MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Aug. 19 /CNW/ -- Reliant Technologies, Inc., the pioneer of fractional resurfacing and market leader of aesthetic laser skin treatments, today announced its Canadian launch of the Fraxel re:pair laser system with the recent Health Canada Clearance. The Canadian debut of the Fraxel re:pair system occurred at the recent Controversies and Conversations in Laser Cosmetic Surgery symposium in Whistler, B.C., Canada.

The Fraxel re:pair system is now available for purchase by dermatologists, plastic surgeons and cosmetic physicians in Canada. In December 2007, the Fraxel re:pair system received the industry's first FDA 510(K) clearance for a fractional ablative laser system for treatment of wrinkles, rhytides, furrows, fine lines, textural irregularities, pigmented lesions and vascular dyschromia.

The industry's first minimally invasive, ablative fractional laser system, the Fraxel re:pair laser delivers a full spectrum of aesthetic treatment from mild to aggressive. It is the only ablative resurfacing device capable of being operated by a single clinician because of its built-in smoke evacuation system, and capable of treating at depths from 110 micrometers (um) to 1.6 mm into the dermis.

"Ablative fractional skin resurfacing with the Fraxel re:pair laser is a major breakthrough for my patients who desire significant tissue tightening, wrinkle reduction, and improvement in skin quality, both on and off the face," said William McGillivray, MD, a director of Pacific Dermaesthetics in Vancouver, B.C.

Mark Lupin, MD, FRCPC, director of Cosmedica in Victoria, B.C., added, "The Fraxel re:pair system addresses the full range of photodamage - wrinkles, lines, pigment, and vascular irregularities, all in a single treatment."

The Fraxel re:pair laser system, the result of more than three years of clinical follow-up, represents a new category in skin rejuvenation: Ablative Fractional Resurfacing (AFR(TM)) treatment. The Fraxel re:pair laser delivers treatment for superficial photodamage, including pigmentation, fine lines, texture and vascular dyschromia, and has the flexibility to provide treatment for more severe rhytides and furrows by stimulating new collagen and elastin production deep into the dermis. Treatment is delivered with the safety and proven efficacy of a Fraxel brand treatment.

"We are pleased to announce that the Fraxel re:pair system is now available to physicians and their patients in Canada," said Len DeBenedictis, Chief Technology Officer of Reliant Technologies. "The latest Fraxel laser system offers consumers a one-time treatment that provides dramatic results without the side effects and downtime associated with a fully-ablative or surgical procedure."

Recently, it was announced that Reliant has agreed to join forces with Thermage, Inc. (Nasdaq: THRM) in a merger expected to close in the fourth quarter 2008.

About the Fraxel Systems

The Fraxel(R) family of products, which includes the Fraxel re:pair(TM), Fraxel re:store(TM) and the Fraxel re:fine(TM) laser systems, has quickly become the industry standard for fractional aesthetic skin treatment. Unlike traditional laser devices, Fraxel brand laser systems treat microscopic volumes of skin with each unique pulse, leaving the surrounding area intact for fast healing. Fraxel lasers have received multiple FDA clearances and have been found safe and effective in treating many areas of the face and body. The Fraxel Skin Ecology System is the only uniquely formulated cosmeceutical line designed to enhance the experience of Fraxel treatment. The versatility of the product line ensures that patients can choose the best treatment for various stages of their lives as their skin care needs evolve.

The Fraxel re:pair laser is a breakthrough device that provides Ablative Fractional Resurfacing (AFR(TM)) treatment, with more clinical research than any product in the fractional ablative category. Fraxel re:pair treatment has been clinically proven to improve wrinkles, rhytides, furrows, fine lines, textural irregularities, pigmented lesions and vascular dyschromia in a multi-site, multi-year study.

The Fraxel re:store laser, delivering Non-ablative Fractional Resurfacing (NFR(TM)) treatment, was introduced in 2004 and has been adopted by more than 1,500 dermatologists, plastic surgeons and aesthetic physicians worldwide. It is the accepted gold standard for treating acne scars and periorbital wrinkles, and for skin resurfacing procedures on the face, neck, chest and hands.

The Fraxel re:fine laser, offering superficial non-invasive skin rejuvenation, combines the unique method of fractional delivery with a lighter treatment. Performed in 20-25 minutes, Fraxel re:fine treatment is excellent for medical spas and family physicians seeking a safe and gentle option.

About Reliant Technologies

Reliant Technologies develops clinical solutions to rejuvenate aging and environmentally damaged skin. Reliant is dedicated to providing the most ergonomic and effective products to the global aesthetic marketplace. The company pioneered the development of fractional laser resurfacing that relies on novel high-speed scanning systems and the Intelligent Optical Tracking(R) system to produce safe and effective results with minimal recovery time. Reliant is based in Mountain View, Calif. For more information, visit http://www.fraxel.com.