Use of the novel Frax 1940 non-ablative fractional laser handpiece in clinical practice

PRIME Journal - International Journal of Aesthetic and Anti-Ageing Medicine

Konika Patel Schallen, MD discusses the uses for the laser in treating skin pigmentation, tone, and texture as a stand-alone treatment or in combination.

Patients desire treatments for their skin to improve a range of vascular, pigmentary, and textural irregularities that produce an overall rejuvenated appearance with minimal time away from their normal activities. Laser-based devices, specifically non-ablative lasers in the mid-infrared (IR) spectrum, that are selectively absorbed in water can deliver heat sufficient to coagulate and resurface skin in both epidermal and dermal layers of the skin by stimulating collagen production. The 1940 nm wavelength is highly absorbed in water and can create focal damage to a depth of 200 microns. Therefore the 1940 wavelength is a useful tool for treating the more superficial layers of the skin. The 1550 wavelength penetrates deeper, up to 800 microns. These two wavelengths can be used independently or in combination. Patients well suited to treatment with the Frax1940 are those wanting improvement in overall tone and texture due to photoaging. The face, décolleté and hands are ideal locations for treatment.

The Frax 1940 treatment provides a high degree of patient satisfaction when performed alone. It can also be used in combination with Frax 1550 and/or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to treat pigmentation, diffuse redness or for coagulation of deeper dermal structures.