The Fraxel® laser is an advanced laser treatment that uses hand-held fractional laser technology to deliver tiny pinpoints of laser light to the skin. Hundreds or thousands of laser pinpoints may be used per square inch, leaving healthy skin between the treated areas to promote rapid healing. This laser treatment is both non-invasive and non-ablative, targeting skin at specific depths while leaving the top layers of skin intact. This approach reduces downtime and encourages quick recovery, making it an ideal choice for those looking to improve skin texture and pigmentation issues.
The Fraxel Dual offers two types of laser treatment in one device: the Fraxel 1550, which targets deep skin concerns such as acne scars, fine lines, stretch marks, and melasma, and the Fraxel 1927, which effectively treats actinic keratosis and sun damage. These versatile lasers make Fraxel an excellent option for those seeking laser for acne and other skin concerns.
BENEFITS OF FRAXEL ® LASER TREATMENT
Fraxel Dual improves various skin texture and pigmentation conditions, resulting in younger, healthier-looking skin. This laser treatment is beneficial for:
- Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
- Acne scars and some types of melasma
- Actinic keratosis and sun damage
- Scars and stretch marks
Collagen growth can continue to improve for up to 6 months after your Fraxel laser treatment, providing long-lasting results. Whether you are looking to reduce wrinkles around the eyes or address acne scars, Fraxel is a versatile option for comprehensive skin rejuvenation.
PREPARING FOR YOUR FRAXEL® LASER TREATMENT
Before undergoing laser treatment, it is important to avoid certain activities and medications:
- Discontinue Accutane or similar drugs 6 months prior to treatment.
- Avoid active tanning or UV exposure for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
- Stop using topical retinoids or retinol 2 weeks before treatment.
- Consult with your specialist about any medications, especially blood thinners like Aspirin, Advil, Tylenol, or Aleve, as these can affect coagulation.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING FRAXEL® LASER TREATMENT
Depending on the skin condition being treated, you may be given medications to help you relax and make you more comfortable. A topical numbing cream will be applied and left on for 1 hour before the procedure. During the Fraxel laser treatment, your eyes will be covered by eye shields to protect them. A technician will roll the hand-held Fraxel laser head back and forth over your skin, targeting areas with acne scars, fine lines, or wrinkles around the eyes. You may feel moderate prickling and heat, which is alleviated by a cold air blower.
Treatment time: approximately 1 hour.
POTENTIAL DOWNTIME AFTER LASER TREATMENT
After the Fraxel laser treatment, the treated skin will be pink to red and may be slightly swollen, especially around the eyes. Cold gel packs and antihistamines usually relieve this discomfort. The initial redness will turn to a light bronze color over a few days, and peeling will begin, typically resolving in about 1 week. While you can resume normal activities immediately, some people choose to take 1-week social downtime until the peeling and redness subside.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
After your Fraxel laser treatment, follow these post-care instructions to ensure proper healing and avoid complications:
- Use cold gel packs to soothe and calm treated skin.
- Apply the moisturizer provided as often as needed to maintain hydration.
- Take antihistamines like Reactine if necessary to reduce discomfort.
- Do not use pain medication post-treatment, as it is usually not required.
- Let peeling and exfoliation occur naturally; avoid scratching or peeling the skin.
- Refrain from using scrubs or exfoliating products until your skin is completely healed, usually within 2 weeks.
- Apply SPF 50 sunblock daily and avoid direct sun exposure for at least 1 month.
HOW MANY FRAXEL® TREATMENTS WILL YOU NEED?
For optimal results, it is recommended to start with 4 Fraxel laser treatments. However, there is no limit to the number of treatments you can have to improve your skin. The number of sessions required will depend on your skin type and the specific issues you want to address.
For darker skin tones, multiple low-level treatments may be necessary to ensure safety, while conditions such as wrinkles around the eyes or acne scars typically require multiple higher-level treatments for the best results.
FRAXEL® LASER TREATMENTS BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS:
