How the XTRAC Laser Treatments Work

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How the XTRAC Laser Treatments Work

22 Comments

My XTRAC laser treatments have produced fabulous results so far and yesterday they made a change that i feel will make a huge difference.

First, let me explain a typical treatment session:

The area to be treated is wiped clean of any makeup and I am given a pair of protective glasses (you remember, the unattractive glasses we had to wear in science class?) to shield my cornea’s from the laser.

The dermatologist will have already turned on the XTRAC excimer laser machine so it is powered up and ready to give off the specific amount of UVB for any given area to be treated.
xtrac excimer laser, vitiligo treatment, nathalie pelletier

The dermatologist places the wand on the spot to be “zapped” (for lack of better word), presses the petal (seen in the lower right corner of the first photo), and the exact amount of prescribed laser is given. Then she/he repeats this process until all areas have been give a dose of light.

Until yesterday, the dermatologist performing my treatments used a sweeping motion with the laser wand. And even though the results have been wonderful, the head dermatologist changed it to holding the wand in one spot (as i described earlier). We are so excited to see the difference this slight change will make, because now, instead of one dose being spread over a generalized amount of skin, it will hit just one area, which will allow a true full dose of UVB to each cell within.

We understand that individuals respond differently to the myriad of vitiligo treatments available, but through reading the comments from people all around the world, there seems to be a common thread of treatments that produce successful re-pigmentation is combination of B12, folic acid, and sunlight (either natural or UVB tratments). So, if your just starting your journey towards getting rid of your white patches, or if you haven’t tried that combo…start today!

The How the XTRAC Laser Treatments Work by Nathalie Pelletier, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

22 Comments »

Kevin said:

Thank you for the info.I have a four year old son who has had vit for one year.At first felt hopeless and tried the usual protopic treatments. nothing changed.I didnt want to experimant on him but one spot goes and another comes in. Do you think hes too young to start treatments such as yours?

# 14 June 2008 at 9:42 pm

cheryl said:

I’ve started with the narrow band treatment so far and I am taking b12 and folic acid I see no improvement yet as soon I see i’ll let you know

# 16 June 2008 at 11:35 am

Nathalie Pelletier (author) said:

Hi Kevin, I’m not sure if there are any age constrictions to using the XTRAC treatments. Your best bet would be to consult his dermatologist.

all the best,
nathalie

# 17 June 2008 at 9:42 am

Michelle said:

I have had over 25 treatments with the Xtrac laser, and have seen no results. In fact, the vitiligo patches have gotten even bigger. I contacted the manufacturer of the Xtrac laser and they stated the treatment does not work for everyone. I am also using black pepper extract (liquid) and taking vitamins my Dermatologist advised, but to no avail.

# 21 June 2008 at 7:27 pm

Laura said:

I have had 10 treatments of Xtrac laser, they increase is 5% stronger each time, I go twice a week. So far not even any pinkness in the lesions, but my dermatologist said it would take 40-50 treatments to know whether or not it’s working. So I guess we all have to be patient. I have no more spreading, I am taking huge amounts of supplements and herbs, I will post a list on the main board.

# 9 July 2008 at 7:51 pm

guida ai migliori casin said:

Super site darlings. Thanks awfully

# 2 August 2008 at 4:10 pm

Laura said:

Hey I’ve got some freckling on my wrist–I think the Xtrac is starting to work!

# 3 August 2008 at 6:53 pm

Nathalie Pelletier (author) said:

Thanks Guida! Come join the vitiligo friends community, too.
Nathalie

# 3 August 2008 at 7:32 pm

Nathalie Pelletier (author) said:

Hi Laura,

It’s so exciting to see the color coming back, isn’t it?

all the best,
nathalie

# 3 August 2008 at 7:33 pm

Zdenek said:

NOVITIL – Hi guys, please do have any experience with this product ? Does it work ?
Please let me know. Thanks a lot

# 21 August 2008 at 5:33 am

Kris said:

Hello! May I know how much each Xtrac session is and how frequently you undergo the treatment? Do you also know any clinic in Asia with the Xtrac technology?

Thank you very much!

# 3 October 2008 at 9:42 pm

Russell said:

Hi is sunlight bad for vitiligo I have heard that we must stay out of sunlight?

# 6 October 2008 at 12:57 am

Nathalie Pelletier (author) said:

Hi Russell,

I have no medical background, but I think that sunlight must be good for vitiligo…it’s the one thing that has repigmented my skin.

Long-term effects or a higher risk of skin cancer? I don’t know for sure, but last month I posted a medical research paper about scientists taking the skin cells from vitiligo and using them on mice to cure melanoma.

Sometimes the only way to find a cure is through trial and error…just use sunscreen as a precaution.

thanks
nathalie

# 6 October 2008 at 8:05 am

sharada said:

Hi,

The early morning sunlight is very good for vitiligo, around 6.AM -7.AM.

sharada

# 29 December 2008 at 11:57 pm

lilpinkdoll said:

Hi, I had around 25 Xtract on various spots around the body, majority of the spots started repigmentation. I have ssem so many doctors, tried, injections, changed my diet but none work as fast as the xtract or if at all. I will try the b12/foclic combo.

Does anyone have a contact for a Xtract doctor in the UK/London area. I was n the US and have since moved back.

# 18 May 2009 at 8:19 am

sharon said:

want to know about post treatment result of X Tract laser…..does it relapse n does it need to be taken in only stable vitilgo?? n can it be taken by previous NB- UVB treated patients..

# 19 May 2009 at 8:12 am

John said:

It does relapse in areas that are not completely healed.

# 24 July 2009 at 10:34 pm

Anna Steffes said:

Does anyone know of a dermatologist using XTRAC in Florida? Tampa or Orlando are close to me.

# 1 September 2009 at 1:58 pm

Nathalie Pelletier (author) said:

hi anna,
here is a link to excimer xtrac to locate a physician in your area
http://photomedex.com/XTRACdoc-finder.php

all the best
nathalie

# 3 September 2009 at 5:27 pm

Britta said:

What is the cost of this treatment with or without insurance coverage?

# 9 November 2009 at 1:08 pm

Nathalie Pelletier (author) said:

hi britta,
the cost is dependent on the dermatologist you choose.

# 9 November 2009 at 5:43 pm

Britta said:

I know that there is variation based on what office , but what is an estimate, or other peoples experience? I talked to one office that estimated over 1000.00 per visit. As this treatment can require 30 visits, that seems a little excessive. Or am I off? Is it really that expensive? I am doubting the office that I talked to because the receptionist seemed very unfamiliar with the procedure and vitiligo in general.

# 25 November 2009 at 10:36 am