Thursday September 18, 2008
GAINESVILLE, GA – Using state-of-the-art laser technology called Fraxel Resurfacing, the physicians at the Aesthetic Center of Gainesville can now help patients with the almost painless removal of skin imperfections, sun spots, residual acne scarring, wrinkles and discoloration.

"The process involves a single-pass treatment with a highly refined laser that helps remove damaged tissue and encourages the skin to rejuvenate," said K. Glen Walton, MD, one of the five physicians at the Aesthetic Center of Gainesville, a division of Northeast Georgia Plastic Surgery Associates. "Our patients have seen excellent results and quick recovery times. Fraxel Resurfacing can be very useful in patients of all ages to alleviate sun damage, age spots, wrinkles and to rejuvenate the skin."

Typically, Fraxel Resurfacing is used on the face to result in more even-toned skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It is also used on the neck, chest hands and arms. The technique employs a fine beam of laser energy that vaporizes the upper layers of the skin and allows new skin cells to regenerate. If scaring or wrinkles are deep, patients may need to have the treatment in two or more stages. The result is smoother tighter-looking skin.

"The new technology of Fraxel Resurfacing is quicker than older techniques," Dr. Walton said. "It is performed without the use of anesthesia in our out-patient surgery suites right here in the office. Recovery time and side effects are greatly reduced with this technique."

The technology has been developed over nearly 15 years of research by Sciton Medical, based in Palo Alto, CA, and was recently introduced to physicians at the American Academy of Dermatology meeting. Fraxel Resurfacing treatments are done with a hand-held device that’s guided by robotics and emits a controlled amount of laser light, depending on the needs of the patient begin treated.

"This is an excellent addition for our patients who want fine-line reduction and treatment for irregular pigmentation or scarring," Dr. Walton said. "Men and women of any age can benefit from this treatment, from a health standpoint of for aesthetics."

Northeast Georgia Plastic Surgery Associates was founded in 1977 and is located at 1296 Sims Street, N.E., Suite B, Gainesville, Ga. It offers a full range of plastic surgery procedures, including facelifts, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, tummy tucks, liposuction and Botox treatments.

For more information or an appointment, call Aesthetic Center of Gainesville at 770-531-0439.