What is Fractora Fractional Rejuvenation and Resurfacing?
Fractora Fractional Rejuvenation and Resurfacing treatments uses a matrix of micro-pins coupled with Radio Frequency energy to heat the skin in a controlled manner. Fractionated technology remodels deep collagen, improved skin laxity, wrinkles, acne scarring, stretch marks, and brightens the appearance of skin.
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Who is a candidate for Fractora treatments?
Fractora isn't an aggressive skin treatment. In particular, it's not as aggressive as fractional treatments with laser energy. So, if you have more involved skin damage and the like, laser skin resurfacing could be a better option. By the same token, Fractora doesn't create the same problems with downtime and hyperpigmentation as fractional laser treatments.
Fractora is a better option for patients with darker skin types. Also, because Fractora isn't as aggressive it can be used on more sensitive areas such as the eyelids and around the mouth.
What are the benefits of fractional skin resurfacing with RF energy?
Fractional skin resurfacing isn't new. It first debuted with fractional laser skin resurfacing in 2004. The problem with the use of laser energy has been downtime. Some patients with fractional laser resurfacing have had lengthy recovery periods as their skin has lingering redness. Also, patients with darker skin tones have had problems with hyperpigmentation.
That's where Fractora is different because it uses radiofrequency energy rather than laser energy to trigger the skin's wound-healing mechanisms. Plus, it delivers the RF energy directly into the dermis through the handpiece pins. That way the energy doesn't have to penetrate the epidermis, so there isn't any danger of surface skin damage. That surface skin damage causes the redness with fractional laser resurfacing.
By delivering the RF energy directly into the dermis, bypassing the surface skin, Fractora also is able to use higher energy levels. This increases the collagen response in the skin, which is the goal of the treatment.
What Skin Conditions is Fractora Used to Treat?
Fractora treatments improve wrinkles, texture, pigment, blood vessels, and redness.
How does Fractora work to improve my skin?
Fractora works in two ways: by creating hundreds of microscopic punctures and by heating the dermis. Both of these create skin rejuvenation.
Because the pinpoint punctures are surrounded by unaffected healthy skin, the body starts healing the skin immediately. This process breaks down areas with poor texture and involves the creation of new skin cells. This is the same reaction as occurs with microneedling and with laser resurfacing, as the punctures heal quite quickly.
The key to Fractora's rejuvenation is RF energy. In pure RF procedures, the energy first has to penetrate the epidermis. In order to not burn the outer skin, the radiofrequency energy has to be limited. But Fractora penetrates the epidermis with the handpiece pins, so it can deliver the RF energy directly into the dermis. This creates the desired wound response without the concerns about the outer skin layer. This wound response involves collagen remodeling and the production of new collagen and elastin. This tightens and firms the skin, improving the overall appearance.
The depth of the needle punctures and the amount of radiofrequency energy delivered control how aggressive Fractora is in resurfacing the skin.
What should I expect during my Fractora session?
When you come to Stockton Dermatology for your Fractora session, we first apply topical numbing cream with lidocaine and also give you a sedative. This relaxes you and ensures you will be comfortable, as the microscopic punctures and RF heating can be uncomfortable for some patients, particularly at more aggressive settings. When the numbing cream has fully taken effect, we begin the session. As the handpiece is moved across the treatment areas, the head is pressed flat against the skin to allow even penetration by the needles.
Some areas, such as the eyelids, are more sensitive than others. For those areas, we decrease the pin penetration. A cold air chiller runs simultaneously with the Fractora handpiece to increase patient comfort.
How Long Does a Fractora Treatment Take?
The length of your Fractora session at Stockton Dermatology depends on the area or areas being treated.
Are there side effects with Fractora?
The degree of redness following your treatment varies by the patient and the level of RF energy used. Redness may linger for 3-7 days. There can also be some abrasions on areas with thinner skin, such as the forehead. These are temporary. There can be some mild swelling in parts of the treated areas; it passes in 2-3 days. Some patients experience itching as the skin recovers, but keeping the treated areas moisturized should minimize this.
