The FDA approval of Botox in April of 2002 for the treatment of 'frown lines' was a huge victory for anyone who desired to retain the vibrant appearance we all lose as we get older. The more recent acknowledgement by the FDA of Juvederm as an effective treatment for facial wrinkles and folds offered a way to reduce deep lines formed during one's lifetime. Over the past two years, these treatments have satisfied the cosmetic needs of millions of patients nationwide, according to recent studies, and while these treatments offer astounding results in anti-aging, sometimes you need to push a little deeper.

The introduction of the revolutionary Fraxel Re:pair CO2 this year as the only FDA approved resurfacing laser with a fractional method makes it possible to look several years younger with essentially no risk and minimal downtime. A comfortable alternative to risky surgery, the Fraxel Re:pair not only compliments the effects produced by treatments such as Botox and Juvederm, it is an outstanding procedure on its own merit. Opposed to older resurfacing lasers, the Fraxel Re:pair utilizes a continuous scanning technique and pixilated pattern laid down by the laser which is conducive to the production of newer, tighter skin with rapid healing.

Ideally, this skin 'rejuvenation' would be used in addition to the wrinkle reducing enhancements of Botox and deep fold filling application of dermal fillers. Karl Swanson M.D. has been fine tuning this technique for years and is impressed with the results he sees. 'Most patients choose only one or two of the types of treatments, but combining all three creates a greater overall effect'. The idea is to stop the movement of the muscles that create wrinkles with Botox, decrease the appearance of plainly visible facial folds with filler, and resurface and rejuvenate new skin over the entire face with the Fraxel Re:pair. 'This technique is attacking the same problem from multiple fronts. Each procedure works fine for its own application, but when combined with other therapies, we see some outstanding results'.