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Fraxel treatment is a safe, non-invasive procedure that allows you to rediscover the fresh, healthy skin of your youth. This &quot;fractional&quot; treatment produces thousands of deep, tiny columns in your skin, called microscopic treatment zones. FLT is &quot;fractional&quot; in that it intensively treats old epidermal pigment cells without affecting any of the surrounding tissue, which reduces healing time and promotes the skin's natural process for creating new, healthier tissue to replace the damaged cells.
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<a href="http://www.ocalaplasticsurgery.com/images/stories/pdfs/fraxelpatientbrochure.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download a Fraxel patient brochure" class="jce_file"><img src="http://www.ocalaplasticsurgery.com/mambots/editors/jce/jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/filemanager/images/ext/pdf_small.gif" alt="pdf" title="pdf" border="0" />&nbsp;Click here to download a Fraxel patient brochure<span style="font-size: 80%" class="jce_fm_size"> 940.83 Kb</span></a>&nbsp;
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<b>How are Fraxel laser treatments performed?<br />
</b>To prepare your skin for treatment, it will be cleansed. A topical anesthetic ointment is applied to the treatment area approximately 60 minutes prior to treatment in order for the anesthetic to take full effect. The procedure takes between 20 to 25 minutes for a full face. The anesthetic ointment is washed off immediately after the treatment.
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<b>How does Fraxel laser work?<br />
</b>FLT is designed to target aging and sun damaged skin by targeting portions of specific damaged tissue. By creating microscopic &quot;wounds&quot; within the targeted areas well beneath the outer most epidermal layer of skin, Fraxel laser treatments trigger the body's natural healing process accelerating the production of collagen and new, healthy skin cells.
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<b><img src="http://www.ocalaplasticsurgery.com/images/stories/fraxel/fraxel-girl1.jpg" alt="fraxel-girl1.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: right; width: 219px; height: 307px" title="fraxel-girl1.jpg" width="219" height="307" />What are the benefits of Fraxel treatment?</b>
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    <li>Smoother, fresher looking skin</li>
    <li>Improved tone and texture</li>
    <li>Erased unwanted brown spots </li>
    <li>Reduced fine lines/ wrinkles around the eyes</li>
    <li>Improved appearance of acne scars and surgical scars </li>
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<b>What FDA clearance?</b>
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The Fraxel laser has received FDA clearance for treatment of the following:
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    <li>Wrinkles around the eyes (periorbital wrinkles)</li>
    <li>Age and sun spots (pigmented lesions)</li>
    <li>Brown spots / Pregnancy mask (melasma)</li>
    <li>Acne scars and surgical scars</li>
    <li>Skin Resurfacing</li>
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<b>How many treatments will I need and how will they be spaced?<br />
</b>Clinical studies suggest that on average, an effective treatment regimen is 3 to 5 sessions, spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart. Depending upon your condition and schedule, you and your physician may choose to space treatment sessions even further apart. Results are immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement is usually visible in about 2 to 3 months. This time frame and treatment structure allows for complete healing and replacement of damaged tissue with new collagen and elastin, and viable healthy skin cell growth.
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<b>Does Fraxel treatment hurt?</b> <br />
Most patients describe the treatment as having a &quot;prickling&quot; sensation.&nbsp; Topical anesthesia is applied before the procedure and cold air is used on the treatment area during the procedure to minimize discomfort.&nbsp; After the treatment, most patients report a feeling similar to having gotten too much sun. It usually disappears after 1 to 3 hours.
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<b>What are the risks?<br />
</b>Swelling and redness are the most common side effects from treatment.&nbsp; If swelling does occur, it is minimal and will subside within a day or two. Redness may occur and will fade within a few days. There is a very limited risk of infection or scarring.
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<b>What should I expect after Fraxel laser treatment?</b>
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During the first 24 hours after treatment, your skin may feel as though it is sunburned, and it will appear pink or red. Make-up can be worn to reduce the sunburned appearance. Your skin will naturally bronze over the next week or two. As you continue treatment, the sunburned to bronze conditions will repeat. Just like a sunburn, your skin will flake and exfoliate normally. Using a moisturizer will help reduce the appearance of dry flakes.
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<b>What side-effects can I expect after treatment and how long will they last?</b> <br />
You will have some degree of redness and swelling. The intensity and duration depends on how aggressive the treatment was and your particular healing characteristics. Other temporary side-effects may include minor itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking, and a bronzed skin appearance.&nbsp; You will be given specific instructions about what to expect for your particular treatment and how to minimize the side-effects.&nbsp;
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<b>What precautions should I take after treatment?</b>
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Wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and avoid direct sun exposure while you&rsquo;re healing for at least 3 months after your last treatment.&nbsp; Further protect yourself by wearing wide-brimmed hats if you expect to be out in the sun.&nbsp;
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<b>How long do the effects of Fraxel treatment last?</b> <br />
It depends on your particular condition and how you care for your skin.&nbsp; Once your skin is restored, continue to protect it as described above. For conditions, such as melasma, it is very important to avoid direct sun exposure.&nbsp; Your physician will give you specific advice based on your individual needs.
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<b>How much does the procedure cost?<br />
</b>An effective treatment regime typically requires an average of 3 to 5 treatment sessions spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart to obtain maximum benefit. Depending on the nature of the patient&rsquo;s condition, the areas to be treated and other factors. Please contact us for details.
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<b>What is the Fraxel Skin Ecology System and where can I purchase it?<br />
</b>The Fraxel Skin Ecology System is a unique line of skincare products designed specifically to enhance and extend the benefits of Fraxel treatment. Made with natural healing ingredients, this comprehensive regimen moisturizes, soothes and protects your skin - immediately following the procedure and long after. This is available exclusively from Fraxel physicians.
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<b><a href="http://www.fraxel.com" target="_blank">Click here to learn more about Fraxel by&nbsp;visiting their website</a></b>
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