laser-resurfacing Archives | The Aesthetic Clinique

Top 5 Procedures to Improve Your Jawline in 2019

It appears that 2019 is the “Year of the Jawline”. A strong jawline is interpreted as a characteristic of strength, beauty, virility, and power. In a study of S&P 500 CEO’s, 95% were considered to have a well defined jawline. With advances in aesthetic technology and techniques, achieving that perfect profile is becoming easier, with less downtime, costs, and risks. Here are the top 5 procedures to improve your jawline:

5) Neck Lift/Lower Face Lift: With incisions placed behind the ears, this surgery can be performed with just local anesthetic. Downtime is about a week or 2. For severe jowling and platysma bands, this will give the best results.

4) Ablative Laser (Erbium/CO2) or Renuvion(J Plasma): These procedures have significant wound care for a week or more. The skin is stimulated by the heat of the laser/plasma to contract and create collagen. Healing time can take weeks and redness can persist for months. Risks include infection, scarring, hyper and hypopigmentation. Procedure is limited to the face, and can’t achieve fat reduction.

3) FaceTite: A minimally invasive procedure whereby radiofrequency is placed below and on the skin surface. Requires tumescent anesthesia only for most patients. Procedure takes about an hour, more if liposuction is added. There is minimal bruising and swelling afterwards but requires a compression chin strap for a few weeks (constant for the first 48-72 hours). The RF energy causes deep collagen stimulation and contraction as well as dermal collagen remodeling. Jowls and submental fat can be attended to with RF and liposuction.

2) Genius/Infini: Radiofrequency is placed into the dermis (and subdermis for jowls/submental) using insulated microneedles. The downtime is 2-3 days but it requires 3 treatments. The procedure takes about 30-45 minutes. Most patients require just topical anesthetic with about 5-10% opting for Pronox (Nitrous Oxide – laughing gas). Results take 3 weeks to start to become apparent and 3 months for their full effect. It is the least downtime, least invasive of the top 5 procedures, outside of #1.

1) “reJAWvenation(TM)”: Using microcannulas, filler is placed along and below the jawline to enhance and restore the profile. Typical procedure time is 10 minutes or less and there is no downtime. The amount of syringes required varies, but can be anywhere from 1-6. Multiple sessions are required for the patients with severe jowling. While there is no actual removal of fat from the jowls or submental area, these areas appear improved due to the lifting by the filler as well as camouflaging the trouble areas.

It is left up to the individual as to what procedure is right for them. Lifestyle, degree of correction desired/needed, and finances all factor into one’s decision making. Dr. Weiner is world renown for his “reJAWvenation(TM)” procedure and is known as the reJAWvenator.

(Threads are notably absent because the author believes the expense, duration, and results, don’t warrant them to be a consideration for jawline improvement.)

Action II Erbium Laser for Resurfacing and Bella V Vaginal Rejuvenation

Lutronic has added a new laser to it’s armamentarium and it is called the Action II. There are several different applications for this laser which include: fractional laser resurfacing, the “Shining” laser peel, skin lesion ablations, and the “Bella V” procedure for vaginal rejuvenation.

