 
Eyelid Rejuvenation  Fraxel® Fraxel Laser Treatment is the most advanced laser treatment for acne scars and skin rejuvenation to date. It is excellent for treating sun damage, pigmented lesions like age spots or sun spots, skin discolorations, roughness, and wrinkles around the eyes. Background on Fraxel® Laser Treatments The Fraxel laser is distinguished by its ability to create microthermal zones — small but deep columns of treatment — while leaving surrounding skin unaffected, which reduces healing time and promotes the skin's natural process for creating new, healthier tissue to replace the damaged cells. The laser stimulates the creation of new collagen, under acne scars, for example, producing positive long-term changes. Designed to minimize down time and potential complications, the Fraxel laser is gentle enough to use on the back, neck, and chest, as well as the face. The Fraxel laser creates less downtime than other laser skin resurfacing methods, and while it is expected that your skin will be pink for three to five days after treatment, you can use camouflaging makeup. Treatments take about an hour each and are most effective when repeated three to five times, spaced a few weeks apart. To ensure the most comfortable procedure, Dr. Stout administers a topical anesthetic cream to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Fraxel® Frequently Asked Questions How does the Fraxel laser work?
Fraxel is designed to restore aging skin by targeting portions of specificly damaged tissue. By creating microscopic "wounds" within the targeted areas beneath the outer layer of skin, Fraxel laser treatments trigger the body's natural healing process by accelerating the production of collagen and new, healthy skin cells.
Before Fraxel laser treatment, there were two types of available laser treatments. The first, bulk ablative laser treatment, involves the vaporization of entire layers of skin cells at very high temperatures. This treatment is very effective but associated with a high incidence of side effects and typically requires a lengthy healing period. The other previously available laser technique, bulk non-ablative laser treatment, has a lower incidence of side effects and little healing time, but requires numerous treatments over many months and has widely variable results. Fraxel treatments strive to offer the effectiveness of ablative lasers with the benefits of the gentler, non-ablative lasers.
Most patients tolerate Fraxel quite easily, describing the sensation of the laser as a “prickling” one. To ensure the most comfortable experience, Dr. Stout often administers a topical anesthetic to minimize any discomfort experienced by the patient.
Before treatment begins, Dr. Stout will administer a topical anesthetic to ensure that the patient is comfortable during the procedure. Once anesthetized, the procedure takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Following the procedure, it is suggested that the patient wash off the topical anesthetic.
During the first 24 hours after treatment, your skin may feel as though it is sunburned and appear pink or red. Similar to an actual sunburn, it will bronze over the next week or so and makeup can be worn, if desired, to reduce the appearance of redness. Your skin will begin to flake and exfoliate normally, however, a moisturizer will reduce the appearance of dry flakes. After a Fraxel laser treatment, it is especially important to apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher twice a day. Avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process and for at least the next 3 months. Wearing wide brimmed hats is also recommended to protect against further sun damage. Patients typically return to their routine activities, including work and social obligations the same day of treatment. Some, however, require a little more time, depending upon their skin condition and level of treatment. It is recommended that patients discuss their treatment with Dr. Stout to plan for it within their schedule.
Clinical studies suggest that an effective treatment regimen is 3 to 5 sessions, spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart. Depending upon your condition and schedule, Dr. Stout may choose to space treatment sessions even further apart. Since results are immediate and progressive, an improvement in appearance will be instantly noticed, but optimal improvement is usually visible in about 2 to 3 months. This time frame and treatment structure allow for complete healing and replacement of damaged tissue with new collagen and elastin for healthy skin cell growth.
As a highly skilled oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Stout is well acquainted with the aesthetics and anatomy the face. Since his specialty training is in laser surgery of the eyes and face, Dr. Stout has seen the different types of anti-aging laser treatments marketed throughout the years and can attest to the remarkable effectiveness of the Fraxel laser. Under his careful care and skilled hand, Dr. Stout will refresh your appearance just a few appointments of 20 minute each!
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© 2008 WARREN C. STOUT, M.D