 San Diego dermatology Patient -
La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre Fraxel re:pair patient - click to view more photos
Fraxel re:pair ™ (or Fraxel repair) is a revolutionary and effective procedure in the treatment of wrinkles, age spots, sun spots, sun-induced redness, scars and irregularities of the skin. The recovery time associated with Fraxel re:pair ™is significantly less than traditional laser treatments and the procedure has proven more effective than skin treatments used in the past. “The Fraxel re:pair is a revolutionary concept because it has the capability of tightening and rejuvenating the skin with extreme safety.” Dr. Fitzpatrick How does Fraxel re:pair ™ work? Fraxel re:pair™ significantly corrects aged or damaged skin by utilizing a new technology known as Fractional Deep Dermal Ablation (FDDA™). Basically, the laser works on a microscopic level—breaking the treatment area down to what would resemble pixels on a digital image. The laser then goes pixel by pixel, or zone by zone, to penetrate the dermis and resurface the uppermost part of the skin. This process allows the skin to stimulate itself while expediting the production of collagen and elastin-resulting in a tighter, smoother and fresher look to the face. However, the most revolutionary aspect of Fraxel re:pair ™ is the laser’s ability to leave microscopic areas of the skin untouched—as this “fractional” approach allows for faster healing than if the entire area were treated all at the same time. Finally, the gentle nature of Fraxel re:pair™ makes this a safe and effective treatment for sensitive areas such as the neck, chest, arms, hands and legs. “This is the first laser that we can easily use not only on the face, but on more delicate skin like the neck, chest, arms and hands. With just a week or so of healing, we are able to see dramatic changes.” --Dr. Groff What conditions will Fraxel re:pair ™ treat? Fraxel re:pair™ is extremely effective in the treatment of: - Sun spots and age spots
- Deep lines and wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- General skin irregularities
- Reduction of precancerous lesions
- Reduction of scarring (including acne scars, traumatic scars and surgical scars)
- Lightening of stretch marks
“It’s one of the best technologies we have ever had available for the treatment of scars, especially acne scars, by stimulating the collagen. Scars have always been challenging and resilient to change but we are seeing remarkable results with the Fraxel re:pair™.” Dr. Fitzpatrick What benefits can I expect from Fraxel re:pair ™? The benefits of fraxel re:pair™ are so dramatic that it is literally our most popular procedure at the practice. Specifically, patients can expect to see softening of deep lines and wrinkles, a significant reduction or elimination of age spots or sun spots, smoother/ even skin tone and a tighter look to the face. Of course, individual results may vary from patient to patient. “The Fraxel re:pair™ finally gives us a tool that is effective in treating melasma and discoloration on all skin tones.” Dr. Groff Does Fraxel re:pair ™ hurt? Our patients are given a topical anesthetic cream , pain medication and nerve blocks prior to the procedure to numb the general treatment area. Therefore, patients experience little to no pain with Fraxel re:pair™. Patients also have the option of having general anesthesia with a board certified anesthesiologist in one of our QuadASF accredited operating room. "We offer our patients the option of having localized numbing of the treatment areas or general anesthesia with one of our board certified anesthesiologists. We find that not only are patients comfortable during the procedure, but remain virtually pain free following the procedure and require no pain medication during the recovery process." Dr. Fitzpatrick How long is the recovery process? The recovery process with Fraxel repair is significantly less than traditional laser treatments. A patient can expect redness, swelling, and crusting for 7 to 10 days. These are all normal signs indicating that the skin is healing and the deep tissue is being repaired. However, our patients generally return to work and normal activities within 6-10 days of treatment. It is important to realize that recovery varies from patient to patient. In some patients, redness or a pink tone may persist on the skin for longer periods of time. I only have minimal damage- are there any alternatives to a full treatment 7 Yes. In the case of fine lines, wrinkles or minimal damage, LJCSC offers a mini re:pair™ as an alternative. This is a lighter version of the re:pair™ and is done at a lower energy, thus offering less downtime and expedited healing. Depending on the needs of the patient, a mini re:pair™ can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, pigment, etc. just like the full re:pair™. Some patients achieve optimal results with one mini re:pair™, while others may opt for multiple treatments. “With the Fraxel re:pair, we can adjust the treatment from a light treatment to a more aggressive treatment depending on our patient’s needs” Dr. Groff Why should I choose LJCSC for my Fraxel repair treatments? According to Solta Medical (the manufacturers of Fraxel re:pair™) Drs. Fitzpatrick and Groff have performed more Fraxel re:pair™ procedures in 2008 than any other practice worldwide. And while the Fraxel laser carries less risk than traditional lasers, it’s still an extremely powerful