Erbium lasers are ablative lasers, they cause ablation of the tissue treated. This means that there will be vaporization of the treated skin. The Action II is a fractional laser, so only a “fraction” of the area treated will be ablated. Studies show that fractional lasers are safer and provide improved recovery times when compared to total (100%) ablative lasers. Comparing an erbium laser to a CO2 laser (which is also ablative), the erbium will have less coagulation of the tissue – less heat is transmitted to the surrounding tissues. The clinical result is that there is less crusting, less wound care, and faster healing with the erbium vs the CO2 laser.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing: The Action II uses a stamping handpiece that has approximately 15% coverage (15% of the skin is ablated) per pass. Depths are controlled by varying the energy as well as the pulse stacking. Typically patients will receive between 1-2 passes. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to complete. Only topical anesthetic is needed and patients are very comfortable throughout the procedure. Wound care which includes soaks and specialized creams is required for about 4 days. There is minimal to no crusting with this laser. More than one treatment might be needed to get optimal results.
- Indications: Treating deep wrinkles, sun damaged skin, pigmentation, and laxity
Shining Peel: This is a very superficial laser resurfacing with minimal depth and can be done without topical numbing creams. It takes about 15 minutes and is meant to have almost no downtime. It causes a rejuvenation of the skin
- Indications: Treat superficial wrinkles, minor pigmentation, enlarged pores
Surgical Handpiece: This is a microfocused beam to treat very small skin lesions. No anesthetic is needed.
- Indications: Treat sebaceous hyperplasia, seborrheic keratosis, actinic keratosis, benign nevus, skin tags, warts
Bella V: This handpiece/procedure is used for vaginal rejuvenation and stress incontinence. The handpiece is insert to the vagina. It has a unique 360 degree treatment zone as the laser is pulsed. There are 2 pulses, a shorter ablative or subablative pulse, followed by a longer nonablative (heating) pulse. The handpiece is gradually withdrawn about 0.5cm and another pulse is fired. The is done throughout the entire vagina and introitus and then repeated. If there is a component of stress incontinence, the area of the tissue around the urethra is treated more aggressively. The entire procedure takes about 10-15 minutes and no topical anesthetics are required. (At this time, external vaginal treatments are performed using the ThermiVa at the Aesthetic Clinique.)
- Indications: vaginal laxity, vaginal atrophy, decreased moisture, stress incontinence

Dr. Weiner’s “Superficial Skin Block” to Numb The Face for Aesthetic Procedures – Infini and Laser Resurfacing

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Some of the fastest growing and most popular procedures in the Aesthetic Industry are radiofrequency and laser procedures. The most sighted obstacle for patients doing these procedures is pain. Dr. Weiner has develop and perfected a method to numb the face fairly thoroughly that is fairly quick and simple. The “Superficial Skin Block” takes about 3 minutes to administer for the entire face. It requires no knowledge of neural anatomy and is less invasive/more comfortable than nerve blocks. The anesthesia kicks in within minutes and will last at least a couple hours. It is ideal for improving comfort when undergoing the Infini, CO2, Erbium, or Fraxel laser resurfacing. Dr. Weiner’s mixture for injection is:

Lidocaine 1% with 1:100,000 Epinephrine (Standard premixed from most medical suppliers)- 5cc
Bacteriostatic 0.9% Sodium Chloride with Preservative – 5cc
8.4% Sodium Bicarbonate – 1cc
All this is drawn up in a 10cc syringe

The “Superficial Skin Block” starts with placement of topical numbing cream. Dr. Weiner uses “Lipothene” from Central Avenue Pharmacy which contains 23% Lidocaine and 7% Tetracaine. It is left on the face for at least 1 hour. Do not place on face and neck simultaneously. This is too large a surface area for the topical. The neck doesn’t require this strong a topical in Dr. Weiner’s experience.

The injection requires a mesotherapy apparatus from Mesoram.com. The exact device used is found at: Dr. Weiner’s Preferred Mesoram Needles . The needles are 4mm, 30g and the plate is circular with 7 needle connectors. Plates can also be purchased without needles and 32g needles can be purchased from the site and attached manually.

The topical is wiped off and the face is cleaned with alcohol and hibiclens. The injection is started on the cheeks with 0.5 ml aliquots placed in each injection. The areas injected are slightly overlapped. A small amount of the mixture is placed above the upper lip with a needle that is removed from the device. A few minutes are allowed before starting the procedure to allow for the small blebs to diffuse into the skin tissues. You will notice areas injected become pale and this is the epinephrine effect. This helps in controlling bleeding and bruising.

Dr. Weiner’s Superficial Skin Block has been used by multiple practitioners with great success. It’s effectiveness, ease of use, and limited downside make it perfect for many aesthetic procedures, particularly Infini and laser resurfacing.

Fraxel Dual Questions Answered by Dr. Steven Weiner, Destin, Florida.

