[Faster Recovery] Erbium Fraxel

Features of Our Clinic's Er:YAG Fraxel Treatment

We use Er:YAG laser instead of CO2 laser:

CO2 lasers penetrate deep into the skin but are accompanied by strong thermal damage and a relatively high risk of hyperpigmentation.

In contrast, Er:YAG lasers minimize thermal damage while precisely reaching from the epidermis to the dermal-epidermal junction, allowing for a treatment that is less burdensome on the skin.

Parameter Adjustment Considering Individual Skin Condition:

Instead of a uniform approach, we carefully adjust the laser's depth and intensity according to each individual's skin condition, including skin thickness and sensitivity.

We treat thin skin areas with multiple overlapping low-power applications, while thicker areas receive strong power in a single application, allowing for delicate, localized adjustments to prevent strain on the skin.

Treatment Using Overlap Technique:

For areas of primary concern such as fine wrinkles, scars, and enlarged pores, the laser can be applied redundantly to precisely deliver the required intensity.

Fine wrinkles on the back of the hands or neck, areas where laser treatment can typically be challenging, can also be treated. We proceed with individual treatment settings after a thorough analysis of the skin regeneration speed and sebaceous gland density in these areas.

Expect Synergistic Effects of Fraxel with Skin Booster Delivery Technique:

Immediately after Fraxel treatment, microscopic channels are created in the skin.

Our clinic utilizes this period to apply a skin booster application protocol. This helps active ingredients effectively reach the dermis.

Considering deep scars or varying skin thickness in different areas, we customize the laser overlap and intensity. This secures channels for effective delivery of active ingredients to the dermal-epidermal junction.

When applying small-particle skin booster treatments like PDRN or Juvelook together, this process allows ingredients to be well-absorbed into the dermis, which is crucial for regeneration. This can positively impact the improvement of pores, fine wrinkles, and acne scars.

Understanding Fraxel Treatment

Fraxel is derived from the term 'fractional,' meaning 'partial.' This refers to a method of applying laser treatment partially, with microscopic spacing, instead of stimulating the entire skin surface.

When the laser creates microscopic holes in the skin, stimulating the tissue, the skin initiates a natural regenerative response to heal itself.

The method of partially stimulating the skin without causing direct damage to the entire surface has the advantage of reducing recovery time while expecting overall skin condition improvement.

Differences Between Ablative and Non-Ablative Fraxel

Ablative Fraxel is a method that micro-ablates the epidermis to deliver laser energy to the dermal-epidermal junction. This can directly impact the improvement of skin texture, wrinkles, and pigmentation, but may require a certain recovery period.

Non-ablative Fraxel delivers thermal energy to the dermis without damaging the epidermis. While it has the advantage of a shorter recovery period, the expected effects may be relatively limited.

The Er:YAG Fraxel used at our clinic is an ablative laser treatment.

Principle of Er:YAG Fraxel Treatment

Among ablative lasers, Er:YAG Fraxel utilizes a 2940nm wavelength, which has a high absorption rate in water.

Thanks to these wavelength characteristics, tissue from the epidermis to the dermal-epidermal junction can be precisely vaporized and removed. This allows for accurate depth control, reduces thermal damage to surrounding tissue, and can contribute to relatively faster recovery.

By removing tissue through water without causing unnecessary thermal damage to surrounding tissue, the risk of hyperpigmentation is lowered, and treatment can be performed with less strain on the skin.

Comparison of DOE and MLA Methods

Fraxel laser energy delivery methods are broadly divided into two types: DOE and MLA. The DOE (Diffractive Optical Element) method distributes laser energy evenly to all treatment points, preventing energy concentration in one area and thus reducing the burden on the skin. However, there are limitations in output intensity, so the practitioner's skill is crucial for treating deep scars.

On the other hand, the MLA (Microlens Array) method is characterized by laser energy being strongly concentrated in the center and weakening towards the periphery. This can be advantageous for treating deep scars, but if energy is excessively concentrated in a specific area, the recovery period may be prolonged.