machine that should only be used by experienced professionals—especially when it comes to your face! Not only do our doctors have more experience with Fraxel re:pair ™than any cosmetic practice worldwide, but Dr. Fitzpatrick and Dr. Groff actually worked on the original prototype of this machine and have been involved with the development of Fraxel technology since its inception. Finally, both doctors lecture and teach this procedure to other physicians around the world and publish scientific articles in peer reviewed journals—thus solidifying their expertise in the area of Fraxel re:pair™. At La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, all laser procedures are performed by our board certified dermatologists, Drs. Richard Fitzpatrick and William Groff. I’m Interested in Fraxel repair . How do I get started? Getting started with Fraxel re:pair™ is just a phone call away! Simply call (800) 942-2816 to get set up with your free consultation today. Patient TestimonialsMeet La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre patient "Sebastian" "Having deep acne scars is like the elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about." That is how Sebastian, a 22-year old college student, felt about the acne scars on his face. The scars, a result of years of uncontrollable acne, not only changed his physical looks, but more importantly, how he viewed himself from the inside. "I hated the way I looked and would avoid mirrors. I became so shy that it was hard for me to hold conversations." Sebastian felt there must be some way to improve his scars but had no idea how to deal with it. Like many people, he used the research tool he knew best—his computer. "I searched everything I could and kept coming across information about Dr. Fitzpatrick and his experience with lasers. I couldn’t believe this doctor that developed lasers to deal with problems like mine was right here in my own backyard." Not knowing quite what to expect, he made his consultation with Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick, a board certified dermatologist and director of LJCSC's Dermatology Division. Sebastian recalls that Dr. Fitzpatrick was confident that he had the perfect laser to help him. Dr. Fitzpatrick recommended using the Fraxel re:pair, a fractionated CO2 laser, that safely rebuilds scar tissue to reduce scarring. "He told me that it could take multiple treatments because my scars were so deep but I was ready to give anything a try." Dr. Fitzpatrick and the dermatology team recall that first meeting with Sebastian and how very shy and withdrawn he was. After just one treatment, a new Sebastian began to emerge. "I couldn’t believe the difference just one treatment made in how I looked and felt." Since that time, Sebastian has undergone two additional treatments. While the visual changes in his face are dramatic, the increase in his self-esteem is even more remarkable. Sebastian is active in his college community, and participates in State politics representing community colleges. “I feel like a new person and will forever be grateful to Dr. Fitzpatrick and his staff. Every time I go to the office, I feel like I am visiting family.” Sebastian always fantasized that one day he would look in the mirror and see the face he used to know—the face without acne scars. “Now I like to look in the mirror and see myself smiling back.” Meet La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre patient "Ronnie" When Ronnie, a 58-year old middle school teacher decides to have a cosmetic procedure, she doesn’t take it lightly. In fact, she read and researched for over 20 years what type of procedure would be best to rejuvenate her face. She began to see a trend that pointed her in the direction of laser resurfacing. However, selecting which laser and more importantly, which physician would perform the procedure became her mission. "One day I was flipping through San Diego Magazine and there was an ad about La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre’s Dermatology Division. As I read through the ad, it just felt right. There was such a sense of caring portrayed in the ad and I knew then I had found what I was searching for." Ronnie made an appointment and within days, she was meeting with LJCSC board certified dermatologist Dr. William Groff. "The minute I walked into the Centre, I could feel that everything I had read was confirmed. All I knew was that I wanted tighter, fresher skin, but through Dr. Groff's education, I learned how the Fraxel re:pair would also help reverse years of sun damage." Ronnie was ready to go forward with the procedure, but found that when the day actually rolled around, she was apprehensive. "I can remember coming in for my procedure so nervous until the team of dermatology nurses started to work with me. They are so knowledgeable about the procedure, it's as if they have all personally been through the experience. At the same time, I can remember feeling as if I were the only patient in the Centre that day." Ronnie went on to say that the care she received in preparing for her laser resurfacing made all the difference in the world. It's been over a year since Dr. Groff used the Fraxel re:pair in combination with several other lasers to rejuvenate Ronnie's skin. "I love the results so much and continue to get compliments about how rested and refreshed my face looks. I know the next time I'm ready for any cosmetic procedure, I'll be coming back to LJCSC." |