****Please note that these questions were answered before Infini was available. It might be a better treatment option for certain conditions than Fraxel Dual or re:pair.****

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Q: Fraxel – which type for rejuvenation for mature skin?? I had the Palomar 1540 with a 50-15 setting.

A: Don’t be confused with imitations, there is the Fraxel Dual restore and Fraxel repair

There are many physicians who buy less expensive lasers and sell them as being Fraxel. The only thing in common with the Fraxel and the others is that they are fractional, like the Palomar. In my opinion, Fraxel Dual restore is the gold standard for non ablative skin resurfacing. The Fraxel repair is ablative, with more downtime, more pain, and more risk.

Q: Fraxel and Resveratrol?

A: Resveratrol is an antioxidant and should not affect recovery from Fraxel

I’m a big fan of Resveratrol. We sell the supplement, MegaResveratrol in our office. It has many studies behind it showing multiple benefits. It should not affect your recovery and may in fact speed the recovery from Fraxel.

Q: The Hyperpigmentation Post Fraxel Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks on Arms? (photo)

A: Hyperpigmentation after Fraxel for stretch marks is treated with hydroquinones

Hyperpigmentation after laser is more common in darker skin types and people with a lot of sun exposure. I can be treated most often with hydroquinones 4%. If not improving, adding Retin A +/- a steroid cream. It almost always resolves. A better, newer treatment for stretch marks, particularly darker skin types, is the Infini RF device. I would try it, but not many docs have it presently. Steve Weiner, MD, Facial Plastics, Destin, Fl

Q: Will Fraxel Laser Help White/mature Stretch Marks on Ethnic Skin? Stretch Marks Are on the Buttocks.

A: Fraxel will help mature stretch marks but don’t expect more than 30-40% improvement

Mature stretch marks are difficult to treat, particularly on an ethnic person because of the risks with laser of hyperpigmentation. It will help, but to the degree you desire, I don’t know. You will also need at least 5 treatments, maybe 10. A new technology called the Infini by Lutronic might be promising for this and time will tell. Steve Weiner, MD, Destin, Florida.

Q: Can Fraxel Be Used on a Scalp Laceration? (photo)

A: Fraxel 1550 is great to improve scars but using topicals first is probably a good idea for early wounds

The problem is that for the laser to work effectively, you must shave the area. This might not be what you want. In my opinion, use the Scar Recovery Gel from SkinMedica as well as Retin A, 0.05%, and the scar should heal up fairly well. Save the Fraxel if it doesn’t heal to your satisfaction. Another laser for early scars is the VBeam, but you also have to shave the area to be treated.

Q: CoolTouch, Thermage or Fraxel for Crows Feet?

A: Crows feet are best treated with Botox not laser.

Crows feet are produced with the active muscle contraction of the obicularis oculii. By relaxing with Botox this muscle doesn’t contract and the crow feet are less. If you are opposed to Botox you might want to try Belotero for your crows feet.

Q: Fraxel to Restore Pigment to Skin Damaged by Cryotherapy?

A: Hypopigmentation from Cryotherapy can be improve with the Fraxel 1550 Laser

Hypopigmentation is a difficult problem to fix. Having said that, the Fraxel has been shown to repigment areas which have lost pigment. It won’t usually completely come back. If cryotherapy was used for precancerous lesions, I prefer the Fraxel 1927 or Levulan because there is very little risk of hypopigmentation with these methods. They will be more expensive but well worth it in my opinion. Steve Weiner, MD, Destin, Florida, Facial Plastic Surgery.

Q: Does Fraxel Actually Work on White Stretch Marks?

A: Fraxel Dual works for mature white stretch marks but won’t resolve them

I have treated several people for this problem. The best you can expect is about 40% improvement, and thats after about 4-5 treatments. There really is no other treatments available for this problem other than excision.

Q: Can I Have Full Face Fraxel Laser After Having Had Facial Silicone Injections Several Years Ago?