Treatment Effects of Er:YAG Fraxel

Our clinic's Er:YAG Fraxel utilizes the DOE method for laser application.

By ensuring even energy delivery across the entire skin, we aim for a treatment that minimizes strain on the skin.

The DOE method can positively impact the improvement of pores, fine wrinkles, and skin texture. For conditions like acne scars, improvement can be expected by applying the overlap technique simultaneously.

Collagen and Elastin Regeneration: Removing damaged skin tissue with laser treatment can stimulate fibroblasts in the dermis to induce the production of new collagen and elastin. This can help improve skin density and elasticity.

Pore Improvement Effect: During the realignment of fibrous tissue around pores after treatment, pores may appear to shrink, and the skin surface can generally be refined.

Acne Scar Improvement: As existing scar tissue gradually breaks down and is replaced by new collagen tissue, the appearance of scars can be alleviated, and skin texture improvement can be expected.

Medical Papers Related to Er:YAG Fraxel

Serdar ZA et al. Dermatol Ther. 2019:  Study case of 333 patients with facial and neck wrinkles

얼굴 및 목 주름 환자 333명 연구 사례

After 3-4 sessions of Er:YAG Fraxel, improvement in skin texture, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation can be expected.

Robati RM et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020:

This is for those who are looking for an overall improvement in their skin condition by addressing facial pores and fine lines.

Significant improvement in fine lines has been reported after just one session.

With 3 or more sessions, the duration of effectiveness is extended, and it can also have a positive impact on pore reduction.

A Message from Our Head Doctor

Every day, I meet people with various skin concerns. Everyone's skin is unique, and even for the same person, skin condition changes daily.

When performing Fraxel treatments, I carefully assess each individual's skin condition and precisely adjust the output and depth in 0.1 increments.

With this mindset, I prioritize the accuracy and safety of the procedure.

The results of a Fraxel treatment can vary depending on the practitioner's skilled technique rather than just the equipment itself.

I will always carefully listen to the skin concerns of our patients and diligently provide personalized care.

Treatment Benefits

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• 01. Can help improve enlarged pores or acne scars.
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• 02. Creates microscopic channels within the skin to promote overall skin regeneration.
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• 03. Can have a positive effect on improving skin tone and increasing skin elasticity.
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Recommended For

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• 01. May be considered for those who desire smooth and bright skin.
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• 02. Those concerned about enlarged pores or pitted scars.
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• 03. Those bothered by marks from acne.
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• 04. May be suitable for those seeking improvement in fine lines and dull skin tone.
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Treatment Areas

Treatment is possible on skin areas where elasticity has decreased and fine lines are prominent, such as the face, neck, and back of the hands.

Treatment Process

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• STEP 01. 1:1 Consultation
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• STEP 02. Anesthetic Cream Application
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• STEP 03. Fraxel Laser Treatment
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• STEP 04. Soothing Care
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Post-Treatment Precautions

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• ㆍRefrain from washing your face and applying makeup on the day of the procedure, and we recommend gently washing your face starting the next day.
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• ㆍTip marks, redness, and slight pain may persist for up to 7 days in the treated area. Cooling care using ice packs can be helpful during this time.
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• ㆍFraxel treatment is a type of laser resurfacing. After 3-4 days, exfoliation will occur; it is best to let it shed naturally rather than forcing its removal.
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• ㆍUntil all dead skin cells have naturally shed, please refrain from alcohol, smoking, and visits to saunas, public baths, or swimming pools.
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• ㆍThe period from immediately after the treatment until all dead skin cells have completely shed, and for about 1-2 weeks thereafter, is crucial for skin regeneration. During this time, it is recommended to consistently apply a regenerating ointment.
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• ㆍPay attention to sufficient moisturizing care for skin soothing, and it is important to meticulously apply sunscreen when going outdoors.
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