Purpose: Although the scientific basis for the application of fractional thermolysis has been described in the literature. To our knowledge, no data is available regarding patient satisfaction after FRAXELTM Laser (Reliant Technologies, Inc., Palo Alto, California) resurfacing. This study investigated post-procedure patient satisfaction after fractional photothermolysis.
Methods: Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the data. Categorical variables were compared with chi-squared (x2), or Fisher's exact where appropriate. Continuous variables were compared using Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. Logistic regression was used to explore predictors of a satisfaction score of 4 or 5. All patients were surveyed with respect to their satisfaction of the results. Ratings were based on a Lichert scale from 1-5 where 5 was extremely satisfied and 1 was extremely dissatisfied. Fraxel treatment was performed for categories of skin abnormalities that included dyschromia (melasma, lentigines, vascular lesions), scarring (acne, chicken pox, post-surgical), and texture abnormalities (fine lines, rhytids, crepiness, pore size, aging). Most patients had more than one concern.
Results: Fifty-nine patients, having a median age of 52 (range, 30 to 71) years, underwent Fraxel resurfacing and completed the survey. The majority (78%) of patients were female. A total of 202 treatments were performed. The median number of treatments administered was 4 (range, 1 to 6). 75% of all patients were very satisfied (4 or 5 rating) with the treatment. 75% of patients with dyschromia, 74% with texture abnormalities and 100% with scarring had a satisfaction score of 4 or 5 with the Fraxel laser. Multivariate analysis found the following characteristics to be associated with a score of 4 or 5: scarring as the initial concern, recipients of 4 or more treatments and patients older than 56 years of age. The odds of giving a satisfaction score of 4 or 5 increased approximately 2-fold for each additional treatment a patient received.
Conclusion: This study reports the largest experience to date with the clinical use of the Fraxel Laser and the first report of patient satisfaction after fractional photothermolysis.