This article is my first blog entry and presents my firsthand experience with the Fraxel“ Laser, which in my hands, has proven to be the best modality to treat an array of aesthetic skin problems. I personally perform all treatments in our office and now boast well over a years worth of experience.

The Fraxel“ Laser is best suited for moderate to severe facial, neck and hand wrinkling, skin dyschromias (discoloration), age spots/brown spots, crows feet, acne scars, surgical scars, stretch marks, and melasma (the mask of pregnancy). The laser is non-invasive, and has significantly less social downtime, which is important to a majority of my patients. The Fraxel“ Laser in my experience, is the gold-standard in the way of laser resurfacing and skin rejuvenation.

Unlike Thermage treatments, which we have used for the last two years for deep tightening of tissue with high radiofrequency waves, the Fraxel“ Laser treats the superficial skin and truly resurfaces abnormal skin areas from sun damage, wrinkles and enlarged pores. We are encouraged that no other laser is as versatile with greater results than this one.

Some of my past successes and mild failures of treatment regimens were dermabrasion, deep chemical peels with phenol or salicylic acid and ablation of skin problems with various lasers, i.e. C02, pure erbium, and Ruby Argon for skin resurfacing that required two to four weeks of down time. They are all efficacious to some extent, but they did not have as consistent results, had the long healing time and prolonged down time, translating into diminished patient satisfaction.

Candidates for Fraxel“ Laser therapy must be patient for optimal results. Typically, we recommend a package of four to five treatments spread out over four to five months with topical (numbing cream) anesthesia, oral xanax, narcotics, and toradol utilized in the peri-procedural period. Resultant swelling, mild-moderate redness, and slight glazing typically lasts for three to five days. Comparatively, carbon dioxide lasers and deep chemical peels result in weeks of healing and months of redness. The Fraxel“ Laser contains an intelligent optical tracking system leading to collagen remodeling and new collagen formation. I personally evaluate all potential candidates in our office to see if the treatment is appropriate, and follow their progress throughout the treatment schedule.

Post treatment patients are placed on bleaching regimens to avoid pigmentation and should practice sun avoidance with high SPF for several weeks. You may seek further details about the laser at Fraxel.com or give us a call and we’ll gladly send you information and see you in the office for an appointment.

The Fraxel“ Laser resurfacing is a safe and effective modality for treating epidermal pigmentation, wrinkles associated with photo-aging, melasma, acne scars, surgical scars, and even stretch marks. Fraxel Laser Treatment is a safe, non-invasive procedure that allows you to rediscover the fresh, healthy skin of your youth. There is simply nothing else like it for improving the appearance of your skin and giving you a renewed sense of confidence.



Next month:
1. Facial fillers – The different types (Fat, Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Artefill, Aquamid), their advantages and disadvantages, and how to make an educated decision about which one is right for you.

Glenn Vallecillos, MD Inc.
Aesthetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Haworth Surgical Institute
436 North Bedford Drive, Suite #105
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

tel. 310.273.3000
www.VallecillosMD.com
email: glenn@DrV90210.com