We speak with plastic surgeon Dr David Sharp on how he uses Fraxel to deliver enhanced patient outcomes in a surgical practice.
Since its launch in 2004, Fraxel has revolutionised the applicability and possibilities of laser skin resurfacing and continues to be the gold standard for skin rejuvenation and scar treatment. The original skin resurfacing treatment, Fraxel stimulates cellular turnover and the growth of new cells, bringing fresh, healthy, glowing skin back to the surface.
Fraxel is divided into the Dual device with the 1927nm and 1550nm wavelengths, and the Re:pair device which has a 10600nm wavelength, offering the versatility to customise treatment according to the patient’s needs, skin type and tolerance for downtime. It also gives clinicians the flexibility to combine superficial and deeper treatments for more rapid resolution of superficial photodamage, actinic keratosis, solar lentigines, acne scars and any other surface pathology.
Both Fraxel Dual and Fraxel Re:pair feature the proprietary Intelligent Optical Tracking System (IOTS), which allows clinicians to use the handpiece in a continuous motion. This technology ensures more consistent, predictable and uniform treatments, and in significantly less time, than traditional stamping methods.
Plastic surgeon Dr David Sharp has been using this technology for five years and was the first plastic surgery clinic in Brisbane to offer Fraxel. ‘We chose this specific laser due to the range of skin improvements it offers; it’s also a very tolerable treatment with short downtime,’ he says.
Effective management of sun damage and pre-cancerous conditions
‘Fraxel laser targets ageing and damaged skin cells with microscopic, strategically placed laser columns that penetrate the skin’s surface,’ Dr Sharp explains. ‘Sun damage is the precursor to some skin cancers, so many of our patients who have had surgery to remove skin cancers in the past now use Fraxel as a preventative measure, reducing the sun damage that can lead to cancer down the track.
‘Deep pigmentation can require multiple treatments, and if this is the case, we usually start with a series of ‘full face’ Fraxel treatments, and then perform some small, targeted treatments for residual, stubborn pigmentation.’ Using Fraxel for post-surgical scars
Scars take about 24 months in total to reach full maturity – but an early and proactive approach to scar healing can significantly reduce its appearance and accelerate the maturation process.
‘Fraxel is a useful tool in the remodelling of scarring,’ says Dr Sharp. ‘When performed during the healing period, it can make the scar smoother, lighter and less visible. If used in conjunction with optimal wound care and scar massage, Fraxel can be especially beneficial for patients who are concerned about the visibility of scarring after surgery.’
Using Fraxel to improve skin quality after BAM
As Dr Sharp notes, breast augmentation surgery can address the volume depletion and sagging that is commonly seen as the chest area ages, but it doesn’t improve skin texture or pigmentation – two things that often prematurely age the appearance of the decolletage, as this area usually weathers a lot of sun exposure.
‘The ‘dual’ aspect of Fraxel harnesses fractionated resurfacing technology to uniquely address two key decolletage complaints: the discolouration caused by sun damage, pigmentation or age spots, as well as fine lines, congestion or poor complexion due to the natural ageing process. Fraxel can target these individually, or together in a single treatment, saving treatment time, money and downtime,’ he explains.
For advanced ageing or very sun damaged skin, Dr Sharp says multiple treatments may be required, and maintenance treatments every 1-2 years are recommended to maintain results.
The role of Fraxel in a surgical practice
Dr Sharp says he primarily uses Fraxel to optimise scarring and rejuvenate the skin.
‘In particular, our facelift procedure includes Fraxel laser, in the months after surgery,’ he says.
‘It’s part of our holistic approach to facial rejuvenation, both at a dermal level, and deep below.’ ‘Although surgery can lift and tighten skin in a way that lasers can’t, it doesn’t address pigmentation, sun damage or poor skin condition. This is where Fraxel can both stimulate rejuvenation, while optimising surgical scars,’ he concludes. AMP
Treating Scarring
THE TRUSTED NAME IN FRACTIONAL LASER RESURFACING
- Pioneer of fractional skin resurfacing technology with over 15 years of success
- Clinically proven for efficacy and results with more than 50 published clinical studies
- 17+ filed patent applications
- Intelligent Optical Tracking System – for consistent, predicable and uniform treatments every time, in less time
- Customisable – can be tailored to specific needs, areas of concern and depth of indications, including wrinkles, pigmentation, sun spots, tone and texture, scarring and actinic keratosis
- Nonsurgical, non-invasive and with minimal downtime, to suit patients’ lifestyles
- Over 1.3 million treatments performed worldwide
About Solta Medical
The Solta Medical portfolio of products includes Thermage, Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, Vaser and Isolate, award winning energy-based medical devices for aesthetic treatments. Products that deliver a complete range of aesthetic solutions tailored to improving skin health, skin resurfacing and rejuvenation, body contouring and tightening.
Proven efficacy and comfort, with over 120 published clinical studies. Medical professionals have performed more than five million procedures around the world using these cutting-edge technologies.
For more information, visit www.soltamedical.com.au or phone: 1800 251 150
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