Fraxel Laser Treatments Melbourne: Fraxel re:store Dual Laser

What is the Fraxel re:store™ dual laser and what is a fractional laser? 

The Fraxel™ laser was the first 'fractional' laser made for the treatment of acne scars, surgical or traumatic scars, skin pigmentation (including melasma), sun damaged skin, and wrinkles. Fractional lasers fire microscopic columns of laser energy into the skin, sparing the skin in between these columns. This allows for effective treatment of skin with less downtime and less risk. Fractional lasers also allow a greater range of skin types to be treated in comparison to non-fractional lasers. In particular there is more scope for the treatment of olive or darker skin types with less risk of pigmentation problems post-treatment in comparison to non-fractional lasers.

One of the key advantages of the Fraxel Re:store™dual laser, is that it does not remove top layers of skin. Instead it simply heats micro-columns of skin which induce new collagen production. This minimises downtime. However, multiple sessions are usually required for optimal outcomes. 

Cosmetic Surgery Magazine Interviews Dr Gavin Chan about Fraxel Laser

Cosmetic Surgery Magazine Interviews Dr Gavin Chan about Fraxel
Fraxel re:store Dual has taken laser to a new level by adding an additional wavelength to better address pigmentation and other dyschromia across the entire body. "Six years ago Fraxel introduced fractional technology to the world,' says Victorian cosmetic surgeon Dr Gavin Chan. 'Then around 18 months ago they re-released the laser with the addition of the new wavelength. This has expanded its flexibility and means it can treat almost any...'
• Read full article "Skin Deep"




What are the effects of the Fraxel re:store™ dual laser wavelengths on the skin?

The Fraxel re:store™ laser has two wavelengths, 1550 nanometers (nm) and 1927nm, each suited to the treatment of different skin conditions. The 1550nm and 1927nm wavelengths are primarily attracted to the water in skin. As one of the main constituents of skin is water, this causes the laser energy to be converted to heat energy within the skin. This induces powerful changes by remodeling and regeneration of skin.

The 1550nm wavelength is quite a deep penetrating laser wavelength and can penetrate up to 1.4mm into the skin, which makes it the ideal for the treatment of deeper problems such as acne scarring or other types of skin scarring. The laser wavelength induces controlled zones or columns of coagulated tissue in the dermis, also known as microthermal zones (MTZs) which are repaired and remodeled. This process helps to reorganise and regenerate collagen to help to lift indented scars such as those from acne, or to smooth and flatten traumatic or surgical scars.





Although the 1550nm wavelength can be used for the treatment of pigmentation, wrinkles, and general sun damage, its effectiveness for these conditions are limited. The penetration of the laser wavelength is deep, whereas these problems are mostly superficial within the skin. The 1927nm wavelength was released recently to address the more superficial problems of the skin. Being more avidly attracted to water than the 1550nm wavelength, the 1927nm wavelength only penetrates superficially before its energy is quickly taken up by the water in the skin and converted to heat energy. The new 1927nm wavelength is also fractional in nature, and this gives it the same advantages with improved healing times, and reduced risk. The 1927nm wavelength is very useful for the treatment of superficial pigmenation, wrinkles, and sun damage.





Depending on the type of skin and skin problem treated, it is also possible to use both 1550nm and 1927nm wavelengths in the same session to target the skin at different depths. Melasma is a common pigmentation problem seen in mostly in women. It tends to be both a deep and superficial pigmentation problem, and is an example of condition that can be treated by both or either wavelengths of the Fraxel™. Melasma also tends to occur on olive or darker skin types, and as the Fraxel™is fractional in nature, it can be used safely and effectively on these skin types.

 

Figure: Shows a before and after photo one week post single 1927nm Fraxel™ treatment for melasma.  

Both wavelengths can also be used on the face as well as the body, including the neck and decolletage.

 

What is involved with Fraxel™ treatment?

