Posted June 26, 2009 in Blog, Fraxel Laser Treatment, Uncategorized
If you are reading this, you are among the many patients who use the Internet as a source of information, particularily medical/surgical information. As we all know, the Internet is an amazing reference source, but can also be a source of misinformation. Frequently patients ask about the “horror” stories that they read about Fraxel repair on the Internet. I have decided to copy an email answer here for my patients and prospective patients regarding these concerns: “Dr. Persky,
thank you so much for your prompt and helpful reply. I need to bother you once more. I have read horror stories about people ending up with oozing sores, slackened facial muscles, damaged facial tissue and other terrible after effects even years after Fraxel repair. I am deeply concerned. What gives?”
Fractionated CO2 lasers are very powerful tools to rejuvenate patients in ways that we have not been able to in the past. The treatment is not a commodity, but rather a medical-surgical procedure that needs to be tailored to the individual patient by an experienced, skilled, and caring physician. Even with all of that, there will always be the possibility of complications. Anyone who gives 100% guarantee of results with 0% chance of adverse events is not truthful. Before the treatment, all patients are given an informed consent regarding the possible risks and complications of the procedure, just like with any surgery.
There have been and there will be complications with fractionated CO2 lasers. I can only be responsible for my own patients and their well being. Should an adverse event arise, the difference between a good physician and a great physician is how they take care of their complications.
I will continue to do my best to insure that my patients have safe and effective results with their Fraxel repair treatments.
Be well.
