What Is Fraxel Laser?
Fraxel Laser is one of the most well-known and effective skin care lasers for rejuvenation and resurfacing. It’s a fractional laser that targets specific areas of the skin without affecting the surrounding tissue, making it a powerful solution for improving skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. Fraxel can address a wide range of skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. By treating only a fraction of the skin with microscopic laser columns, Fraxel promotes faster healing and minimizes downtime compared to traditional laser treatments.
Benefits of Fraxel Laser:
- Skin Resurfacing: Fraxel is highly effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin smoother and more youthful.
- Improves Skin Tone and Texture: Fraxel works to correct uneven skin tone, texture, and pigmentation issues like sunspots or age spots.
- Minimizes Acne Scars: The fractional nature of Fraxel helps soften the appearance of acne scars, giving your skin a smoother surface.
- Promotes Collagen Production: Fraxel stimulates collagen production in the treated areas, which leads to firmer, plumper skin and long-term improvement in skin elasticity.
- Versatile Treatment: Fraxel can be used on a variety of skin types and is ideal for treating multiple areas, including the face, neck, chest, and hands.
Who Can Perform Fraxel Laser?
For optimal results and the least risk of complications, Fraxel laser treatments should always be performed by a board-certified dermatologist. Board-certified dermatologists are specifically trained in skin health and laser treatments, ensuring that the procedure is both safe and effective.
It’s important to choose a provider with experience and expertise in Fraxel technology. Some dermatologists even undergo Fraxel treatments themselves, which can be a strong indicator of their confidence in the procedure. A dermatologist who trusts Fraxel on their own skin is likely to offer a reliable and positive experience for patients. Always prioritize credentials and personal trust when selecting a provider for your Fraxel laser treatment.
What to Expect from Fraxel Laser Treatment?
During your Fraxel treatment, the laser will create tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulate the body’s natural healing process. As your skin heals, it will generate new, healthy cells, resulting in a smoother and more even complexion. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after the treatment:
- Before the Treatment: Your provider will apply a topical numbing cream to ensure you remain comfortable during the session. No major pre-treatment preparation is needed, though avoiding direct sun exposure leading up to your appointment is advised.
- During the Treatment: The laser treatment typically takes about 20-45 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. Most patients describe the sensation as a warm, tingling feeling, similar to a mild sunburn.
- After the Treatment: Your skin may be red and slightly swollen for a few days after the treatment, similar to the effects of a mild sunburn. This is normal and subsides quickly. Peeling or flaking may occur as your skin heals, revealing fresh, rejuvenated skin beneath. Sun protection is essential after treatment to prevent further sun damage while your skin is healing.
Fraxel is an excellent choice for those looking for a non-invasive treatment with noticeable results after just one session. Whether you want to reduce signs of aging or improve the texture and tone of your skin, Fraxel is a versatile option that offers long-lasting benefits. Reach out to Central Missouri Dermatology to schedule your consultation and learn how Fraxel can help you achieve radiant, rejuvenated skin.
Fraxel Laser FAQs
What skin concerns can Fraxel treat?
Fraxel is highly versatile and can address a wide range of skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture.. It’s also effective for minimizing the appearance of age spots and improving overall skin tone. Our physicians often combine this treatment with Secret RF to address surface concerns and skin laxity at the same time.
How many treatments will I need?
While some patients notice significant improvement after just one session, most individuals benefit from 1-2 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. With Fraxel Re:store, most people need one to two sessions to see a significant improvement in brown spots caused by sun damage, and three to five treatments for acne scars. To address scarring, this modality is often combined with Secret RF. Your dermatologist will recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your specific goals and skin condition.
Is Fraxel suitable for all skin types?
Fraxel laser treatment is most effective for individuals with fair to light brown skin tones, specifically Fitzpatrick skin types I-III. People with these skin types tend to see the best results with minimal risk of complications.
However, for individuals with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types IV-VI), Fraxel may pose a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you have a deeper skin tone, it’s important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist who can recommend alternative skin rejuvenation treatments that are safer and more suitable for your skin type.
Does Fraxel hurt?
Fraxel treatments are typically well-tolerated, but some patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort. To minimize any potential discomfort, a topical numbing cream is applied and often nerve blocks are performed by our physicians prior to the procedure. During the treatment, you may feel a warm, tingling sensation similar to a mild sunburn.
What is the recovery time after Fraxel?
Recovery time after Fraxel is about 1 week. Since a portion of the surface of the skin is removed often patients will experience redness, some swelling, and peeling for a few days following treatment, but most people can return to their normal activities within 3 to 7 days. Be sure to protect your skin from the sun during the healing process. Before a Fraxel procedure, you will be given instructions from our qualified staff and physicians for post care to.
How soon will I see results?
Initial improvements in skin texture and tone can be seen within a week, as the treated skin heals. However, the full results typically become visible after 2 to 3 months as collagen production increases and your skin continues to rejuvenate.
Are the results of Fraxel permanent?
Fraxel can provide long-lasting results, but it doesn’t stop the natural aging process. The improvements in skin tone, texture, and overall appearance can last for years with proper skincare and sun protection. Periodic maintenance treatments may be recommended to sustain your results.
Can Fraxel be combined with other treatments?
Yes, Fraxel can be combined with other cosmetic treatments like Secret RF, Botox, dermal fillers, or chemical peels for enhanced results. Speak with your dermatologist to create a customized treatment plan based on your skin care needs.
What areas of the body can be treated with Fraxel?
Fraxel is most commonly used on the face, neck, chest, and hands, but it can also be applied to other areas with sun damage, scarring, or pigmentation issues.
What should I avoid after Fraxel treatment?
After treatment, avoid sun exposure and be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. It’s also best to avoid harsh skincare products, hot showers, and strenuous exercise for a few days to allow your skin to heal properly. Your dermatologist will provide aftercare instructions tailored to your specific needs.
What are some alternatives to Fraxel Laser?
You may want to consider these other popular resurfacing treatments for sun damage, signs of aging, or acne scars.
- Average Cost
- Downtime
- Anesthesia
Chemical Peel
nonsurgical
- $425
- Up to 2 weeks of downtime
- No anesthesia
Microneedling
nonsurgical
- $650
- 1-3 days of downtime
- Topical anesthesia
IPL
nonsurgical
- $650
- 1 week of social downtime
- No anesthesia