Over time, our skin experiences damage from sun exposure, pollution, dry weather and simply the passage of time. If you are noticing that your skin does not look as fresh and vibrant as it once did, a cosmetic resurfacing procedure can be your solution for a healthier glow.
Fraxel re:pair®
Fraxel re:pair uses advanced technology to reduce wrinkles and sun spots and to firm, tighten and rejuvenate your skin. Fraxel re:pair can be used to turn back the clock on your face, eyes, neck, and décolletage. Through a single treatment done in the office, we can smooth skin tone and texture, tighten skin and correct severe damage, and improve age spots, sunspots and sun-induced redness.
Before Fraxel, CO2 lasers were the gold standard for facial rejuvenation. Although they were very effective, CO2 lasers involved significant discomfort and downtime for patients. Fractionated lasers use the same idea, but rather than targeting a patient’s whole face, they only hit certain spots, leaving healthy skin around the treated area, which dramatically decreases both healing time and discomfort. If you picture a tic-tac-toe board, the Fraxel will target only the center square, leaving the eight squares around it untouched. This allows the untreated skin to help the treated skin heal faster. It also allows Dr. Jason Lichten, our board-certified plastic surgeon, to pass deeper into the skin for a better and longer-lasting result.
Fraxel re:pair is different than other fractionated lasers, including the Fraxel re:store. Fraxel re:pair goes deeper into the skin and only requires a single treatment. It’s one and you’re done. Central Ohio Plastic Surgery is proud to own the only Fraxel re:pair laser in Central Ohio. If you want facial rejuvenation without surgery, visit us to see if the Fraxel re:pair is right for you to repair your skin.
Call the office at (740) 653-5064 or (614) 862-8008 to talk with our aesthetician and Dr. Lichten if you are interested in more extensive facial rejuvenation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fraxel re:pair
How long has Fraxel been available at Central Ohio Plastic Surgery?
Dr. Lichten has been offering the Fraxel re:pair in our office since 2010. The first generation of Fraxels was first cleared by the FDA in 2003 with the re:pair coming along in 2008. We were the first office in Ohio to have a Fraxel re:pair.
How long does the procedure take?
We will schedule two hours for your Fraxel re:pair appointment, although the treatment itself will take only a portion of this time. This allows time for numbing – both topical and by injection. The procedure itself takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Where do you do the procedure?
Fraxel re:pair can be done either in the office or in the operating room. The choice is totally based on patient preference. Some of my patients will combine Fraxel re:pair with a facelift. The website actually has the word hyperlink – it should have an actual hyperlink here. or other facial surgery. Others choose to have just the Fraxel resurfacing, but opt to do it in the OR so they can be under more anesthesia for increased comfort.
Can I drive myself home?
No. Since you will be medicated, it will not be safe for you to drive.
How many treatments will I need?
One. This is the thing that really sets the Fraxel re:pair apart from other fractionated laser devices. This is the most aggressive of the Fraxel treatments, and gets results in just one treatment.
What is my down time?
Typically, your skin will be red and/or crusty for the first three to four days – you will have a “burned” look. For the approximately the next two weeks there will be redness that looks like a sunburn that can typically be covered with makeup.
It has been our experience that men tend to recover faster from Fraxel procedures than women. This is because men’s skin tends to be thicker than women’s and therefore handles the procedure better.
Who can be treated with the Fraxel re:pair? Can you treat parts of the body or just the face?
Dr. Lichten has used the Fraxel re:pair to treat adult women and men of all ages. Patients with any skin color can be treated with the Fraxel, although some precautions are needed for patients with darker skin tones, but it is still very effective. He can also use the Fraxel on delicate skin areas like the chest, neck, eyes, and hands.
What kind of results can I expect from a Fraxel re:pair treatment?
Your skin will feel softer and appear brighter. Other benefits may include:
- smoother, fresher, younger looking skin;
- improved skin tone and texture;
- reduction of unwanted brown spots; and
- reduction of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
How quickly will I see results and how long do they last?
You will see a noticeable difference within a few days, but your full results will continue to develop over the six months following your treatment. Your body will continue to heal and improve after Fraxel, just like any other surgical procedure. The best results are noted three to six months after surgery, with good skin habits like sunscreen, refraining from smoking, and using good skin care.
Who performs the procedure?
Dr. Lichten performs all of the Fraxel re:pair treatments himself.
Is it safe?
Fraxel treatments are backed by extensive research. Of course, as with any laser procedure, there are some risks. Dr. Lichten will discuss those with you during your consultation.
Can I get a Fraxel treatment instead of a facelift?
Both Fraxel treatments and facelifts can tighten the skin on your face. Dr. Lichten will often use the Fraxel re:pair during facelift surgeries, however, because facelifts address primarily the underlying structures, but does not affect the tone and texture of facial skin. Combining both procedures enables Dr. Lichten to tackle both issues at once, creating fresh, new skin, with fewer wrinkles and a tighter structure.
Your Fraxel Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about Fraxel in Columbus, Ohio, request a consultation with Dr. Lichten. You can also call 740-653-5064 (Lancaster) or 614-862-8008 (Columbus) to schedule your visit to Central Ohio Plastic Surgery, Inc. We look forward to meeting with you.
