Archive for the ‘Fraxel’ Category

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Fraxel Restore Laser Donated to Global Burn Foundation

Monday, January 18th, 2010 by editor

Solta Medical Inc., a global leader in the medical aesthetics field, has this week announced that it is donating one of its Fraxel re:store laser systems to the Grossman Burn Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Grossman Burn Center.

The Fraxel system will be used to reduce the appearance of scarring caused by traumatic thermal damage. The Burn Center is a worldwide leader in innovative treatment and care for burn patients and their families.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, the Grossman Burn Center (GBC) is the largest plastic surgery-based burn practice in the western United States. But the work of the Foundation does not stop on the US border. The Grossman Burn Foundation provides burn care and medical resources in developing countries all over the world, including a burn center in Kabul and a physician triage training program for doctors in underdeveloped countries. The Foundation is also involved in the development and distribution of satellite based telemedicine equipment to doctors and first responders all over the globe.

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What Happens After a Fraxel Treatment?

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 by editor

After Fraxel treatment, the most common skin reactions are redness, swelling, and a warm feeling to the skin.  People often compare it to a bad sunburn that lasts for about 3 days on average. After that, the skin starts to bronze with brown spots (the dead cells coming to the surface) and then peels. This continues for a few more days as the skin heals and becomes clearer.

Are there possible side effects?

Some adverse reactions have been documented. Darkening of the skin, also called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation” can occur in Asians and darker skinned individuals.  This is best prevented by pretreatment of the skin with a bleaching agent like hydroquinone.

Another side effect is hypopigmentation, where some coloration is removed from the skin. This is unfortunate occurrence is possible, but extremely rare. Personally, I have never seen this, but I do discuss this with all my patients in advance.

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Fraxel Restore Before & After Photos

Monday, October 12th, 2009 by newseditor

We thought it might be helpful to show some of the latest before and after photos taken with the Fraxel restore dual wavelength laser.  These patients were not treated at our San Francisco plastic surgery center, but we have certainly achieved results comparable to these.

The Fraxel restore dual is the newest offering from Reliant technologies and probably the most versatile cosmetic laser yet.  Contact us to discuss laser skin resurfacing with the Fraxel re:store laser.

Click here to read more about Fraxel laser treatment.

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New Fraxel Laser Being Unveiled This Fall

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 by newseditor

fraxel-logoAugust 26th brought an important announcement from the laser and skin tightening specialists at Solta Medical: A new addition to the line of Fraxel aesthetic lasers is being unveiled this fall.  The new Fraxel re:store dual will be equipped with a “novel” 1927 nm wavelength Thulium laser.

Doctors that have tested the new laser say it offers increased versatility and allows improved ease of use when treating areas besides the face.  Other benefits of the Fraxel re:store dual are as follows:

  1. Dual fiber technology within one laser system
  2. Fast eradication of undesirable pigmentation with the Thulium laser
  3. Simplified operation and improved comfort with “focal cooling” incorporated in the handpiece
  4. 25 % increase in procedure speed

The Fraxel illumiNATION tour will bring the new laser system to surgeons and dermatologists this fall.  To inquire about fraxel laser resurfacing in California, call our San Francisco surgery office.

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Treat Stretch Marks – Feel Better About Your Skin

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 by newseditor

 If your body weight has fluctuated, you may have begun to notice stretch marks around your hips, thighs, stomach, or breasts.  Unfortunately, stretch marks are usually permanent, but thanks to medical advances there are treatment options available to significantly reduce their appearance. 

As the warmer weather is upon us and we wear less clothing, it’s time to reveal the skin that has been hidden under our clothes all winter and spring.  Is that a frightening thought? Don’t despair: we’re with you on this – you don’t need stretch marks to ruin your summer. 

Here are some simple solutions to get your skin in warm weather shape, so you too can be comfortable enough to enjoy all the warm weather activities.

Laser Resurfacing has become more precise in recent years and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks after a series of treatments.  The laser zaps the top layer of skin and stimulates collagen production deep within the skin’s layers. This helps remove uneven skin tone, scars and other skin problems on the skin’s surface, restoring it to a much healthier appearance.

Fractional Non-ablative Laser Most doctors agree that once stretch marks are white, a fractional non-ablative laser is a very effective treatment. It feels like rubber band snaps on the skin, your doctor will either recommend prescription-strength ibuprofen, acetaminophen and/or topical anesthetic. Most patients will need 4 or 5 treatments, every six to eight weeks. You can expect to improve the texture of stretch marks by nearly 50% after completing a series of treatments. 

Microdermabrasion Treatments are another effective method for treating stretch marks. This procedure buffs away the top layer of skin and also stimulates collagen production. Most patients need between 3-6 treatments to see a noticeable difference, but it is still cost effective and the results are pretty stellar.

Prescription Retinoids are the only topical products that have been demonstrated to be effective for treating and improving stretch marks in the early stages. For red stretch marks, a retinoid cream applied daily for six months has been shown to improve the appearance by about 14%. For white stretch marks, color will not be restored but a prescription strength retinoic cream can help even out texture. As always, talk directly to your doctor about the benefits, the method of use and any risks. For example, you shouldn’t be using retinoids while either pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Other non-invasive skin treatments, such as chemical peels and/or prescription topicals used in combination with microdermabrasion treatments, can help improve the texture and tone of your skin. Consult with us further about skin care and stretch mark removal treatments, so you can get that body ready for this summer’s season.

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Visit Dr. Maddali This Summer To Keep Your Skin Looking its Best!

