For more information about photofacial and skin rejuvenation treatments at our Oregon office, contact Dr. Peter Goodkin for a consultation.
Peter Goodkin M.D.
9775 SE Sunnyside Road #500
Clackamas, Oregon 97015
P / 503-654-7546
F / 503-786-3542
A member of the ACMMSCO©™
Fraxel® re:store Dual is two lasers in one:
The first is the original pioneering laser treatment that helps reverse years of sun damage from your face, neck and hands with the added benefit of softening and evening out acne scars. It is the pioneer of "fractional photothermolysis," a technology that produces thousands of microscopic columns of laser stimulation, extending deeply into your damaged skin. These microcolumns are each just one-tenth the diameter of a human hair. Each treatment covers a “fraction” of the skin at a time without affecting the surrounding tissue. The laser columns stimulate the replacement and smoothing out of damaged tissue.
The second laser in the Fraxel® re:store Dual system is a Thulium laser, a pioneering new wavelength that specifically targets uneven pigment near the surface of the skin.
How is the Fraxel® re:store Dual Laser treatment different than other rejuvenation procedures?
The Fraxel® re:store Dual Laser is non-ablative, meaning it does not vaporize away the surface of the skin like ablative CO2 and other erbium lasers do. In addition, it is a “fractional” treatment. Normal untreated skin is left between the laser stimulation columns, allowing for minimal downtime and a rapid recovery.
The new Thulium wavelength of the Dual can now target brown spots whose pigment lies close to the skin surface.
What are the benefits of Fraxel® re:store Dual Laser treatment?
- More uniform, fresher, younger-looking skin
- Decreasing sallowness while improving texture and translucence
- Fading or Erasing of unwanted brown spots
- Reduced fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
- Improved appearance of acne scars and surgical scars
- Minimal downtime
- Capable of treatment on the face, but also the neck, hands and forearms
The FDA has cleared the Fraxel® re:store Dual Laser to be used for:
- Wrinkles around the eyes (periorbital wrinkles)
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Age spots/sunspots (pigmented lesions)
- Melasma (irregular patches of brown skin on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip and nose)
- Actinic Keratoses (precancerous lesions)
- Skin resurfacing
Tell me about the procedure.
Your skin will be cleansed. A topical anesthetic ointment will be applied to the treatment area for about one hour. The ointment is removed and the laser treatment is performed while cool air quenches the residual laser sting. Treating the face takes about 15-20 minutes.
How many treatments will I need and how often are they performed?
The number of treatments required depends on the condition being treated and your desired outcome. Effective treatments usually require 3-6 sessions at about 2-4 week intervals. The treatments can be spaced further apart. Some results are nearly immediate but others, caused by collagen and elastin regeneration, take 3-6 months.
Treatment of brown spots with the Thulium wavelength of the Fraxel® re:store Dual Laser may take only 2-3 sessions.
How much does it hurt?
A laser pulses often feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin or an increased heat sensation. Topical anesthetic applied one hour before the procedure and cool air blown onto the treatment area reduce the sensation. After the procedure, patients describe the feeling as that of a sun or windburn that gradually decreases after 1-3 hours.
What is recovery like?
The sunburn sensation may last 24 hours and your skin will be pink or red. Make-up can be worn to camouflage the red. The skin bronzes over the following week or two. The skin then flakes and peels, like after a sunburn. Using a moisturizer smoothes the flakiness.
What side effects are common?
Swelling is usually minimal and resolves within 1-2 days. Redness fades within a few days. Other temporary side effects may include minimal itching, dryness and a bronzed skin appearance. The risk of infection, hyperpigmentation and scarring are low. Dr. Goodkin is committed to safety and goes over potential risks at the time of consultation.
How do I protect my skin after the treatment?
For the best results, sun protection is key for three months after treatment. Avoid direct sun exposure. This means applying a broad spectrum, 30+ SPF sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing such as a broad brimmed hat.
How long do the results last?
Pigment is very sun sensitive, melasma especially so. Careful sun protection will greatly prolong the duration of improvement. Benefits in scars, sun spots, tone, and texture, can last years. Dr. Goodkin, depending on the condition being treated, may suggest a maintenance routine to prolong the fresher appearing, younger you.
How much do Fraxel® re:store Dual Laser treatments cost?
A full face treatment is currently $1250. Dr. Goodkin can discuss fees for treating other areas at the time of consultation.