How Do Doctors Decide on Laser Treatment Settings?

I have found out through personal consultation that many doctors who perform Fraxel Restore, Fraxel Repair, and V Beam laser always use charts provided by the corresponding manufacturer as their only reference to determine the settings to be used on every single patient they treat. Is this how all doctors decide which settings to use on each patient and case? Could this be one of the reasons for their treatments to achieve very little to no results with these 3 different lasers, but also no complications?

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by Violeta in Texas & Canada

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This are no "cookbook" settings for Fraxel Repair or Restore

Hi Violeta, I agree 100% with Dr. Lupo. In addition, every patient is a unique case and settings should vary depending on age, skin type, condition being treated, desired downtime, etc. This is why you should see any experienced dermatologist that does these procedures everyday. I have never had a patient not see improvement after treatment with these devices. Another issue is that often times it is best to use multiple lasers in one treatment session to get the best result. If you... more

Fraxel Laser Settings

Hi Violeta,Fraxel restore does not give as dramatic results as the "Wow!" results of Fraxel repair. Dr. Lupo and Groff have answered your question very well. "All physicians" do not use the same recommended settings, nor do all patients receive the same settings.Great results with Fraxel repair not only depend on the "tool", but more importantly excellence depends on the "craftsman".That is why we all recommend choosing your treating physician most... more

Michael A. Persky, MD

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Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

drpersky.com

How do doctors choose laser settings?

The manufacturer does provide recommendations on the settings that should be used with a specific laser. This is based on the research they have performed prior to FDA approval. However, it is experience that teaches us what settings to use on a given patient. Think of this as a recipe when you are learning how to cook. The first time you try it, you try to do EXACTLY what the recipe says. Once you like the food, you think of ways to make it better. You alter the recipe and try again.... more

Experience

I'd be very curious to know if you are seeing board certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons. The manufacturer often prints very conservative settings because any kind of MD (i.e., even those with no cosmetic training) can legally buy a laser. The company does not want to harm the patient, so ultra-conservative setting are suggested. Experienced core aesthetic physicians are comfortable "tweeking" those setting to get better results. The use of advanced settings, however,... more