Main Features of Kkeut Clinic's Er:YAG Fraxel

Utilizes Er:YAG laser instead of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser:

CO2 lasers tend to reach deep into the skin, but this process can carry a relatively higher risk of severe thermal damage or post-treatment hyperpigmentation.

In contrast, the Er:YAG laser is designed to precisely access from the epidermis to the dermal-epidermal junction while minimizing thermal damage. This can help reduce the burden of treatment.

Individual parameter adjustment based on skin condition:

Instead of simply following mechanical settings, we carefully assess each individual's skin characteristics to finely adjust the treatment depth and intensity.

Treatment efficiency can be enhanced through precise adjustments, such as applying low-power, multiple overlapping passes to thinner skin areas and a single high-power approach to relatively thicker areas.

Treatment utilizing the overlap technique:

Treatment intensity is more precisely controlled by applying overlapping laser passes to specific areas, depending on various skin concerns such as fine lines, scars, and pores.

Treatment can also be considered for areas prone to fine lines, such as the back of the hands or the neck. For body areas where treatment can generally be challenging, individual settings are applied, meticulously considering the skin's regeneration speed and sebaceous gland density.

Expect synergistic effects from Fraxel with the skin booster delivery technique:

Immediately after Fraxel treatment, microscopic channels are created in the skin, and utilizing these can be beneficial.

At our clinic, we have structured a protocol to ensure active ingredients are effectively delivered to the dermis by applying skin boosters immediately after Fraxel treatment.

Considering the characteristics of deep scar areas or areas with varying skin thickness, the number of overlaps and treatment intensity are finely adjusted. This allows for the creation of microscopic channels reaching the dermal-epidermal junction.

When combining treatment with small-particle skin boosters like PDRN or Juvelook, the created channels can facilitate the absorption of ingredients into the dermis, which is crucial for regeneration. This can have a positive impact on improving pores, fine lines, and acne scars.

What is Fraxel?

Fraxel is a term derived from 'fractional,' referring to a method of delivering laser energy locally in microscopic intervals instead of stimulating the entire skin surface.

It creates microscopic damaged areas in the form of tiny columns on the skin, inducing stimulation. This stimulation can help activate the skin's natural regenerative capabilities.

This approach of inducing localized damage has the advantage of reducing the overall skin recovery time while allowing for the expectation of overall skin condition improvement.

Ablative Fraxel vs. Non-Ablative Fraxel Comparison

Ablative Fraxel: This method microscopically removes the epidermis and delivers energy to the dermal-epidermal junction. This can directly impact the improvement of skin texture, wrinkles, and pigmentation. While expectations for treatment effects are high, a certain period of recovery may be required.

Non-ablative Fraxel: This method preserves the epidermal layer while delivering thermal energy to the dermis. Recovery can be relatively fast, but the scope of noticeable effects may be more limited.

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

Principle of Er:YAG Fraxel Treatment

Er:YAG Fraxel is a type of ablative laser that specifically utilizes a 2940nm wavelength, which has a high water absorption rate.

This wavelength is ideal for precisely vaporizing and removing tissue from the epidermis to the dermal-epidermal junction. Therefore, it allows for accurate depth control during treatment, minimizes unnecessary thermal damage, and offers the expectation of relatively fast recovery.

It removes tissue by utilizing the water within the tissue itself, without causing excessive thermal damage to surrounding areas. This can help reduce the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation.

Differences Between DOE and MLA Methods

Fraxel's energy delivery methods are broadly categorized into DOE and MLA methods. The DOE (Diffractive Optical Element) method is characterized by delivering uniform energy to all points in the treatment area. This can contribute to reducing treatment burden by evenly dispersing energy. However, its output may be limited, so the practitioner's skill level is an important consideration for scar treatment.

In contrast, the MLA (Microlens Array) method is characterized by concentrating strong energy in the central area and delivering weaker energy to the surrounding parts. This can be useful for treating deep scars, but there is also a possibility of longer recovery periods if energy is excessively concentrated in a specific area.

Expected Effects of Er:YAG Fraxel

The Er:YAG Fraxel used at our clinic delivers energy based on the DOE method, focusing on

uniform energy delivery across the entire skin.

This uniform energy delivery method can positively impact the improvement of pores, fine lines, and skin texture. Furthermore, in cases of acne scars, improvement can be expected by also utilizing the overlap technique.

Collagen and Elastin Regeneration: The treatment can remove damaged skin tissue and stimulate fibroblasts in the dermis. This can help the skin become firmer and more resilient, contributing to improved skin texture and elasticity.

Pore Improvement: By inducing the rearrangement of fibrous tissue around the pores, one can expect the effect of pore constriction and a more refined skin surface.

Acne Scar Remodeling: Old scar tissue can be gradually broken down and replaced with new collagen tissue. Through this, improvement in skin texture can be expected.

Er:YAG Fraxel Related Research

Serdar ZA et al. Dermatol Ther. 2019:

Study on 333 patients with facial and neck wrinkles

Erbium YAG Fraxel can contribute to improving skin texture, wrinkles, and pigmentation after 3-4 sessions.

Robati RM et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020:

Recommended for those who wish to reduce facial pores or fine wrinkles.

Even with just one session, you can expect an improvement in fine wrinkles.

If you undergo 3 or more sessions, you can expect the improved effects to be maintained long-term, and it can also help with pore tightening.

A Message from Our Head Doctor

We encounter a variety of skin types every day. Even for the same individual, skin conditions can vary from day to day.

Fraxel treatments are performed by precisely adjusting the laser output and depth in 0.1 increments to match your skin condition on the day of treatment.

We understand our patients' skin and carefully consider the accuracy and safety of the treatment.

The value of Fraxel treatment lies more in the skilled hands of the medical staff than in the equipment itself.

We will strive to reward your trust with excellent results.

Treatment Advantages

• 01. Can help improve enlarged pores and acne scars.
• 02. It works by creating microscopic channels within the skin to induce uniform skin regeneration.
• 03. You can expect positive effects on improving skin tone as well as skin elasticity.

Recommended For

• 01. Those who desire a smoother and brighter skin tone.
• 02. Those concerned about large pores or indented scars.
• 03. Those who wish to improve acne scars.
• 04. Those seeking improvement for fine wrinkles and dull skin tone.

Treatment Areas

Treatment can be considered for skin areas where elasticity loss or fine wrinkles are prominent, such as the face, neck, and back of the hands.

Treatment Process

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

Post-Treatment Precautions

• ㆍOn the day of treatment, refrain from washing your face and applying makeup. From the next day, light cleansing is recommended.
• ㆍTip marks, redness, and pain may persist for about 7 days after the treatment, and cooling care such as ice packs can be helpful during this period.
• ㆍFraxel is a laser peeling treatment, so it is best to let any peeling that occurs 3-4 days after the procedure fall off naturally, and not to intentionally remove it.
• ㆍUntil all dead skin cells have exfoliated, please refrain from alcohol consumption, smoking, visiting saunas, public baths, or swimming pools.
• ㆍFor approximately 1-2 weeks after treatment, until all dead skin cells have exfoliated, it is a period of skin regeneration, so consistent application of a regenerative ointment is recommended.
• ㆍPay special attention to moisturizing care for skin soothing, and always apply sunscreen thoroughly when going out.