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009 by newseditor

Summer in California is so much fun; it’s when we head for the beach, bring the kids to the pool, and barbeque with our friends.  Meanwhile, protecting your skin from the sun and choosing the right treatments can prevent premature aging to keep you healthy and looking your best. If you’re heading out for some fun in the sun this summer, here are a few skin management tips and rejuvenation methods that can keep you looking hot while you’re out in the hot sun.  

If your skin is in need of rejuvenation, a few microdermabrasion treatments each year can make a big difference.  Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of skin to reveal a fresh, healthy layer underneath. We use a crystal-free device combined with a therapeutic agent.  It’s an easy procedure that can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and even some forms of skin damage.  If you use skin products (we carry medical grade), it can increase penetration, so your daily skin care regimen is more effective.  For many patients, this combination of at-home skin care and microdermabrasion is all it takes to achieve smoother, more silky looking skin. 

If you exhibit age spots, zap them away with a Fraxel laser! The procedure can rejuvenate the skin, while eradicating age/sun spots that have appeared over time.

Sunscreen is important any time of year, but especially during these hot summer months. Choosing the right sunscreen for your face – one that addresses your skin type and skin conditions – is not always easy.  Use a sunscreen every day. For days spent mostly indoors, use a foundation with an SPF15 or higher. For outdoors you want at least an SPF45 that is waterproof or water-resistant.

The right sunscreen can prevent sun damage, skin problems, and even skin cancer.  Harmful UV rays can damage skin cells deep within the skin’s surface, making your cells vulnerable to toxins (free-radicals) in the environment. 

Let us help you maintain the health of your skin. Come visit us to find out which treatment will work best for you; then look forward to looking hot all summer long!

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Can a Fraxel Laser Treat Fine Lines Under My Eyes?

Monday, June 1st, 2009 by newseditor

Fine lines can appear around the eyes as a result of sun exposure, aging, stress, and other factors.  One patient complained about persistent fine lines underneath her eyes, claiming that 6 Fraxel treatments and Botox had helped, but failed to completely resolve the issue. “Should I go back for more Fraxel?”

I told her that although Botox and Fraxel may have worked well, perhaps eyelid surgery would be a better choice at this point.

Botox injection works wonders on ‘crow’s feet’ – those stubborn lines on the side of the eyes – but we typically do not use it for lines under the eye or in the lower eyelid area.

Laser resurfacing with Fraxel is an excellent choice for improving this area, but if a patient has had 6 treatments, I would not recommend any more. It’s possible to reach a plateau with what the laser can do for you. Situations like this arise frequently among my patients and I suggest lower blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery.

Blepharoplasty is a common procedure that removes excess skin and fat in the eyelid to significantly improve the lower eyelid creases.

 

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Does Fraxel work to treat acne scars?

Thursday, May 28th, 2009 by newseditor

Fraxel is very good for acne scars!

Fraxel lasers offer treatment solutions for all kinds of superficial skin conditions. The scars that result from severe acne have always been a bothersome issue for patients.  One recently asked me, “can Fraxel treat acne scarring on my face?”

I routinely use the Fraxel restore for patients with acne scarring, with varying rates of success.  For acne scars, the procedure is slightly different because the treatment settings must be adjusted.  If the treatment settings are set for treating sun damage and fine lines, then the results are very marginal. However, if higher settings (such as 70mJ) are used, then the results are much more impressive.

Acne scarring requires a higher intensity of treatment than other conditions. Always seek out a competent physician to perform the treatment. High settings can increase side effects and prolong your recovery time; they aren’t suitable for all individuals. If you decide to use Fraxel for acne scarring, make sure to go to someone recommended on Fraxel.com, have a consultation, make sure the physician does his/her own treatments, and then go for it.

 

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Thermage Inc Restructures and Unveils New Brands, Websites

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 by newseditor

Thermage Inc., based locally here in the Bay Area, has been renamed Solta Medical Inc. and the company has unveiled a new logo. Thermage products have also been given a new logo and a new website.

The company acquired fractional laser manufacturer Reliant Technologies (Fraxel) in an $87.5 million cash/stock deal initiated last year, so all fraxel brands are now under the new Solta Medical name as well.

A new ticker symbol can be recognized on the Nasdaq as “SLTM.”

In a recent press release, President and Chief Executive Stephen Fanning commented, “the name and ticker symbol changes are a great start to the New Year and a key milestone in the integration of the acquisition of Reliant Technologies Inc.”

Both Thermage and Fraxel products have launched new websites which feature significant design changes. The sites are more interactive, more user-friendly and show an obvious, stylistic departure from previous website designs.

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Thermage and Fraxel: Bay Area Aesthetics Companies Merge

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 by newseditor

The acquisition of Reliant Technologies (Fraxel) by Thermage Inc. was recently finalized.  The deal was reportedly valued at $66.2 million in cash and stock. Reliant has become been a pillar in the cosmetic surgery market because of the success of Fraxel, its brand of fractional laser technology.

The effectiveness of Fraxel laser technology has made Reliant into a highly profitable company.  Fraxel treatments stimulate collagen growth and resurface skin by penetrating the outer dermis with microscopic laser columns.  The patient’s natural, bodily healing process then promotes skin rejuvenation and collagen growth.

Thermage is known for manufacturing a non-invasive skin treatment that uses radiofrequency technology (CRF) to heat skin, tightening and smoothing problem areas.  The treatment is also said to improve superficial skin characteristics like uneven skin texture and skin tone.

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