Nurse Practitioner Emily Fenton explains why Fraxel is her go-to device for treating sun-damaged skin.
How long have you been using Fraxel in your clinic, and why?
I have been working with Fraxel for 9 years, so when I decided to open Skinfluence Clinic it was a non-negotiable to include this device.
Fraxel gives reliable and consistent results for both the patient and the practitioner. It can be performed for many skin concerns and the majority of skin types. I also love the unique delivery system of Fraxel in that it is continually delivering microscopic thermal zones so you can produce a very even result and you don’t end up with tiger striping which can happen with other devices.
Being based in Queensland, you have a lot of experience treating sun-damaged skin. How is Fraxel effective in the management of sun damage?
I believe Fraxel is extremely effective and a great alternative to many other modalities. I have seen
my fair share of sun-damaged Queenslanders in my time treating with Fraxel. The higher density treatments using the 1927nm wavelength are very successful in reducing the appearance of actinic keratoses and, generally, improvement of the appearance of skin tone and texture.
How do you use Fraxel to treat actinic keratosis?
Actinic keratoses are precancerous epidermal proliferations which are commonly seen in sun-damaged patients. Full-face laser resurfacing offers an effective and efficient treatment to reduce the number of actinic keratoses proliferating into potential cancerous lesions. For this, the 1927nm wavelength is the standout.
The 1927nm Fraxel treatment is well known for its precise, superficial zones of thermal coagulation which leaves an intact stratum corneum; it is well suited for the resurfacing of epidermal lesions like actinic keratoses. Importantly, by preserving the stratum corneum, the potential risks of scarring and infection can be minimised.
In our practice, we use the 1927nm at high energy and coverage to treat actinic keratoses. We find that after a high-density Fraxel treatment, patients will then require maintenance anywhere between 12 to 24 months depending on their original presenting condition. It is also paramount that they are given skincare advice to follow at home.
What is the feedback from your patients?
Our patients love it. Most of them have used other modalities or have seen other modalities used in the past on friends and family, so when we educate them on the treatment process, how the skin heals and what is involved for aftercare they are ready for it to be performed on themselves, too.
Also, once they have seen the results from their first treatment, they are eager to maintain this through regular maintenance sessions. I have numerous patients whom I have treated year after year.
Do you combine different Fraxel treatments in the same session?
Yes, we commonly combine both Fraxel wavelengths together to achieve more rejuvenation for our patients.
We do find with high density 1927nm they will achieve an improvement in their skin texture and tone, however if patients have deeper wrinkles, creping of the skin, acne scarring or surgical scars from previous skin surgeries, the 1550nm wavelength is best suited.
Do you have any practice pearls you can share?
Understanding your patient’s skin and learning how your laser works are paramount for success. Having worked with Fraxel for some time now, I know how the laser works and how it will respond for each patient. It also means that I am able to thoroughly educate the patient on the treatment experience. Take the time, learn the device, and understand where your treatment parameters will get you.
Also, it’s important not to underestimate the power of good skincare. Fraxel does a lot of the work, however skincare can help gain further amplification of results, so ingredients like a potent Vitamin C and retinol are great pre- and post-treatment.
Why would you recommend Fraxel a) to your colleagues, and b) to your patients?
I would recommend Fraxel without hesitation to colleagues. I think it is important to have a device in your clinic that you know will consistently deliver results whilst maintaining safety. I also like the versatility of the treatment; you can offer low density treatments with minimal downtime but can also offer higher density treatments to really gain standout results.
Recommending Fraxel to a patient ultimately depends on their skin and skin concerns. First of all, you need to ascertain that Fraxel is the treatment of choice for what they are concerned about. Once you know this, then really the results and healing process just speak for themselves. AMP
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