Excimer Laser

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What is an excimer laser used for?

We use the XTRAC® excimer laser treatment system from PhotoMedex. It is the first FDA market-cleared laser treatment for psoriasis.

Who should consider XTRAC?

If you have mild to moderate psoriasis, and you’re unhappy with your current method of treatment, you should consider treatment with the XTRAC excimer laser system. You may have tried topical medications with disappointing results. You may have experienced remission with numerous sessions of conventional phototherapy, but don’t want to spend the time necessary to manage your skin condition. You’ll probably get relief faster with XTRAC.

What are XTRAC’s advantages in treating psoriasis?

The XTRAC excimer laser system offers many advantages over other treatments you may have tried. In fact, it has few of the drawbacks usually associated with conventional psoriasis treatments.

• Less time required for treatment—minutes instead of hours
• No directed UV exposure to healthy skin
• No daily care required like traditional topical creams
• No risk of skin thinning or stretch marks, as with steroids
• No risk of liver damage or birth defects, as with some oral medications

If you suffer from psoriasis, you’ll find that the XTRAC excimer laser treatment system offers you many benefits, including fast results and freedom from embarrassing skin lesions. Depending on the extent and severity of your psoriasis, these can include:

• Effective clearing— generally in 10 or less brief treatment sessions
• Extended remission— enjoy months without symptoms
• Quick, easy, painless treatment— sessions last only a few minutes
• Relief without messy creams and daily skin care regimens

How does XTRAC work?

Using a carefully focused beam of laser light delivered through a sophisticated fiber-optic delivery system, the XTRAC system is designed to clear unsightly psoriatic skin plaques quickly and effectively. Because it concentrates light on active lesions, XTRAC allows us to deliver the high-exposure doses necessary for rapid clearing without risk of damage to healthy skin.

On the first visit, we may test your skin to determine your optimum dosage level. Then the XTRAC hand-piece is moved over the affected area, applying laser light at your determined dose. Depending on the area to be treated this only typically takes a few minutes.

How quickly will I see results?

Of course, results will vary. However, individuals with mild to moderate psoriasis can often obtain clearance generally in 10 or less brief treatment sessions. You may experience relief of symptoms beginning after one or two treatments.

Is there any pain?

Most patients feel no pain or discomfort during the short XTRAC treatment sessions. Sometimes after some treatment sessions, you may experience a sun burn type response. While uncomfortable, this is often a good indicator that a helpful dose of laser energy was delivered. No anesthesia is necessary.

Not only is the XTRAC treatment free of pain, it has few of the drawbacks often associated with other psoriasis treatments, such as premature skin aging, skin thinning or resistance to medication. And the XTRAC system can be used successfully on hard-to-treat areas of the body such as elbows and knees.

How long will clearing last?

Each case is unique, but psoriasis sufferers who have experienced XTRAC treatment have found that relief can last for extended periods of time. Remissions are expected to last at least as long as with conventional phototherapy, which is typically several months, but you will probably need fewer treatments per year to remain free of symptoms.

Is this treatment covered by health insurance?

The XTRAC excimer laser is broadly reimbursed for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis and vitiligo by most major insurance companies. Specific CPT codes (96920, 96921, 96922; © American Medical Association) apply for laser treatment for psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

For additional information on insurance reimbursement, please contact your health insurance company or the Photomedex Reimbursement Help Line at (800) 442-9706 ext. 125.

Other Resources

Brochure about XTRAC excimer laser treatment for psoriasis. PDF