A: After having silicon injections, even years prior, there is a risk of activating an inflammatory response w Fraxel or injections

Even though you’ve been doing relatively fine from the silicon, any invasive procedure might activate an inflammatory response or granuloma. Having said that, I’ve haven’t encountered problems with people that have had silicon but it is a risk you need to be aware of and the physician should discuss with you.

Q: Will Fraxel Laser Make Active Acne Worse? Will It Cause a Flare Up if You Are in Remission?

A: Fraxel can temporarily make acne worse but in long run it makes it better

The Fraxel Dual can stimulate acne for the first couple weeks. Acne prone patients I put on minocin to help prevent having a flair. However, it reduces the sebaceous glands and thereby helps with acne in the long run.

Q: I Am Planning on Having 3-4 Fraxel Treatments Spaced One Month Apart. What is Your Recommendation Concerning Sun Exposure?

A: Sun exposure inbetween Fraxel treatments (as well as after) should be minimized.

You want to have as little direct sun exposure as possible when receiving any laser treatment. I usually say 3 weeks before and after treatment at the very least. Sun exposure will lead to rev’d up melanocytes which will lead to pigmentation issues. It doesn’t mean staying indoors, it means wearing sunscreen, a hat, and avoiding intense sun exposure. Heliocare can help reduce the tan and burn associated with sun exposure too as well as antioxidants such as those found in TNS Essential Serum from SkinMedica.

Q: Still Have Very Distinct Red Square Patches and Microdot Tracks on Cheeks 11 Days After Fraxel – Should I Be Worried? (photo)

A: You did not get the Fraxel Laser..There are docs using other lasers and saying it’s Fraxel

Fraxel uses a rolling tracking system and the laser comes out in lines, not squares. The Fraxel is an expensive laser and there is a fee you pay the company every time it is used. It is the state of the art for laser resurfacing in my opinion. Doctors buy less expensive lasers and say they are giving you Fraxel. It looks to me like you have been overtreated for your skin type. You should go back to your doctor and get evaluated and look at the machine which you were treated with.

Q: Fraxel Dual 1927 Vs 1550?

A: Difference between the Fraxel 1927 and 1550 wavelengths.

As you stated, the 1550 wavelength is a deeper penetrating laser and is more suited for scars, wrinkles, and some mild pigment improvement. It is non ablative so there is no open wounds. It will have more swelling than the 1927. There is some peeling, but more with the 1927. The 1927 is a “partially ablative” laser that is very superficial and used to help pigmentation and superficial fine lines. Both laser wavelengths are approved for removing precancerous lesions (actinic keratosis). In general, I use both lasers at the same sitting, unless someone is only concerned about pigmentation or AK’s (1927), or more concerned about scarring (1550). My video show the 1927 laser. Also, because the 1550 goes deeper, it is more painful during the procedure.

Q: Are These Setting of Fraxel Really High? 55 Energy, 6 Treatment Level, 8 Passes

A: The settings for the Fraxel 1550 you had are for moderate wrinkles, scars

The highest setting for the energy is 70 and you were at 55mj. This is needed to improved deep wrinkles and scars. The second number is related to how much of the skin is treated. You were at the medium level for that. So these are very safe parameters. The passes really doesn’t matter in the end, it is basically how fast the procedure goes, but should be at least 6. The more passes, the less treatment per pass, the more margin of error for the operator in unintended overlapping of the passes.

Q: Will Fraxel Dual Laser Treatment Damage Gore Tex Line Lift or Filler?

A: Fraxel Dual is safe for fillers and Goretex implant

The laser from the Fraxel Dual goes about 1.5-1.7mm deep at most. Studies have shown that is does not affect fillers. Goretex is placed much deeper than the depth the laser penetrates to as well.

Q: Not Peeling After Day 3.. is This Normal?

A: Not peeling yet after 3 days from Fraxel Dual is fine, it will!

You describe the correct sequence of events. Your skin gets darker and the pigmentation looks more prominent after getting the Dual. You should start peeling from 3-5 days after the procedure and it will usually start around the mouth and then work upward. The cheeks might take the longest to completely peel. When all is peeled, you skin will be smoother and less pigmented. You must make sure the skin is moisturized before and during the peeling.

