Fractional Laser Resurfacing | Old & New Tech

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Instagram- more on skin care & lasers by Internationally accredited Dermatologist –Dr Davin Lim

https://www.lasersandlifts.com.au
My guide to skin rejuvenation, scarring & procedures

https://www.realself.com/find/Austral...
More before and after pictures, and real reviews on Dr Davin Lim



Fraxel is a household name and the company has worked hard for their branding and their devices. I rate the overall company’s portfolio of lasers as EXCELLENT, however 2 devices are not up to the current industry standards. Firstly their hair removal system called Pelo is cumbersome, and uses old method to cool the skin- sapphire crystal cooling. The 810 diode however is the current standard for hair removal. It is a painful laser. Fraxel is a family of lasers, and at the top sits the ‘flagship’ called the Fraxel RePair. Since its launched nearly a decade ago this laser has been in the center of much controversy. Many brilliant dermatologist invested in this laser and needless to say,the before and after results are outstanding, especially for the treatment of sun damage, wrinkles, and in the overall context of skin rejuvenation. Everywhere from the hands, neck, face and décolletage. There are a few good before and after pictures for scar treatments including acne scars.


How does Fraxel RePair work?
Fraxel Re:pair system treats a percentage of the skin’s surface and leaves the surrounding areas intact to allow for rapid healing. Skin is treated upto a depth of 1.6 mm via columns called Microscopic Treatment Zones. How close the MTZs are will determine the density of treatment. The closer the spacing, the higher the density. High density treatments are possible on facial areas, whilst low density areas are advisable on the chest and décolletage.

What conditions can Fraxel RePair treat?
Fraxel RePair is best reserved for moderate to severe sun damage, skin laxity and wrinkles. This laser sits in between light Fraxel 1927 and fully ablative laser resurfacing. I find this laser particularly effective for treating the neck and décolletage areas as it tightens skin and promotes collagen formation. Fraxel laser enables me to feather treatment areas without the tell-tale signs of demarcations. This is especially useful for the décolletage area. Acne scars and surgical scars are also indications for Fraxel Repair. This laser works bests on rolling and atrophic scars in patients who are fair. As mentioned in the video – acne scars can be treated with Fraxel however newer lasers offer many more advantages.

What Fraxel System is best for my skin condition?

Having access to all the Fraxel family of lasers gives me the ability to select the best fractional laser for the task. Here is guide as to how I apply the different types of Fraxel lasers-

Fraxel 1927: Best for improving skin texture, sun damage, sun spots, solar keratosis freckles and brown pigmentation. Skin heals within 4-5 days, and is pink for another 2-3 days.
Fraxel Re:pair: Best for improving wrinkles, sun damage, poor skin tone, and acne scars. Skin heals within one week, and maybe red for a few weeks to months. Best for collagen regeneration especially on the neck, face and décolletage areas.
Fraxel 1550: This laser sits between the 1927 and CO2 Repair, though it is marked as an‘all round laser’, I prefer to use more specific wavelengths to achieve the desired clinical outcome. 1550 is best for darker skin types who require more collagen and scar remodelling. I must say that I prefer low density CO2 for this over 1550 as the results are better.
Fraxel Clear & Brilliant: simply brilliant for low downtime skin rejuvenation and pigmentation treatments such as melasma and in Asian skin types.

The time has come to acknowledge that with new laser technology, this laser has had its day, it belongs in the Hall of Greats for Lasers, but is no longer an active player in this day. Todays CO2 lasers are far more powerful, adjustable, comfortable, has less side effects, and are now hybrid- combining two wavelengths such as CO2 or Erbium HALO with a non-ablative component. I rate the Quanta laser as one of the most advanced CO2 Hybrid lasers, however power is limited. The Lumenis on the other hand has plenty of energy but is limited by software. I sound like a spoilt boy in a toy shop, but these are constructive subjective criticisms.

Dr Davin S. Lim. Laser dermatologist…and now probably on the ex- International Fraxel Laser Advisory Board. Just telling it like it is. Thank you for the loan of this laser for the past 5 years. Looking forward to further testing.

For Laser testing and professional enquires please contact: info@drdavinlim.com
Do NOT send personal questions to this email, it is an email for Industry related enquires. #fraxel #fractionallaser #laserresurfacing