Fraxel® Re:store (1550nm)
This is the original Fraxel® laser treatment. It can rejuvenate damaged or tired-looking skin, giving you new, smoother, fresher, younger-looking skin. Fraxel® Re:store (1550nm) is usually delivered as a series of treatments. Our consultant dermatologist, Dr Anne Farrell, and her skilled team have considerable experience in using Fraxel® Re:store (1550nm) to treat:
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Age spots and sunspots
- Melasma and irregular pigmentation
About Fraxel® Re:store (1550nm)
Fraxel® Re:store was launched in 2003, and this technology uses the high efficiency erbium glass laser (which uses the 1550 nm wavelength). This is a non-ablative treatment in that it does not break the surface of the skin, so there is usually a short recovery time, allowing you to return to work or other activities quickly.
Fraxel® Re:store usually requires several treatments for optimal results, and after each one the skin may be pink and slightly swollen. There is usually slight flaking of the skin a couple of days later, but as the skin is not broken, patients are often able to return to work the day after treatment.
What problems can be treated with
Fraxel® Re:store (1550nm)?
Fraxel® Re:store (1550nm) is designed to treat fine lines and wrinkles, skin irregularities, poor skin texture, enlarged pores, irregular skin pigmentation, and scars. It can also be used in combination with creams to treat melasma.
What areas can be treated with Fraxel® Re:store (1550nm)?
Almost any site on the body can be treated, although the most popular areas are the face, neck, chest, and hands. It can be used safely on all skin colours, from very pale to very dark skin.
How are Fraxel® Re:store (1550nm) treatments performed?
First, your skin will be cleansed. Then, about 60 minutes prior to procedure, an anaesthetic ointment will be applied to the treatment area. Fraxel® Re:store therapy usually takes 20 to 25 minutes for a full face treatment.
Clinical studies suggest that in general, the most effective approach is to complete three to five sessions, which should be spaced about two to four weeks apart. Depending on your condition and schedule, you may choose to space treatment sessions further apart. Results should be visible immediately after treatment and continue to improve over time.
Does Fraxel® Re:store (1550nm) treatment hurt?
Most patients describe a hot, prickling sensation during the treatment. To minimize discomfort, numbing (local anaesthetic) cream is applied approximately 60 minutes beforehand, and cold air blown onto the treatment area during the procedure. Afterwards, most patients feel like they have a sunburn, which usually diminishes in one to three hours.
What should I expect after Fraxel® Re:store (1550nm) treatment?
During the first 24 hours or so following the procedure, your skin may feel as if it has a sunburn, and it will look slightly pink. If you wish, you may apply makeup to reduce the appearance of these effects. The pinkness may last for a few days, and then your skin should develop more of a bronzed look over the next week or two. Each time you undergo this treatment, the sunburned-to-bronzed experience will also repeat. As is the case with a natural sunburn, your skin will likely flake and exfoliate normally. We recommend using a moisturiser to reduce the appearance of dryness and to limit flaking.
What side effects can I expect after treatment and how long will they last?
As well as pinkness, there may be some swelling. This reaction is usually mild and should subside within a few days. Other short-term effects may include minor itching in the treated area, dry skin, peeling, and/or flaking. Individuals prone to acne may experience a temporary flare-up, but this is usually brief and if wished, antibiotics can be prescribed to resolve this quickly. There is minimal risk of infection or scarring. The intensity and duration of any mild redness or swelling will vary depending on the aggressiveness of treatment as well as the patient’s unique rate of healing.
Who should not have Fraxel® Re:store (1550nm) treatments?
Fraxel® Re:store treatment should be avoided during pregnancy and by people who have been prescribed Roaccutane® during the last six months.
What precautions should I take after treatment?
Your skin will heal more quickly and smoothly if you keep it well moisturised with a bland moisturiser for the first few days after treatment. You will also need to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen (at least factor 30 protection) every day for at least three months after the completion of the course of Fraxel® treatment.
How long do the positive effects of Fraxel® Re:store (1550nm) treatment last?
The improvement to scars, skin texture, and wrinkles is long term, but it is advisable to protect your results with good sunblocks and skin care. For pigmentation and melasma in particular, it is very important to avoid direct sun exposure to avoid a recurrence.
To read more about this exciting new technology, visit www.fraxel.com or contact us to book a consultation to find out which treatment is appropriate for your skin condition.
