Fractional Photothermolysis (Fraxel®)

Cincinnati Plastic Surgery Specialists in Fraxel® Laser Fractional Photothermolysis

Thank you for considering UC Health Plastic Surgery for your plastic surgery procedure. We offer a safe, comfortable atmosphere in our modern, state-of-the-art facility located in West Chester, Ohio, convenient to both Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio. Fractional Photothermolysis using the Fraxel® Laser is conveniently performed right in our well-equipped procedure rooms. We offer a friendly staff of nurses and administrative support to help with your scheduling issues and questions.

Fractional Photothermolysis

Fraxel® Laser is a FDA-approved, non-ablative resurfacing of the skin for fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, melasma, surgical scarring and acne scarring, with a quick healing time. It produces tiny areas of thermal wounds in a dot-like grid leaving surrounding healthy tissue untouched. The healthy cells in the untouched areas promote rapid healing with very little downtime. This non-invasive treatment stimulates new collagen and healthy skin cells to replace skin imperfections. A series of 4-5 treatments is usually done anywhere from 2-4 weeks apart. Fraxel® Laser delivers an effective method of restoring the skin to a healthier, younger looking skin.

Procedure Benefits

• Improve skin texture, tone and pore size
• Erase unwanted brown spots
• Smooth wrinkles around the eyes ("crow's feet")
• Improve acne scars and surgical scars
• Reduce melasma or pregnancy mask
• Rejuvenation of the neck, chest, hands and arms
• Quick healing

Private Consultation

Your doctor and skin care specialist at our conveniently located Cincinnati offices will do a skin evaluation and review your medical history including medications and lifestyle factors to determine if Fraxel® is the right treatment for you. Your doctor will then discuss what level of results you may expect, and how many treatment sessions you will need.

Preparation

Starting 2-4 weeks before your procedure, wear a sunscreen, avoid direct sunlight and stop the use of all exfoliants including topical retinoids (RetinA, Differin, Tazorac and retinols) and light acid treatments. A pigment suppression agent is usually started several weeks before treatment. Patients who are prone to getting cold sores may be started on an antiviral agent.

Procedure Overview

The Fraxel® laser treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure at our West Chester office. To prepare your skin for treatment, a topical anaesthetic ointment is applied to the treatment area approximately 60 minutes prior to the procedure in order for the anaesthetic to take full effect. The procedure takes between 20-25 minutes for a full face treatment. Most patients describe the treatment as having a "prickling" sensation. The topical anaesthetic ointment and air cooling will alleviate most discomfort.

Recovery and Healing Time

Some patients are able to return to routine activities, including work and social obligations, the same day of treatment. Others require a little more time, depending upon their skin condition and treatment. During the first 24 hours after treatment, your skin may feel as though it is sunburned and will appear pink or red. Make-up can usually be worn after treatment to reduce the sunburned appearance. Your skin will naturally bronze over the next 2-3 days and a light sloughing will take place. Applying moisturizer will keep the skin comfortable and aids in the healing process. Applying sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher is especially important. We see you for a brief follow-up visit at one, two, and three months to track your improvement and answer any questions. Avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process and for at least 3 months after treatment. Wearing wide-brimmed hats outside is recommended. The use of daily sunscreen and certain topical creams will help to insure and maintain the best results from your Fraxel® Laser treatment. Several treatments are usually needed to achieve best results.

Procedure Risks

• Swelling
• Redness
• Infection
• Scarring

UC Health Plastic Surgery in West Chester, has five nationally recognized Cincinnati plastic surgeons.

Located north of Cincinnati, we serve West Chester, Mason, Loveland, Indian Hill and the rest of Greater Cincinnati and Dayton for all of their plastic surgery procedure needs.