Fraxel Repair Fractionated CO2 FAQ

What is the Fraxel Re:pair?
Fraxel re:pair delivers a new type of treatment called Fractional Deep Dermal Ablation (FDDA™) which can achieve dramatic improvements similar to traditional bulk ablative CO2 treatments with considerably less expected recovery time and risks. Fraxel re:pair laser works by producing thousands of tiny deep columns of treatment for your skin. The Fraxel laser allows Dr. Ishoo to treat your areas of concerns – one area at a time – without damaging surrounding areas. The Fraxel laser is so advanced that it penetrates deep into the dermis without affecting untargeted surrounding areas. Generally due to the significant discomfort during treatment, Dr. Ishoo will utilize local anesthetic with or without intravenous sedation depending on the extent of treatment. Fraxel re:pair is usually done in one single treatment. The average procedure takes approximately 45 minutes but may vary depending on the areas treated.

How is a Fraxel Re:pair SST treatment different from a Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatment?
Both Fraxel re:pair SST treatment and Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatment use fractional technology, but in different ways. As an ablative procedure, Fraxel re:pair SST treatment uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to vaporize microscopic columns of tissue deep within the skin. Fraxel re:pair SST treatment is a more aggressive procedure and is used to treat the most severe signs of skin damage. Results are achieved in 1-2 treatments and wound care recovery time (usually 24-72 hours) is generally longer than other Fraxel treatments. Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatment, on the other hand, is a non-ablative technique that intensively treats older skin cells while leaving the skin’s protective barrier intact. This results in less downtime and need for post-treatment wound care.

How long do the positive effects of Fraxel re:pair SST treatment last?
The results of Fraxel re:pair SST treatment are both immediate and progressive. Soon after the treatment, the surface of your skin will feel softer, look brighter and show more even tone. The next 3 to 6 months will bring more improvement as the deeper layers of the skin continue to heal.

What side effects should I expect after a treatment and what are the risks
Depending on the aggressiveness of your treatment, there might be some pinpoint bleeding following the procedure, as well as some oozing for up to 48 hours until the wounds close. The most common side effects are edema (swelling), which usually subsides after a week, and erythema (redness), which may last up to a month, depending on the aggressiveness of treatment. Other temporary side effects may include minor itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking, oozing and crusting. As with all ablative laser procedures, there is an elevated risk of delayed wound healing, infection, pigmentary changes (hyperpigmentation) and/or scarring. Please see our Commitment to Safety statement for a list of potential side effects and complications.

How is Fraxel re:pair SST treatment performed and does the treatment hurt?
First, your skin will be cleansed. Then, 60 to 90 minutes prior to treatment, a topical numbing agent will be applied to the treatment area. Dr. Ishoo may also choose to recommend intravenous sedation along with local anesthetic injections for maximum comfort. However, unlike the experience in traditional CO2 treatments, you will feel quite comfortable immediately after a Fraxel re:pair SST treatment. The procedure takes approximately 30-40 minutes for a full face.

What are the benefits of Fraxel re:pair SST treatment?

• Significant results in a single treatment
• Smoother, more even skin tone and texture
• Softening of deep frown lines and wrinkles
• Improved appearance of redness caused by sun damage

Fraxel re:pair SST treatment is a revolutionary new way to address the most severe signs of skin damage—without the degree of risks, complications and prolonged downtime of other ablative laser procedures. Fraxel re:pair SST treatment uses a high-intensity carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to vaporize unwanted tissue, but thanks to pioneered fractional technology, the treatment delivers dramatic results with significantly faster recovery time than non-fractional treatments—all in 1-2 treatments.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed depends on your goals and constraints. We work with patients to weigh the aggressiveness of treatment against the downtime associated. Typically, patients require between 2 and 6 treatments. The most aggressive approach, with the ablative Fraxel re:pair, can offer results after just one treatment.

What is the Recovery Time?
Recovery after standard Fraxel Repair Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing takes anywhere from 5 to 7 days. This new technology offers a range of benefits such as, quicker recovery, less swelling and bruising, increased safety, and improved skin tightening as patients heal. This technology and innovative technique performed by Dr. Ishoo has revolutionized facial rejuvenation. The combination of techniques enables Dr. Ishoo to offer gentle but effective facial rejuvenation options to nearly all clients.

How long do the results last for the Fraxel re:pair CO2 resurfacing laser?
We see results that take 5-10 years off our client’s appearance. With good skin care, sun protection, and not smoking, we expect that you will get 5-10 years of improvement. This is consistent with the older CO2 lasers, which have been around for over 15 years.

Do some people need more than one treatment?
Acne scarring and upper lip lines (smoker’s lines) are often very difficult to treat. For these 2 conditions, a second treatment might be needed after about 4-6 months.