Q: Will Fraxel Restore Damage Hair Follicles at Level 9 and 75 Mj Setting?

A: Fraxel Dual or re:store laser will not damage hair follicles

Hair follicles are damaged by a laser that is attracted to melanin, the pigment in skin and hair. The typical wavelengths of the hair removal lasers are lower (Diode – 800, Alexandrite 765) than the Fraxel Dual (1550 and 1927nm). The Fraxel might singe the hair but won’t permanently affect the growth of the hair.

Q: Do You Need to Wear Eye Protection for Fraxel?

A: Eye protection for the patient during Fraxel should be done

Having said that, the Fraxel laser is not very dangerous to the eyes. It has to do with it’s wavelength. It’s attracted to water, so the most it would do is cause an injury to the conjunctiva or cornea. It’s not attracted to the retina or iris where the lasers that are attracted to pigment (KTP, Pulsed Dye, Diode, Alexandrite) can cause visual lose or blindness. So, the Fraxel is relatively safe to the eye. If you would have been injured to the eye with the Fraxel, it would present as pain immediately, and you would have irritation, swelling, pink/redness of the eye. If this didn’t occur, you’re good, but would use eye protection next time.

Q: Telangiectasias Appearing Ater Fraxel?

A: Telangiectasias are easily treated with VBeam

Telangiectasias can occur after any procedure, including Fraxel, injections, or Radiofrequency devices. The good news is that they are easily treated with a no downtime almost painless laser called the VBeam Perfecta. You might require a couple sessions.

Q: Will Acne Scar Resurface if I Dont Do Fraxel Regularly?

A: The improvement from Fraxel Dual re:store for acne scars is permanent

After the edema settles down and you are about 3 months out from your Fraxel treatment for acne scars, the result you have should last a lifetime, IF you don’t create more scarring with further acne. The question always asked of me is how many do I need. That is difficult to answer, could be 5 or 10, depending on the degree of scarring, and how much you want it improved. Also you can only expect improvement and not resolution of your scars. Unfortunately, the skin will never look entirely normal, but better.

Q: Have Heard Different Answers About Fraxel Recovery Time During Consultations, Which is Correct?

A: Downtime after Fraxel Dual is variable

Downtime after a Fraxel Dual depends on the settings and the individual. Obviously if your have more aggressive settings, you will have more swelling and downtime. Also, different people have different degrees of swelling and redness. Typically, after about 4 days, the peeling is done and there still is mild swelling. The skin is intact. Some of my patients go in public throughout their recovery, it depends on your comfort with the recovery process. I would say it would be unusual for the downtime to be 2 weeks though. You will have pinkness of the skin for several weeks, but I don’t consider this downtime.

Q: More Fraxel to Fix Fraxel Damage?

A: Try another physician

This doesn’t sound like normal care. I haven’t heard of treating with Fraxel and needling at the same time. Perhaps it was subcision, but still I would not do this at the same time. Also, only 7 weeks out, I would not treat with such a permanent filler. At this point, more fraxel or a pulse dye laser (V Beam) would probably be helpful.

Q: Side Effects of Too Many Fraxel Restore Treatments?

A: No issue with multiple Fraxel dual or re:store treatments

This very question came up at a recent meeting with all the best laser surgeons in the world at Mass General (Harvard). Dr. Rox Anderson, the inventor of fractional laser resurfacing said he saw no issues with multiple treatments.

He even stated that your incidence of skin cancer will be lower (not higher as some bloggers have stated) with the resurfacing.

Q: Fraxel Restore or Repair for General Improvement of my Skin?

A: For general skin resurfacing, both the Fraxel re:pair and Fraxel re:store Dual work well

I think that you have some scarring/textural irregularities on your face. I think the better result will probably be from the re:pair, perhaps even more than one. However, you have to be able to have downtime, do dressing changes, and have general redness for up to 8 weeks. If your lifestyle does not allow you to do this, the new Fraxel Dual is having great results for this problem with less downtime, but more treatments.

