Clinical experience with the Fraxel SR laser: 202 treatments in 59 consecutive patients.
BACKGROUND
The authors investigated postprocedure patient satisfaction after fractional photothermolysis with the Fraxel SR laser.


METHODS
All patients were surveyed with respect to their satisfaction with the results using a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5, with 5 = extremely satisfied and 1 = extremely dissatisfied. Fraxel SR laser treatment was performed for categories of skin abnormalities that included dyschromia, scarring, and texture abnormalities. Most patients had more than one concern. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Logistic regression was used to explore predictors of a satisfaction score of 4 or 5.


RESULTS
Fifty-nine patients (median age, 52 years; range, 30 to 71 years) underwent Fraxel SR laser resurfacing and completed the survey. A total of 202 treatments (median, four; range, one to six) were performed. Seventy-five percent of all patients were very satisfied (4 or 5 rating) with treatment. Seventy-five percent with dyschromia, 74 percent with texture abnormalities, and 100 percent with scarring had a satisfaction score of 4 or 5. Multivariate analysis found scarring, four or more treatments, and age older than 56 years to be associated with a score of 4 or 5. The odds of giving a satisfaction score of 4 or 5 increased approximately two-fold for each additional treatment a patient received.


CONCLUSIONS
This study reports the largest experience to date with the clinical use of the Fraxel SR laser and is the first report of patient satisfaction after fractional photothermolysis. Patients reported high satisfaction rates for improvements in texture, dyschromia, and scarring.
Cohen
Steven R
SR
La Jolla, San Diego, and Stockton, Calif. From FacesPlus Aesthetic Facility; Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California, San Diego; and School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific.
Henssler
Cory
C
Horton
Kelly
K
Broder
Kevin W
KW
Moise-Broder
Pamela A
PA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000528:radiation effects*