The first step in Fraxel™ treatment is for one of our doctors to assess your skin's suitability for the treatment. Not all skin conditions and skin types are suitable, or there may be another laser that is more suited to your concerns. If the Fraxel™ is suitable for you, we then select the most suitable Fraxel™ wavelength (1550nm or 1927nm) to your skin concern/type.  

Standardised clinical photographs of the skin are taken for the purposes of before and after comparison.

Usually, topical anaesthetic cream is applied for about 1 hour prior to treatment, and this sufficiently numbs the skin to make the Fraxel™ treatment comfortable. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, can also be used to help relieve the discomfort from the treatment and relieve any anxiety with treatment.

The Fraxel™ laser treatments are also always performed with a Zimmer cooler. This machine blows cold air over the treated areas during treatment. This serves the purpose of reducing discomfort from the procedure, as well as reducing unnecessary heat energy build up in the skin. 

The Fraxel™ laser has a patented scanning hand piece that fires columns of laser into the skin. It uses an Intelligent Optical Tracking System (IOTS) to fire the laser consistently into the skin irrespective of the speed of movement of the hand piece by the operator. Usually several passes are performed to achieve the necessary end-point required. The total treatment time (laser time only) of the face is usually around 20 minutes.

After treatment the skin feels warm and looks red. The intensity and duration of side effects depends on the level of the treatment. Redness and swelling usually persist for a few days, but in more aggressive treatments, can persist for longer. There can also be some mild peeling or bronzing effect on the skin post treatment that lasts about a week.

How much does Fraxel™ laser treatment cost?

Fraxel™ laser is primarily used for the treatment of scarring, pigmentation problems, including melasma, sun damage and general improvement of skin quality, tone and texture.  Treatments are performed by a nurse and overseen by a doctor. There are two different wavelengths (1927nm and1550nm) for the treatment of different skin concerns.  The 1927nm wavelengths is primarily for problems such as melasma, skin pigmentation, sun damage, and improving skin quality, tone and texture.  The 1550nm wavelength is primarily for the treatment of acne scarring, and other forms of scarring.  We usually combine the 1550nm Fraxel™and Erbium laser in the same treatment and this allows for improved results as well as a Medicare rebate, (item number 45025 and 45026), and Medicare safety net rebates. 

Fraxel™ 1927nm cost below:

Treatment Area

Price per session

Full face

1350

Neck only

950

Neck and Décolletage

1650

Décolletage

950

Full face, neck and décolletage

2500

Full face and neck

1950

Cheeks and nose


1050

Cheeks only

900

Forehead

660

Chin only

500

Nose only

500

Minimum price

400

Fraxel™1550nm + Erbium laser cost below:

(Medicare rebates and Medicare Safety Net rebates may be eligible for those with facial/neck scarring)

Treatment Area

Price per session

Full face

1950

Cheeks and nose

1550

Cheeks

1400

Forehead

950

Chin only

750

Nose only

750

Single scar on body

500 (Medicare rebates not available for body areas)

Single scar on face/neck

500

Why choose The Victorian Cosmetic Institute as your provider of Fraxel™ laser treatments?

The Victorian Cosmetic Institute has the latest version of the Fraxel™ laser with the dual wavelengths 1550nm and 1927nm. Our staff have been highly trained in Fraxel™ laser treatments. Your treatment will be performed by our doctors and nurses.

Furthermore, we have a wide range of other lasers to choose from for the treatment of your skin. This means that we are able to select the best laser for treatment for you. Clinics with a limited number of lasers may overly extend the use of one laser to cover their requirements, and this may not an ideal laser for your skin or skin concern.

Making that first phone call can be a confronting task - many of our patients have preferred filling out our online enquiry form. We can then contact you with an understanding of the results you are hopeful of achieving and ensure the treatment is appropriate. It's as easy as clicking either of the buttons below and completing the provided form.

Otherwise, you can phone us directly on (03) 8850 0655 (Templestowe) or (03) 9707 0888 (Berwick).