Fraxel has been a dependable workhorse in the laser space for over 15 years. AMP speaks with Toowoomba cosmetic physician Dr Eddie Roos about the value Fraxel brings to patients in regional Australia.
How do the needs of patients living in regional areas differ, in terms of lifestyle and access to a wide range of treatment options?
The needs of country people are generally the same as for city people. However, living in the country will usually mean that people will be more exposed to the sun. So, naturally, there may be more people with sun- damaged skin due to working in our harsh environment.
The availability of well-equipped clinics and properly trained staff is usually not available in smaller towns. The high cost of running clinics with a range of lasers and treatment options means that these clinics are usually only available in larger regional centres or in the cities. Many country people prefer to have treatments in their regional centres as they do not like going into the larger cities.
What role does Fraxel play in addressing this?
I believe Fraxel laser is the best option to treat sun-damaged skin. It is ideal to address uneven skin tone, treat fine lines and to achieve a tightening effect to the skin. Pore size will improve, and it helps restore the skin’s natural glow. Fraxel also improves scarring and I find country people often have scarring on their face from skin cancer surgery.
We purchased our Fraxel in June 2014, and therefore have been providing this treatment for over six years. It is an effective, reliable, all-round treatment that has been available for many years, and it is still my favourite go-to treatment when it comes to treating sun- damaged skin.
Obviously, we do encourage every client to be more sun-smart before and especially after treatment.
[ Fraxel is an effective, reliable, all-round treatment – and it is still my favourite go-to treatment when it comes to treating sun-damaged skin. ]
What do you most commonly use Fraxel for? What is the feedback from your patients?
We use Fraxel mostly for uneven skin tone, enlarged pores and fine lines. The results are good, and most clients only have one treatment, with satisfying results. We see continued improvement in the skin for up to six months post treatment.
We also use it for acne scarring. With acne and other scarring, we generally do four to six treatments with good results.
Our clients are pleased with their results, and we have some coming back every 18-24 months for a follow- up treatment.
My clients also notice that their solar keratosis lesions are less after Fraxel and frequently remark that “my skin has not felt this good in years” or “I love my skin again”.
This is one of the most rewarding treatments we offer in our clinic.
What does aftercare entail, particularly for clients whose livelihood involves being outdoors for long periods?
We encourage the continual use of quality skincare, including cleansing, exfoliating, moisturising, nourishing and protecting the skin with an effective sunscreen. Post Fraxel treatment, we prescribe a very specific skincare regime which is integral to achieving great results and recommend that clients avoid direct sun exposure while their skin is healing. If they do need to go out into the sun, we urge them to wear a broad brimmed hat and even a sun-sock (sleeve) to protect their face, neck and decolletage.
In our clinic we use GlyMed Plus skincare and have had great results with these products for over 14 years. Most country people do wear hats, but we find that our male clients are not always using sunscreen. The GlyMed Plus Men’s range is good as it is straightforward and addresses the needs of male clients. We do treat male clients with Fraxel, too!
How have you found working with Solta in terms of support and services they offer?
One of the most satisfying things about Fraxel is that it works, and we have not had any problems with it. We have it routinely serviced by Solta and that is all we have had to do. Our initial training years ago was good and the follow-up by the lovely representatives has been good. The consumables cost from the tips may put some people off but Fraxel offers national marketing and are always supportive to practices and clinics.
I cannot fault Solta staff for the service and support they have given us in Toowoomba.
What are the benefits in terms of the ROI associated with being one of the only Fraxel operators within a large geographical radius?
We have had a good return on investment with the Fraxel laser. Even with two other clinics in our regional town offering services, we have had a steady, strong demand for Fraxel treatments.
To summarise, what value do you believe Fraxel brings to your practice and to more regional parts of Australia in general?
Fraxel is a great treatment that is reliable and guarantees results for our clients. The fact that we have had the Fraxel for over six years and it has not broken down so far means that we are able to offer uninterrupted service to our clients. Being a rural and regional centre, this means a lot to us. My wife says that Fraxel is the best service we offer in our clinic, that gives her the best results. She would know! AMP
For more information, visit www.soltamedical.com.au
FRX.0061.AU.20