Q: Preventing PIH After Fraxel Restore or Repair

A: Using Hydroquinone a month prior and Gentlewaves helps prevent PIH from Fraxel

Starting hydroquinones 4% 1 month prior and restarting soon after the procedure will help prevent PIH from Fraxel. There is also a recent paper that suggests pre and post procedure Gentlewaves will decrease the risk of PIH as well. Avoiding the sun for 6 weeks prior to the procedure and good sunscreen also is important.

Q: Fraxel Restore Test Area for Dark Circles?

A: Dark circles around eyes is hard to treat

Please keep us updated about your results. Up to this point, dark circles have been hard to treat. Please moderate your expectations. Dermal fillers have seemed to be the most helpful, but smoothing out the shadows around the eyes from volume loss. I have a Dual and would love to add this application to my services if this works. The Dual is a very safe laser and test spotting is not a bad idea, but usually not needed.

Q: What is Fraxel Dual?

A: Fraxel Dual is 2 lasers in one treatment

Fraxel introduced the Dual about 1-2 months ago. I combines a 1927nm laser with an upgraded version of the 1550nm (re:store) laser. The 1927 laser is a superficial laser that is brand new to the aesthetics market. It is somewhat a blend of non ablative and ablative technology — referred by the company as “disruptive” to the skin. It removes pigment better than any laser I’ve encountered, in usually 2 treatments. It is relatively quick (10-12 minutes for the face) and fairly comfortable to have done. It will cause the skin to darken over the first 3 days and then peel. There is no wound care. Social downtime for about 3 days.

It is often combined with the 1550nm laser to give both a deep and a superficial treatment. When done with the 1550, there is slightly more swelling and redness. The 1550 has more discomfort. The Dual’s 1550 has been modified to be faster, more effective, and more comfortable (has integrated cooling) than the prior Fraxel re:store laser. Usually you will require 3 instead of 4 treatments with this laser as compared to the previous version. My experience with this laser has been very good. The satisfaction of my clients is high.

Q: Thermage Free with Fraxel, is It Worth It?

A: Thermage is a great addition to Fraxel re:pair or re:store

There have been recent clinical studies showing the benefit of doing both Fraxel laser treatment and the Thermage together. What happens is that you have tightening at both a superficial and and deeper layer of tissue leading to better results. The safety profile of the current Thermage CPT is extremely good and for the hour or so it takes to get the face treated, I would highly recommend doing the Thermage as well.

UPDATE: We no longer do Thermage. Ulthera is more precise and more consistent results.

Q: Treatment Spacing of 4 Days for Fraxel and Thermage?

A: Timing of Fraxel and Thermage

Thereare no restrictions regarding the timing of Thermage and Fraxel. They affect different areas of the skin. However, after having as many treatments as you describe, you probably have fully appreciated any benefits that you get from these treatments. If you want more improvement, I’d suggest the Fraxel re:pair.

Q: Should I Have Fraxel Re:pair or Active FX?

A: Recent study suggests better results from Fraxel Re:pair over the Active FX

In a paper recently presented at the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, it showed both were effective, but the Fraxel Re:pair side had better tightening. It was a split face study, one side got the Fraxel Re:pair, the other the Active FX. The study was done by a group out of NY and NJ. It was a blinded study to the patients (they didn’t know which side was which laser). There were 10 patients.

Hope this helps!

Q: Fraxel Repair or Fraxel Restore for Loose Skin?

A: Fraxel re:pair more aggressive and more results than the Re:store

The Fraxel re:pair is a fractional CO2 laser. CO2 lasers are aggressive/ablative lasers that will give you the best results for skin tightening. They have been around for over 20 years. The recent resurgence of these lasers is the fractional technology which leads to less downtime, and less side effects.

The re:store is an Erbium laser that is non ablative. It typically will have less downtime, less results, and requires multiple treatments. When you add up all the downtime with the re:store (about 2 days with each treatment) it equals the downtime that a re:pair would have (about 1 week). My suggestion is to get the re:pair by an experienced physician for your best skin tightening results.

