26
Feb
Fraxel Procedure New OrleansĀ
What are my options to improve my stretch marks?
Stretch marks, or striae, are from damaged elastin in the dermis. They usually occur after rapid weight gain or growth spurts. The propensity to get them seems to be inherited and they are more common in women especially as a result of pregnancy. Fraxel Restore is one of the best ways to improve striae. 3-6 sessions will be required. Avoiding the sun is important since the sun breaks down collagen and elastic tissue in the skin. The use of Retin A and peptides also seem to help striae.
I have acne scars and I am an African-American woman in my 30’s. Which laser is best for treating my scars?
In general, Fraxel Restore is a safe option for darker skin. The density (area of coverage) can be decreased in order to preserve pigment cells that will prevent a change in the color of your skin. Pre and post treatment to prevent hyperpigmentation will be very important, and sunscreen is essential to prevent discoloration. If you live in a sunny climate, it might be prudent to have the treatments in the winter months. In general 3-6 sessions will be needed for moderate-severe scars. Remember, ethical dermatologists can only promise improvement, not total clearance, so realistic expectations are important especially if the scars are severe.
Does Fraxel Restore 1550/1927 Work for Acne Scars?
Fraxel is one of the best options for acne scars. The newest version of Restore is now called Dual because it is two wavelengths of laser energy.
It has the original 1550nm for non-ablative collagen regeneration. This can be used on all skin types and the energy density used can be varied depending on the patient’s skin type, color, and depth of the scars. The new wavelength is a thulium 1927nm laser that has more superficial absorption and is best for discolorations from acne, melasma, and sun induced aging.
The Dual treatment is a combination of the two energies. I mainly do both for aging, but certain acne scars benefit from both lasers’ wavelengths. If there is no discoloration, however, I tend to be aggressive with the 1550 and skip the 1927 passes. Only your dermatologist can be sure what is best in your case.
Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. – Connect on Instagram
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective, and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of the Womenās Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane, and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.
She has also received the following awards:
- šš¢šššš¢š¦š ššš«ššš« ššš®ššššØš« šš°šš«š from the ššš«š¦šššØš„šØš š² š
šØš®š§šššš¢šØš§ ā Recognizes full-time academicians who have dedicated their careers to educating dermatology residents and fellows;
- šš¢š„š¦š ššš«š ššš„š, šš šš¢š¬š¢šØš§šš«š² and šššššš«š¬š”š¢š© šš°šš«š from the ššØš¦šš§āš¬ ššš«š¦šššØš„šØš š¢š ššØšš¢ššš² ā Recognizes dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of dermatology.
Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.