There are few things introduced to the aesthetic market that change how we think about and approach skin rejuvenation. Fraxel is one of them.
Since its launch in 2004, Fraxel remains a pioneer in fractional resurfacing laser, revolutionising the applicability and possibilities of laser skin resurfacing.
“We have been using Fraxel for almost 10 years,” says Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Charles Cope. “It replaced the older CO2 resurfacing laser almost overnight, and is still the gold-standard for skin rejuvenation, treatment of wrinkles, texture, pigmentation and sun damage.”
“The reasons for this are numerous. First, there is reduced downtime; the CO2 laser had significant downtime (10 days or more off work), compared with 1-3 days with Fraxel.
“Second, there are fewer complications. With the CO2 laser around 10% of patients with light skins had permanent complications such as pigmentation change (post inflammatory hyper or hypo pigmentation), compared with complication rates of 1-3% with Fraxel, even with darker skins.
“Third, the success rate for acne scars with the CO2 laser was low – 60% were improved, 20% were the same, and 20% were worse after the treatment. With Fraxel, just about every patient has improvement.
“Fourth, Fraxel can treat all skin types. With the CO2 laser, only light skins could be treated. Another advantage is that Fraxel can be used on other areas of the body, such as neck, décolletage, arms and hands,” says Dr Cope.
There are three types of Fraxel currently available – two non-ablative and one ablative. The Dual device offers 1927nm and 1550nm wavelengths, and the re:pair device has a 10600nm wavelength.
“The 1927nm Thulium laser is my favourite wavelength,” says QLD dermatologist Dr Shobhan Manoharan, who says his clinics are now the biggest users of the Fraxel system in Australia. “It’s non-ablative, but does a splendid job in reducing actinic keratosis, pigmentation and improve general tone and texture. The 1550nm Erbium:glass is a useful modality for scars and tightening wrinkles with relatively low downtime. I use the 10600nm CO2 device for deeper lines and rhytides, and for more severe aging or sun-related skin changes.”
“The versatility of these devices enables us to often offer patients combination therapies in the same session (eg, 1927nm over full face for pigmentation and actinic keratosis, 1550nm around the eyes for fine wrinkling, and 10600nm re:pair over the perioral area and neck/décolletage for heavier rhytides and elastosis. All device settings are customisable for coverage and fluence, and thus can be tailored for the patient’s concern, skin type, downtime and body area treated.”
Broad, versatile application
Fraxel offers clinically proven, state-of-the-art fractional laser systems with predictable results that are both immediate and progressive.
“I have two groups of ‘typical’ patients. One is a younger age group, in their 40s or so, who have had extensive sun exposure and have typically grown up in Queensland. They are starting to see dyschromia and actinic keratosis and are hoping for a refresh and to prevent progression,” says Dr Manoharan. “My other group are older patients in their 50s and beyond, who have established sun damage, possibly a history of smoking, heavy surface changes and deeper lines, who are finally seeking a global improvement for all these changes. The versatility of the Fraxel devices enables me to cater for both these groups easily.”
“We find Fraxel to be a fantastic addition to help the recovery for post-surgical scars on the body,” adds Dr Cope. “Not surprisingly, with the growing trend in male grooming, we have found a number of men also exploring Fraxel for skin health and achieving great results to enhance a fresher, brighter and younger looking complexion.”
“My tips for my colleagues are to get both themselves and their treating team trained well, start slow and on conservative settings, follow patients up frequently (1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months post treatment) to understand the treatment journey under various settings, and fine-tune and intensify settings as you become more experienced,” says Dr Manoharan.
“When experience is gained and patient selection is mastered, this is a device that can be clinically extremely effective with a high patient satisfaction rate and a real driver within the business,” she says. “Combine patients on an effective routine of aftercare and repeat treatments to enable best clinical practice and practice growth.”
“Valeant Aesthetics are leaders in the industry with global recognition and a great reputation. The technology they stand by is true to its word and effectively delivers results,” says Dr Cope. “The representatives go above and beyond with their support to our business, offering the best training, marketing and business development.” AMP
Valeant Aesthetics offers a complete range of skin rejuvenation and body contouring solutions, including Fraxel, Thermage, Liposonix, Clear + Brilliant and Obagi skincare. For enquiries, call 1800 251 150 or email customerservice@inovapharma.com
