away within 24 hours.

How does Thermage treatment work?

Thermage uses radiofrequency technology to heat the deep, collagen rich layers of your skin. The heat helps tighten existing collagen and stimulate the formation of new collagen, which reduces sagging, renews contours, and improves the smoothness and texture of the skin’s surface.

How is Thermage technology different from other tightening procedures?

Unlike some other procedures, Thermage involves no surgery, no injections and little to no downtime, and Thermage works on all skin colors – on and off the face. While laser treatments and other radiofrequency procedures also tighten skin, no other treatment heats as deeply as Thermage. By heating the innermost layers of skin, Thermage is the most effective at tightening collagen and stimulating the formation of new collagen, which results in tighter skin and an overall younger looking appearance.

How do Thermage results compare with those of other treatments?

Some people want the dramatic results of surgery. Others want the more subtle, gradual results of a non-invasive treatment with no downtime. This is where Thermage succeeds, delivering improved skin tone, texture and tightness. When lotions and potions are not enough and surgery is too much, Thermage is a safe, effective solution.

When do the results appear, and how long do they last?

Visible results may be immediate, and they may appear over time in the course of your body’s natural collagen rebuilding process. For most patients, measurable tightening and contouring appear gradually in the two to six months following a single treatment session. Results can last years depending on your skin condition and aging process.

What does the Thermage procedure feel like?

Each time the treatment device touches your skin, you’ll feel a brief cooling sensation, followed by a deep but brief heating sensation, followed by another cooling sensation. The heating sensation is a sign that the deep layers of your skin are reaching effective temperatures for tightening. Throughout the procedure, your physician will ask for feedback on the level of heat sensation to help balance your comfort with maximum results.

What FDA clearances does Thermage have?

Thermage is FDA cleared for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite. In addition, Thermage is the first and only system to receive FDA clearance for non-invasive eyelid treatments.