Dr. Ridenour has been named as a Key Thought Leader and a National Physician Preceptor Site for Reliant Technologies, Inc., makers of the Fraxel re:store and Fraxel re:pair lasers. He is one of only 25 physicians in the world to be named to the faculty. Dr. Ridenour will be responsible for educating fellow Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists on the safe and responsible use of this new technology.

Fraxel™ laser (Reliant Technologies) is a novel skin resurfacing system that produces a pattern of deep microscopic injury “zones” within the target areas. Each microscopic treatment zone penetrates well beneath the skin’s outermost layer. Unlike most laser systems that combine high energy and large overlapping spot sizes, the Fraxel™ laser system treats the skin in a “fractionated” array of tiny laser spots measuring less than one-tenth of a millimeter in diameter. Healing is aided by the fact that each microscopic laser zone is surrounded by healthy tissue. These “spared” areas of skin provide a large “pool” of healthy cells that promote rapid healing with less risk of complication when compared to traditional resurfacing lasers.

There are currently two main Fraxel™ products.  The Fraxel re:store™ laser system was introduced in early 2006 and has since been adopted by over 2,500 physicians in 45 countries. It is a powerful laser that stimulates the body’s natural production of collagen and new skin cells without disrupting the skin’s surface (non-ablative). It can be used on the face, neck, hands and body and is safe for all skin types. It is extremely effective in the treatment of precancerous skin lesions, large pores, rough skin texture, age spots, melasma, stretch marks, acne scars and superficial wrinkles around the eyes. Most patients require 3 or 4 treatments spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart to achieve optimal results. Patients can wear makeup and return to normal activities within 2 to 3 days after treatment.