Overview
Dr Rich also has the Fraxel – 1927 & 1500
The Affirm is a new ‘fraxelated’ laser technology just like the Fraxel laser that preceded it and in our opinion it is more effective than any other fraxelated laser treatment presently available.
The Fraxel laser which is manufactured by Reliant , is brilliant technology that delivers one wave length to one level of the skin, whereby the new Affirm with it’s unique dual-fraxelated wavelengths in both the 1320nm and 1440 nm delivers energy to two levels of the skin. This means it is delivering twice as much treatment in one go and ‘further increases the fibro blast cell activity’ with minimal if any downtime.
Increasing the ‘fibro-blast activity’ significantly increases the production of new collagen growth which utimately gives the skin a smoother, plumper and more youthful looking appearance.
Another advantage the new Affirm has, it is also more economical than other fraxelated lasers as the consumerables are less costly enabling us to the pass the advantage to you , our patient.
Affirm can be used for
- Microthermal Skin Rejuvenation
- Wrinkle Reduction
- Acne Scars
- Improvement in surgical scars & traumatic scars
The Procedure
The face should be cleansed of all make-up or creams prior to treatment. The Affirm tip is connected to a strong cooling unit – a Zimmer, which provides cooling both prior to treatment and post treatment.
During treatment the tip of the Affirm is pressed firmly onto the skin and in some cases the skin will be stretched to gain deeper penetration, especially into scarred or wrinkled areas. Treatment is delivered in two passes, one vertical and one in a horizontal direction. This is to provide good coverage and simulation to the areas of concern.
Recovery Process
After the treatment it is normal for the skin to feel hot and in some cases slightly sensitive. Redness and swelling can be soothed by applying ice immediately to limit the effect. Any swelling and redness usually settles within 8 to 30 hours. In most cases patients are able to resume work and social activities the following day.
Considerations
Patients must agree to refrain from sun exposure or solariums during their treatments. Failure to comply with any post-treatment skin care instructions may increase the chance of complications. Consideration should be made when arranging all appointments prior to social events.
Risks and Complications
More severe redness, swelling, blistering, bruising and scabbing are all possible, however they are all usually temporary, and if occurring should settle within a few weeks. Other risks although rare, are Hypo-pigmentation (lightening of the skin) and Hyper-pigmentation (darkening of the skin).
FAQs
What is the Affirm?
The Affirm is a ‘combined fractionated treatment’ that is unique, as it delivers two treatments in one (both 1320 and 1440 wavelength) and is the first of its kind in Australia. We believe the new Affirm to be better than other fraxelated treatments currently available as they only operate in only one wavelength.
What is a fraxelated laser treatment?
Simply, the Affirm delivers precise microscopic mosaic patterns of micro thermal (heat) injury to the skin (epidermis and outer dermis). The heat injury stimulates both deep and superficial collagen production in the area treated.
Unlike true laser resurfacing, that removes the full superficial layer of skin which takes weeks to heal, the Affirm only injuries tiny sections of skin which is surrounded by healthy skin, giving a faster recovery time. In most cases, the skin is only red for between a few hours to 30 hrs after treatment.
