What is the Fraxel Laser?

The Fraxel Restore Laser assists in decreasing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, sun spots, age spots, and acne scarring, revealing a smoother, more youthful, and rejuvenated skin in approximately 30 minutes. After Fraxel Restore laser treatment, fine lines and wrinkles are improved, skin texture is much smoother, and skin crepiness is reduced. In addition, brown spots are lessened and the skin color becomes more even and uniform. Acne scars and any other scars are also improved. Optimum results are generally achieved by a series of 4 to 5 treatment sessions spaced three to four weeks apart.

How Does it Work?

The Fraxel Restore laser utilizes a new technology called Fractional Resurfacing. With Fractional Resurfacing Technology, only a fraction of the skin receives the laser light. The laser delivers a series of microscopic closely spaced laser spots to the skin while simultaneously preserving normal healthy skin between the laser spots. This preservation of healthy skin results in rapid healing following the laser treatment with no recovery downtime. Patients can return to work immediately after their treatment or the next day.

In this episode of TLC's Ten Years Younger, Dr. Mary Lee Amerian performed the Fraxel Laser procedure on Cindy:




The Fraxel Restore laser became available in April of 2004, and Dr. Amerian and Dr. Anterasian were among the first physicians in Los Angeles to obtain this laser and make it available to our patients. As a result, we have gained extensive experience with the Fraxel laser. In our office, Dr. Anterasian has performed over 1400 consecutive Fraxel laser procedures with excellent results. Our patients have truly enjoyed the smoother, more youthful, and rejuvenated skin that Fraxel laser treatments provide.

Q: When I was younger I had serious acne, which caused acne scars on my face. What can I do to improve my acne scars?

A: We recommend two lasers to our acne scarring patients. The first option is the Fraxel Restore laser. The Fraxel Restore treats the acne scars by stimulating new collagen production. Optimum results are generally achieved by a series of 4 or 5 treatment sessions spaced three to four weeks apart. There is no downtime following the laser procedures and patients can resume all of their normal activities immediately after leaving the office. After completing a series of treatments with the Fraxel Restore laser, patients can reliably expect their acne scarring to be significantly improved and their skin to be much smoother.

The second laser that we recommend for acne scarring is called the Fraxel Repair laser. This laser also improves acne scarring by stimulating new collagen production. The Fraxel Repair laser has the advantage that it improves the acne scarring in only one treatment session. Because the Fraxel Repair laser is more intense than the Fraxel Restore, there is approximately five days of downtime after a Fraxel Repair laser treatment during which time the skin heals.

The Fraxel Restore and the Fraxel Repair lasers give similar improvement in acne scarring. Patients can choose which of the two lasers they prefer based on what suits their lifestyles better. The improvement in acne scarring that occurs after treatment with either of the two Fraxel lasers should last for years.

Our office has been performing Fraxel laser skin resurfacing since 2004, when the Fraxel laser was first introduced. As a result, we have extensive experience with Fraxel laser skin treatment. Dr. Anterasian has performed nearly 2000 Fraxel laser procedures with consistently excellent results. We personally welcome all patients to our office who wish to improve their acne scarring. Today, no one should have to live with acne scars.

Q: I recently noticed a new mole on my arm. I have had it for about two weeks now. What should I do?

A:Not all changes in the skin are dangerous, but you should see a dermatologist if you notice changes in your skin that last longer than two weeks.

Moles are very common. The average Caucasian has about 20 moles on his or her body. Most moles are harmless, but it is important to know when a mole exhibits signs that suggest it may be a dangerous mole.

A normal mole has a sharp margin, a uniform color, a symmetrical shape, and a smooth outline or contour. Usually, they are less than ¼ inch in size and of a single uniform color.

The ABCD warning signs can often identify dangerous moles.

A: Asymmetry, where one half does not match the other half. (Normally, each half should be a mirror image of the other half.)

B: Border irregularity, where the edges are ragged or blurred, and not sharp

C: Color, in which the pigmentation and color are not uniform throughout

D: Diameter, where the width of the mole is greater than ¼ inch

There is also the ugly duckling sign, in which the mole in question looks or acts differently than all of the other moles on the body. This would include moles that ulcerate, bleed, change shape, change color, or itch.

Other warning signs include any of the following:

• A new growth not previously present on the skin
• Scaliness, oozing, or bleeding from a bump or nodule in the skin
• An area of skin that stays irritated, red, or itchy
• An area of skin that keeps cracking or bleeding
• A colored or dark spot that is getting larger

Skin cancer is almost always curable when found early, but can be deadly if the diagnosis is delayed. Both doctors and patients play important roles in discovering skin cancers early in their course.