Our skin naturally goes through many changes as we age. For those of us who live in warmer climates and/or experience prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation (from the sun or sun beds), changes in the skin like brown spots and lesions tend to form causing concern. Areas of the body that tend to show most signs of sun damage, and are most susceptible to sunburn are the face, neck, chest, arms and hands. Darker sun spots and lesions are referred to as Actinic Keratosis, warning signs that patients should have them inspected immediately by an experienced dermatologist and/or doctor.

What is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic Keratosis (AK) are precancerous cells laying beneath the skin that can be described as a pre-malignant condition. They are most commonly found on patients of fairer complexions and occur over UV exposed areas, typically appearing as red, scaly, patchy and sometimes raised spots that are sometimes rough in texture. A percentage of these cases can lead to skin cancer, which makes it crucial patients have suspicious lesions treated prior to them possibly progressing into the disease. Fortunately, Elements’ board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Adibfar possesses the latest, safest and most effective technology and skill to treat and deliver results that benefit the skin in more ways than treating AK alone.

Fraxel Laser Therapy

Fraxel Laser Therapy is a fractionated laser treatment that uses a small hand device that delivers thousands of microscopic waves of light to microscopic treatment zones. The system itself contains convenient adjustable settings and energy levels to increase or decrease treatment levels for ease, effectiveness and precision when treating patients of differing skin concerns requiring various depths of coverage.

Once the laser is activated, tiny rollers on the device’s tip lay (or roll) over the skin safely penetrating multiple layers of surface skin with light. The benefits of using a fractional laser results in quicker healing times as the skin is not treated by one strong, united beam of light, but rather multiple, minuscule dispersed waves of light that prove more effective and less abrasive. The device is softly rolled over the treatment area in straight lines horizontally and vertically to decrease any chance of over-treating an area.

Patients often comment that during and after treatment they feel increased sensation of heat in the treated area. The Fraxel leaves the skin completely intact and left to heal on its own. Patients will notice the treated areas react to the laser with a sunburn-like response, which in the next few days exfoliates off on its own. Patients will experience slight redness, swelling and peeling for the first few days after the procedure, and will see their fresher, younger and brighter skin after more substantial recovery approximately 10-14 days later. The skin’s condition will progressively improve over the next 6 months, and patients typically require 3-5 treatments depending on the severity of their skin condition, age and treatment area. This treatment proves very effective for treating AK and provides dramatic results.

Does Fraxel Only Treat Actinic Keratosis?

What’s so great about this technology is that it not only treats patients concerned with apparent AK. This rejuvenation treatment also efficiently addresses other signs of sun damage and aging including deep wrinkles, large pores, loss of elasticity, scars (including acne scars), pigmentation and even stretch marks!

It does this by stimulating the skin’s natural collagen production. These tiny beams of energy penetrate deep into the skin at a level where scars and pigmentation form, and encourages the skin to tighten, erase pigmentation and fill in any indentations. That means that not only does Fraxel treat AK and sun spots, but also general signs of aging resulting from pollution, environmental factors and general daily wear and tear. This rejuvenating treatment also provides little discomfort, less downtime and long lasting results that are noticed after just one treatment. Depending on the size, location and condition of the area of skin to be treated, the procedure itself can take as little as 20 minutes to complete and patients are left with softer, brighter, smoother, fresher and younger looking skin and a more even skin tone.

Fraxel is an incredibly safe, effective, gentle and noninvasive treatment for men and women of all ages and skin colour, and is appropriate for all areas of the body including delicate areas like the neck. However, because the treatment is technically demanding and requires avid experience, patients are advised to seek this treatment from a highly-regarded surgeon like, board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Adibfar. He will consult with you to assure that Fraxel is a good option for you and discuss any possible risks and/or complications one-on-one. Fraxel is also not a treatment for skin cancer.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of Fraxel or to book a consultation with board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Adibfar.