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Fraxel^TM Laser: Cutting Through the Confusion

With so many different advertisements, magazines and websites talking about laser therapy these days, it can be confusing trying to work out what is the best and safest option for you. At Inner Sydney Dermatology, we only use lasers with a proven track record when it comes to safety and results. Fraxel^TM laser has an excellent safety record with over 500,000 treatments being performed. Extensive clinical research and publication of data has been performed by Dermatologists in the United States.

There are a number of so-called "fractionated lasers" available in , so be careful that you are actually being offered treatment with a genuine Fraxel^TM laser. At Inner Sydney Dermatology, all treatments are performed by our highly qualified Dermatologists, so you can be sure that you are in experienced hands.

There a 3 different types of Fraxel^TM laser. They vary in aggressiveness, downtime and the number of treatments required:

Fraxel^TM re:fine. This the most gentle laser option, used for treating minor skin damage only. This is the type used by some beauticians.
Fraxel^TM re:store laser. This laser penetrates more deeply than the re:fine laser and can be used for the treatment of a number of conditions ranging from acne scarring to photodamage. The Fraxel^TM re:store dual laser, which is the newest model that we have at Inner Sydney Dermatology allows your Doctor to choose from 2 different treatment wavelengths (1550 nm and 1927 nm). These can be used alone or in combination to target your skin condition more precisely and effectively.
Fraxel^TM re:pair laser. This is the most aggressive of the lasers and is used for deep wrinkles and severely damaged skin. However, some cases of scarring have been reported.

We know that expected side-effects (such as redness and swelling) and downtime increase with the depth and aggressiveness of laser treatment. All patients develop some degree of redness, swelling and scaling or "dotting" after treatment with the Fraxel^TM re:store laser, and these are therefore called "expected" side-effects. Reported "unexpected" or rarer side-effects have included: prolonged redness, blistering, infection including reactivation of the cold sore virus (usually when treating around the mouth), pigmentation (temporary brownish discolouration), acne flare, and milia (tiny white keratin cysts which can be extracted). Importantly, no permanent side-effects have been reported to date with the Fraxel^TM re:store laser.

While some conditions require multiple treatments (such as acne scarring and wrinkles), some light "resurfacing" or photorejuvenation can be achieved in 1 or 2 treatments, particularly in those with freckles/patchy skin pigmentation. The Fraxel^TM re:store dual laser, when used on the 1927 nm wavelength, can be a great way to freshen and even out skin tone ready for summer celebrations!

ASK ABOUT OUR FRAXEL PACKAGE DEALS. These can save you up to $1500 on 5 full face treatments and $2000 on face and neck treatment

Please don't hesitate to contact us at Inner Sydney Dermatology if you would like any further information