FRAXEL re:pair is the long-awaited solution to age-related deep lines, hard-to-erase lip lines, more pronounced photodamage, sagging face and neck skin. Fraxel re:pair laser technology is unrivaled in its restorative effects on the skin. Fraxel Repair Laser technology allows for deep dermal laser penetration. This CO2 based resurfacing system has previously unmatched response potential over other fractional systems.

How does Fraxel C02 Re:Pair Laser work and how is it different?

As opposed to traditional CO2 resurfacing lasers which ablate 100% of the skin (vaporize and remove it all at once), leading to extended downtime, wound care and high risk of complications, the Fraxel re:pair Laser is the first CO2 laser to treat the skin fractionally and deeply. The Fraxel re:pair lays down thousands of tiny microscopic wounds in the skin, penetrating much deeper than traditional ablative lasers, but leaving the cells around these tiny wounds untouched. The tissue in each of the microscopic wounds is removed with the use of the CO2 energy. The healthy tissue surrounding the wounds then contracts which leads to immediate tissue tightening. This spared tissue between treatment zones also promotes rapid healing while stimulating collagen production in the deep layers and new epidermal cells in the top layer.

What does Fraxel re:pair laser treat?

• Wrinkles- mild, moderate and deep
• Skin tone, texture and pore size
• Skin laxity (tightens and smoothes skin)
• Severe sun damage
• Pigmented lesions and skin discoloration
• Acne scars and surgical scars

Fraxel re:store vs Fraxel re:pair
What is the difference and which treatment is best for me?

Both Fraxel lasers utilize the same delivery system (laying down thousands of microscopic spots) however they use different energy sources. The Fraxel re:store is non-ablative (does not remove skin), uses erbium light and requires 3-6 treatments. The advantage of this laser is that it treats any skin type and any body part. It also has only minimal downtime, usually only 1-3 days of swelling. This treatment is best for younger patients, those with only mild wrinkling and for patients who cannot have 3-7 days of down time.

The Fraxel re:pair is a deep dermal ablative modality using CO2 technology that only requires a single treatment. You can treat face, neck and chest on most skin types. The advantages of the Fraxel re:pair are:

• immediate tissue tightening
• treats deeper wrinkles
• only 1 treatment is necessary

The Fraxel re:pair does have more down time than the Fraxel re:store. The Fraxel re:pair is best for patients with severe sun damage, moderate and severe wrinkling and for patients who would like optimal results with only 1 treatment.

Are there any side effects?

There are always risks with any cosmetic procedure. The most common side effects for any ablative laser are hypopigmentation (loss of color), hyperpigmentation (increase in color), infection and scarring. These risks are very low with the Fraxel re:pair: there have been zero side effects reported over 2½ years and 700 patients. Compared with traditional CO2 laser it is much safer with much less down time and side effects.

How should I prepare for my treatment?

During your pre-Fraxel consultation visit we will discuss which products are best to use before, during and after your treatment. Botox may be recommended prior to your laser treatment to relax facial movement in key areas (such as crows feet, frown lines and forehead creases) allowing for better laser penetration into deeper wrinkles. For two weeks prior to your laser treatment avoid sun exposure and self tanner and wear a SPF 30 sunscreen daily.

How can I maximize my results and maintain them?

Since your skin will continue to age naturally, we recommend maintaining your results by using physician-strength rejuvenation products at home and having periodic Fraxel re:store (non-ablative) laser treatments annually. These will help slow down the aging process and keep your skin younger looking, longer. Another Fraxel CO2 re:pair may only have to be done every few years or not at all. As always, wear a hat and sunscreen when outdoors.