How Often Can I Get Fractora Treatments?
For patients that require little to no downtime, a treatment regimen of 3-6 sessions scheduled 1-2 weeks apart will be appropriate.
Will I have recovery after a Fractora treatment?
There isn't any recovery, per se. As mentioned above, this is in contrast to fractional laser resurfacing, which can require a few days of downtime. After Fractora radiofrequency resurfacing, your skin will be red and mildly inflamed, and this can last for a few days. But that's about it. Your skin begins to calm fairly quickly. You don't have to miss work or anything.
What Our Patients Have to Say
"I have been a long time patient at Dr. Stockton's practice and I highly recommend them. I think you will agree because they have been taking care of my skin for many years and they have a great staff who will do the same for you. I've had other local dermatologists and Dr. Stockton's office is the best. You will not be disappointed." -Gordon M.
How soon will I see results from Fractora?
As with all fractional resurfacing treatments, the results delivered with Fractora are not immediate. After your treatment, your skin will be red and mildly inflamed. This can last for a few days. There can be some abrasions on areas with thinner skin, such as the forehead. But as the skin calms down and gets to work building new collagen and new skin cells, you'll begin to see results. You should begin to see noticeable improvements in two weeks. These improvements will continue to build for 3-6 months.
How Long Will My Fractora Results Last?
Your results should last for up to one year. At that point, your collagen levels in the treated areas will begin to drop again. Improvements in skin texture and with issues such as broken blood vessels are permanent.
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What is Fractora Forma for Skin Tightening?
Fractora Forma is for individuals who are looking for a non-invasive and natural-looking approach to improve skin tone, laxity, and irregular texture. Patients who have tried Fractora Forma report smoother skin, with visible "lift", improved definition, and a decrease in wrinkles. Fractora Forma is safe for all skin types and can even be performed on tanned skin.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Fractora Forma Skin Tightening?
The best candidates for this procedure are at their optimal weight. Any weight changes post-treatment (weight loss or weight gain) can alter results.
What is Fractora Forma Used to Treat?
Fractora Forma can treat sagging skin on the entire face or the lack of definition in certain areas like the forehead, crow's feet, upper eyelids, nasolabial folds (laugh lines), jowls, and neck. Treatment of the body may include arms (bat wings), abdomen, thighs, knees, and other areas that can benefit from tissue contraction.
How Many Fractora Forma Treatment Sessions Will I Need?
For best results, it is recommended that weekly sessions are performed in a six week period. Individuals with mild laxity may be treated with fewer sessions. For pronounced laxity, your provider may recommend 8 treatments over an 8 week period.
If you are interested in skin tightening and rejuvenation with the Fractora treatment, contact our Phoenix, AZ office today.
Do I need to follow special after-care instructions for my skin after Fractora?
There are no specific requirements to calm your skin. It's always a good idea to use high-quality skincare products, and Dr. Stockton and our team can help you wade through all the options out there.
The one thing you need to do after a Fractora treatment is to protect your skin from the sun's UV radiation. After a Fractora session, your skin will be very sensitive to the sun as it heals and rebuilds. For a week or so, it's best to stay out of the sun. But if you are out there, 30+ SPF sunscreen and covering up are necessary.
Can Fractora be combined with other procedures?
These are easy-to-take treatments, and they can be combined with other treatments offered at Stockton. You wouldn't combine Fractora with other facial skin treatments, but you could easily combine it with treatments such as laser hair removal or laser vein treatment. You could add Botox to treat your frown lines, or truSculpt iD for fat reduction.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Stockton Today!
To learn more about our Fractora treatments for Skin Tightening & Rejuvenation, please call us at 480.610.6366 to schedule a consultation. Stockton Dermatology is proud to serve Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding areas.