Q: Fraxel Repair Vs. Fraxel Restore

A: Fraxel re:store and re:pair are different

The Fraxel re:pair is a fractional CO2 laser and the re:store is a fractional erbium laser. The re:pair requires usually only one treatment (except for acne scars), whereas the re:store is usually a series of 4-6 treatments.

The re:pair will tighten the skin, the re:store will minimally tighten, even after 6 treatments. Wrinkle control is also far superior with the re:pair over the restore. The reason that the re:pair causes more wrinkle control and tightening is because it actually removes tissue, whereas the re:store thermally heats the tissue.

Also, CO2 lasers cause more thermal injury to the surrounding tissue, which leads to more collagen and better wrinkle control. The cost of 4 or more treatments with the Fraxel re:store is more than the cost of 1 Fraxel re:pair treatment. The Fraxel re:pair was introduced at the American Academy of Dermatology on January 31, 2008. The Fraxel re:store received FDA clearance July, 2004.

Q: Can Fraxel CO2 Be Used for Upper Arm Skin Wrinkles?

A: Use Thermage for tightening crepey skin

Fraxel has recently had FDA approval of a few new handpieces for the Re:pair laser. One of them is made to do body treatments as you are desiring. It will take a few months for those to be manufactured and in the hands of the physicians. The crepey skin can be improved but not redundant skin – this would have to be excised.

Answer updated 4/23/09:

I now feel that the best non surgical approach is Thermage. The new Fraxel handpiece hasn’t really turned out to be a revolutionary change.

I have recently added Thermage to my office. I have seen several clients who have had surgery that have been left with very large and long scars. Thermage seems to offer an alternative that has no real downside.

Q: Fraxel Re:pair Vs. Fraxel Re:store for Reducing Large Pores?

A: Both will work, but re:pair is overkill

I have seen improvements with the Fraxel re:pair for pore size which are dramatic, but if you don’t need all the other improvements (pigment, scarring, tightening, texture), then stick with something that is less expensive and less downtime like the re:store, Lux 1540, or IPL.

Steve Weiner, MD Facial Plastic Surgeon, Destin, Florida

Q: What is Fraxel Recovery Like?

A: Painless after Fraxel, swelling lasts under 5 days

Universally, nobody complains of pain after the procedure. Swelling is the worst on the second day after the procedure and gets better by day 5 or so. Seeing streaking is common and will go away. Redness lasts up to 3 months, but usually about 3 or 4 weeks.

Q: Fraxel Restore Vs. Fraxel Repair

A: Fraxel repair is the best laser for skin tightening and wrinkles

The Fraxel re:pair has fractional laser technology that made the CO2 laser much safer than completely ablative CO2 lasers. The company has seen none of the risks that the older CO2 had – hypopigmentation, scarring, and lines of demarcation. The CO2 laser has been long regarded as the gold standard for wrinkles and tightening, but with the previously mentioned risks happening in about 15 percent of patients, it fell out of favor.

Another benefit of the Fraxel re:pair is the depth of penetration, up to 1.6mm, much deeper than the prior CO2 lasers which went 0.3mm as well as the 2 competitive lasers – Mixto – 0.7mm, and the Deep Fx, which is 1mm. Deeper treatments mean better results.

The other Fraxel (re:store) is an erbium laser, and is considered non-ablative (does not remove tissue) whereas the re:pair causes ablation. Removing tissue will result in more wrinkle correction and tightening. The CO2 also causes some peripheral heat damage which also leads to more tightening. The erbium causes very little peripheral heating.

There is more downtime with the re:pair but it’s only one treatment. All my patients are extremely pleased with the re:pair, and I can’t say that about the re:store.

Top 5 Procedures to Improve Your Jawline in 2019

Action II Erbium Laser for Resurfacing and Bella V Vaginal Rejuvenation

Dr. Weiner’s “Superficial Skin Block” to Numb The Face for Aesthetic Procedures – Infini and Laser Resurfacing

Fraxel Dual Questions Answered by Dr. Steven Weiner, Destin, Florida.

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