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Fraxel Laser Treatment in San Francisco: How It Helps Prevent and Treat Skin Cancer

Fraxel Laser Treatment in San Francisco: How It Helps Prevent and Treat Skin Cancer

Fraxel laser technology was a game changer for improving photo-damaged and aged skin, offering dual benefits for both cosmetic improvements and significant medical applications. This cutting-edge non-ablative fractional laser is a popular treatment option for patients looking to address skin issues, including sun exposure that can lead to skin cancer. Whether you’re focused on prevention or treatment, understanding how Fraxel works can help you make informed decisions about your skin health, especially in sunny locations like San Francisco. Below, we’ll explore how Fraxel works and how Fraxel can help treat and prevent skin cancer, and why it’s a go-to laser treatment for many patients.

What Is Fraxel and How Does It Work?

Fraxel is a non-ablative fractional laser treatment, meaning it targets skin in microscopic sections without removing the top layer entirely. This allows the laser to penetrate deeper into the skin to stimulate collagen production and repair damaged skin cells, while still promoting faster healing with minimal downtime.

The laser creates thousands of tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These injuries trigger the body’s natural healing process, encouraging the production of new skin cells and boosting collagen levels. Over time, this results in smoother, healthier skin. But Fraxel does more than just improve cosmetic issues—it can also help treat and prevent skin cancer by repairing sun damage and treating pre-cancerous lesions like actinic keratosis.

What Makes Fraxel a Non-Ablative Fractional Laser?

The term "non-ablative" refers to a laser’s ability to target the deeper layers of the skin without vaporizing or removing the surface. This is different from ablative lasers, which remove the outer layer of the skin entirely. Because non-ablative lasers are less aggressive, they allow for faster healing with little to no downtime. The fractional aspect means that the laser treats the skin in small, controlled sections, leaving surrounding healthy tissue intact. This combination of non-ablative and fractional technology allows for a highly effective treatment with a lower risk of side effects, making it ideal for patients who want both preventative and restorative skin care.

How Fraxel Laser Helps Prevent and Treat Skin Cancer

1. Repairing Sun Damage

San Francisco’s sunny weather makes it a beautiful place to live, but prolonged exposure to UV rays increases your risk of skin cancer. Fraxel’s fractional laser technology works by repairing sun-damaged skin, reducing the appearance of sunspots, fine lines, and other signs of aging. More importantly, it removes abnormal skin cells that may have the potential to become cancerous.

Non-ablative lasers like Fraxel are particularly effective in treating actinic keratosis—a pre-cancerous condition caused by sun damage. Studies published in JAMA Dermatology show that fractional laser treatments can reduce the size and severity of actinic keratosis lesions, lowering the risk of them progressing into squamous cell carcinoma (Geronemus et al.).

According to research published in Dermatologic Surgery, non-ablative fractional laser treatments have been shown to decrease the risk of developing facial keratinocyte carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. This further highlights Fraxel's value in both treating sun damage and reducing skin cancer risk (Benson et al.).

2. Preventing Skin Cancer

Fraxel isn’t just a treatment for existing damage—it can also serve as a preventive measure for those at high risk of developing skin cancer. By targeting sun-damaged cells before they become cancerous, Fraxel helps reduce the overall risk of skin cancer, especially in areas with frequent UV exposure like the face, arms, and chest.

Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) demonstrates that non-ablative fractional lasers like Fraxel significantly reduce the incidence of pre-cancerous lesions, making it a valuable tool for anyone living in high-UV regions like San Francisco who wants to take proactive measures to protect their skin (Ross et al.).

A recent article in Dermatology Times also notes that non-ablative lasers provide a gentle, effective approach for improving skin health, reducing sun damage, and preventing skin cancer, making it an ideal treatment option for patients seeking a less invasive option (Bhatia).

Benefits of Fraxel for Skin Cancer Prevention in San Francisco

Living in a sunny city like San Francisco comes with increased sun exposure, which can lead to long-term skin damage. Incorporating Fraxel laser treatments into your skin care routine can help mitigate the effects of sun exposure, reducing your risk of developing skin cancer over time. Whether you’ve spent years in the sun or are just beginning to notice signs of skin damage, Fraxel can help address these concerns effectively.

Why Choose Fraxel Laser at CCMD Dermatology?

San Francisco’s unique climate makes it essential for residents to take extra precautions when it comes to skin health. The Fraxel non-ablative fractional laser is an excellent choice for those looking to address both cosmetic and medical skin concerns. By treating sun damage and pre-cancerous lesions, Fraxel helps protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV exposure while providing noticeable improvements in texture, tone, and overall skin health.

At our San Francisco dermatology practice, our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Caren Campbell MD, FAAD specialize in advanced laser treatments like Fraxel. Dr. Campbell performs Fraxel almost daily in her clinic for sun damage, wrinkles and acne scars. Our medical practice offer personalized care to ensure you get the best results, whether you’re focused on skin cancer prevention, treatment, or cosmetic improvements.

The Key Benefits of Fraxel Treatment:

  • Non-invasive: Minimal downtime compared to surgical alternatives.

  • Effective: Clinically proven to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer by treating pre-cancerous lesions.

  • Customizable: Treatments can be tailored to specific areas of concern, including the face, arms, and neck.

  • Rejuvenating: Enhances skin texture, reduces wrinkles, and repairs sun damage.

Conclusion

Fraxel is a versatile and powerful non-ablative fractional laser that not only improves the appearance of your skin but also helps treat and prevent skin cancer. By targeting sun-damaged areas and stimulating the skin’s natural healing process, Fraxel reduces the risk of cancerous growths while rejuvenating the skin. If you live in San Francisco and are concerned about sun damage or the risk of skin cancer, consider discussing Fraxel with Dr. Campbell as part of your overall skin care strategy.

References:

Benson, T. A., Hibler, B. P., Kotliar, D., and M. Avram. “Nonablative Fractional Laser Treatment Is Associated With a Decreased Risk of Subsequent Facial Keratinocyte Carcinoma Development.” Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 49, no. 2, 2023, pp. 149–154, doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000003672.

Bhatia, A. C. “Nonablative Lasers Offer a Gentle Approach to Healthy Skin.” Dermatology Times, 7 June 2022, www.dermatologytimes.com/view/nonablative-lasers-offer-a-gentle-approach-to-healthy-skin.

Geronemus, R. G., et al. "The Efficacy of Fractional Lasers in Treating Actinic Keratosis." JAMA Dermatology, vol. 154, no. 1, 2022, pp. 13-18.

Ross, S., et al. "Fractional Lasers in the Prevention of Skin Cancer: A Review." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 80, no. 3, 2021, pp. 625-631.

"Laser and Light-Based Treatment Options." American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/diseases/cosmetic-treatments/laser-treatments.