Age, stress, and the environment can take a heavy toll on our skin, sometimes making us look older than our true age, tired, worn down, and even unhealthy. In addition to the wrinkles we expect with aging, one can also see sagging skin, shadows, sun or age spots, irregular pigmentation, and even benign or cancerous skin growths.

There are numerous ads for beauty treatments to rejuvenate your skin. Many skin products have fancy branding and smell nice but do little or nothing to truly rejuvenate the skin. Some skin-rejuvenation devices are very strong and could lead to permanent scarring if not used properly.

At Enzer & Associates, we pride ourselves on providing the safest and most effective treatments for your hard-earned dollar under the guidance of Dr. Yoash Enzer, one of Rhode Island’s premier cosmetic plastic surgeons. One of our most effective cosmetic procedures is Fraxel laser skin resurfacing. This popular resurfacing treatment offers proven results.

Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing

Fraxel laser skin resurfacing uses precise laser targeting to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new skin cells. It treats microscopic areas on the skin, which stimulates the natural healing process so that the dead and damaged skin is quickly replaced by new skin cells.

Fraxel can be used to effectively treat wrinkles, scars, and sun spots on the skin, and it can also improve the tone and the texture of skin.

How Does the Treatment Work?

After we apply a topical numbing agent to the treatment areas in order to make the treatment more comfortable, the Fraxel laser is used to target the skin. The short pulses of energy emitted by the laser cause micro-injuries in a controlled manner.

This is a new approach to the traditional laser-resurfacing methods in that it does not remove 100% of the surface skin cells. Instead, micro-treatment zones are created and the collagen production in these areas is stimulated. This allows for safer and faster healing, and with much less discomfort than the traditional laser resurfacing procedures.

Preparation

Since Fraxel laser treatments are non-invasive procedures, there is not much needed in terms of preparation. Patients are advised to refrain from getting any skin treatments like waxing, shaving, or threading during the weeks leading up to the treatment, and they should avoid direct sun exposure.

Patients must also tell the doctor’s office if they have a history of cold sores or Herpes virus infections so that we can prescribe a medication before the laser treatment session.

What to Expect After Treatment

Immediately after the treatment, you will experience some redness, swelling, and itching around the areas that have been treated. The skin is likely to be sensitive to warm temperatures for the first few days. Do not itch or pick at your skin, as it can aggravate and damage the tissues. Make sure that aftercare instructions are followed closely, especially in regards to using cold compresses.

Most people find that the swelling and redness are basically resolved in three to four days after Fraxel treatment, which is much shorter than traditional laser skin resurfacing or surgical procedures. This varies depending on the patient, their skin type, and the degree of Fraxel laser energy applied during their treatment.

Avoid sun exposure while your skin is healing, as sunlight and pollution can damage the treated skin. Proper sun protection is vital. Complete results are visible once the skin has completely peeled away. Most physicians recommend a course of four to six treatments to achieve ideal results, depending on the problems that are being targeted.

Laser-Assisted Drug Delivery (LADD)

LADD is one of the hottest concepts in medicine and aesthetic surgery today. Briefly: The skin is a very tough barrier to the outside world and protects us from harm. Using the Fraxel laser to create thousands of micro-treatment zones, we can deliver many medications into the body that would otherwise not be able to penetrate the skin.

One of our most popular treatments is the delivery of a bleaching agent such as Hydroquinone into the skin with the Fraxel laser. This technique is very effective in lightening the skin, doing in one session what otherwise might take months or years to achieve.

Ideal Candidates

Any individual who is over the age of 18 and in relatively good health is a good candidate for Fraxel laser skin treatment. If you happen to suffer from medical conditions such as allergies or skin infections, make sure to mention it to Dr. Enzer during your consultation in order to help avoid complications.

Pregnant and nursing women can receive a Fraxel treatment, but they will not be able to use the numbing creams, and therefore the treatment will have to be on the light side.

Speak with Dr. Enzer to Learn More

Speaking with a skilled medical professional is vital before any cosmetic procedure. Dr. Yoash Enzer is a board-certified surgeon and Rhode Island’s top laser and cosmetic specialist. Contact our office if you would like to set up your Fraxel consultation.