Fraxel ®

Fraxel®

Fraxel is effective on:

• Fine lines and wrinkles – like crow’s feet and brow lines

• Surface scarring – erasing effects of acne and other scarring

• Pigmentation – minimizing the appearance of age spots

• Sun damage – helping heal dangerous skin damage

• Actinic Keratosis (AK) – a common pre-cancerous skin condition

 

What is Fraxel®?

Fraxel is a non-invasive laser therapy that penetrates your skin to encourage new collagen and elastin growth, thereby improving tone, texture, and radiance for scarred, sun damaged, or aging skin. It smooths wrinkles and scars, fades brown spots, and resurfaces skin tone. It is the perfect solution for people who want their skin to look younger without dramatic changes and who cannot afford a lot of time away from work or their social life.

How does the Fraxel laser work?

The Fraxel Dual laser uses two wavelengths (1550 and 1927) to address different skin concerns. The 1927 wavelength works to lift away discoloration (hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun damage and pre-cancer spots), while the 1550 wavelength targets and smooths out skin texture (fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring).

How should you prepare for a Fraxel laser treatment?

Refrain from using any retinoids, peels, acids, or other products that can cause skin sensitivity for a full a week before your treatment.  Avoid sun exposure and sun tanning prior to your treatment.

How long does a Fraxel treatment take?

You will be asked to arrive 45min early for application of topical anesthetic cream, but the actual laser treatment lasts about 15-20 minutes.

What are the side effects of Fraxel?

You will likely feel a stinging, warm sensation over the treatment. However, pain tolerance is subjective so you should let your provider know if you are uncomfortable so that we do everything that we can to make it a more pleasant experience for you. You should expect redness, swelling, and peeling ranging between 3-7 days.

How long does it take for the skin to heal after a Fraxel treatment?

Expect about 5-7 days’ worth of recovery time after your Fraxel treatment. During the first two days, you can expect redness and swelling (like a sunburn). Between days three to five, your skin will become rough in texture and peel. You will be provided a “post-care kit” after your treatment, including instructions on how to care for the skin. It will also be very important that you allow the skin to peel off naturally, and resist the urge to pick at the flakes.

How long do the results from Fraxel last?

The results of a Fraxel treatment may be long-lasting.  The duration of effect depends on factors such as skin type, continued sun exposure, past sun exposure, hormonal influences, and genetic factors.  Many patients elect for yearly maintenance treatments, other individuals may forego treatments for several years when and if pigmentation recurs. 

How many sessions of Fraxel are needed?

One to three treatments may be required for optimum outcomes.  A single Fraxel session is typically sufficient for most patients. Some patients observe improved cosmetic outcome and maintenance when they pair the treatment with a Clear + Brilliant laser session 4-6 months after their Fraxel treatment.

What precautions should you take after a Fraxel treatment?

You should plan your appointment during a week when you do not have any special events. It is advised that you do not wear makeup for the week after your treatment, and avoid putting any products on your face that are not included in your “post-care kit.” Additionally, it is important that you protect your new skin from excessive sun exposure after your treatment in order to maintain your results as long as possible! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cUbvatNsK4