Review of Fraxel

I’m in San Antonio and reviewed all the new products at the American Academy of Dermatology. Fraxel introduced its new CO2 technology that was mentioned on NBC’s Today Show last Friday. I’ve had several patient’s ask me about this. Here is some information.

This is a fractioned laser source that treats only part of the skin. It has less down time than CO2, which was one of the first full face rejuvenating lasers on the market. This is a very aggressive laser and it goes quite deep. The idea is to give a CO2 result (which in many cases leaves the skin slightly pink in appearance) without the downtime of a full CO2 treatment. It is a painful procedure and although CO2 is the gold standard, most physicians have moved away from this technology due to downtime, discomfort, and complication profile. This is truly a “burn care” post procedure and quite often there is significant bleeding and oozing. It is not a procedure for the faint of heart. And, if you are going to do a fractionated procedure, why not do the gold standard full CO2 procedure? I don’t see this as a huge improvement in the aesthetic laser market; just modifying existing technology a bit.

Cosmeceuticals seem to have the biggest splash at the AAD. The trend is to recognize that these high grade products should either begin just before procedures but most certainly should be used after procedures to give the greatest benefit to the health of one’s skin.

All Procedures Have Risks

Last week it was reported that BBC newsreader Kate Silverton is taking legal action against a leading surgeon after undergoing Fraxel laser surgery that left her face so badly marked she was unable to work for two weeks.

She's quoted as saying, "It's been awful. I went in to get some minor scarring on my cheeks treated...I was told it would be a routine procedure and I'd be back to work in days. The treatment, however, caused a massive skin reaction."

All procedures have risks. It is unfortunate that Kate had to endure this. Some people experience Fraxel as a no downtime procedure. However, the best use for the procedure, to repair acne scars, typically does require some downtime due to the depth and energy used in the procedure. When using higher energy, the risk for post inflammatory hypo and hyperpigmentation rise significantly. Swelling and redness can also be quite severe. Time and topical creams can improve discoloration, but results may be permanent.

If you have experienced negative side effects to Fraxel or other laser skin treatments, contact Dr. Carol Clinton at http://www.timelessskinsolutions.com/. I am able to treat conditions that occur from botched laser treatments.