Fraxel Laser Treatment

Results you can see and feel.  Fraxel Laser Treatment is a safe, non-invasive procedure that allows you to rediscover the fresh, healthy skin of your youth with little to no downtime.  Improve texture and pore size.  Erase unwanted brown spots.  Smooth wrinkles around the eyes and acne scars. 

Fraxel laser promotes your skin’s own healing process, resulting in natural rejuvenation that removes years from your appearance.  Fraxel is a non-invasive treatment that is effective for all skin types.

For a comparison chart to help you decide which Fraxel Laser treatment is right for you click here .

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Fraxel Laser Pre Care

If you have a history of cold sores, ask us about pre care requirements.

Fraxel Laser After Care

Fraxel^® Laser Treatment produces side-effects. The intensity and duration of your side effects depends on the treatment aggressiveness your individual healing characteristics. Generally, patients who are treated more aggressively experience more intense side-effects that last longer. However, some patients have greater than “expected” reactions to less aggressive treatments and others have fewer side-effects to aggressive treatments than would ordinarily be expected. Notify your physician if the severity of your side-effects becomes a problem for you.

• Swelling.  You will notice most of the swelling on the first morning after treatment, particularly under the eyes. Swelling usually lasts two to three days. To minimize swelling do the following:
  • Apply cold compresses to the treatment area for 10 minutes of every hour on the day of treatment, until you go to bed.
  • Sleep elevated the first night. Use as many pillows as you can tolerate.
• Redness. Most redness resolves during the first week after treatment, but a rosy “glow” can remain for several weeks. If you wish, you can apply makeup immediately after treatment to minimize the redness.
• Dry skin.  Your skin may feel dry, peel, or flake. You may notice a “sandpaper” texture a few days after treatment. This is the treated tissue working its way out of your body as new fresh skin is regenerated.
• Bronzing, Crusting and Small Dark Dots.  Fraxel Laser Treatment causes destruction to microscopic cylinders of skin which then exfoliates during the healing process. In individuals with heavily pigmented skin, or in areas where sun damage has produced pigmented lesions, these microscopic wounds, known as MENDs, contain large amounts of melanin. Because there are so many MENDs, they can make the skin look bronzed, or small areas appear crusted (do not try to scratch them off). When high energies are used to produce deep and wide lesions, the MENDs can sometimes be seen as individual dark dots. On the face, the MENDs will shed within 7-10 days. Off the face, it may take as long as 3 weeks for the MENDs to shed.
• Raw Skin.  If you develop areas of raw skin post treatment, keep them moist with something like Aquaphor^® or Bacitracin^®.  You do not need to apply band-aids, but keep the areas moist and do not pick at them.  They will heal very rapidly on their own and without problems.

After Treatment Skin Care

Congratulations!  You have taken the first step toward more healthy and radiant looking skin by having a Fraxel re:fine™ laser treatment. Now it is important to help your skin heal quickly and protect your skin investment.

• Skin Care Products.  All of your skin care products should be non-irritating and non-clogging for the first week or so after Fraxel Laser Treatment. 
• Sunscreen.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, proper and frequent application of sunscreen is very important. The sunscreen should offer broadband protection (UVA and UVB) and have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. You should first apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside, and again, immediately before. After that, reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours. If direct sun exposure is necessary, wear a hat and clothing that covers the treated area. Use this regimen during the healing period and always. You will probably find that you use about 1 bottle of sunscreen per month, rather than the 1 bottle per year that most people use.
• Moisturizer.  Remember that peeling and/or flaking is normal during the healing process. Therefore, the product should be non-irritating and non-clogging, else you could develop breakouts.  During the healing period apply your Fraxel Laser post treatment moisturizer once in the morning and once in the evening.  Should you develop dry areas during the day you can reapply it to these areas only.  Try to avoid over moisturizing as this can slow down the process of the MEND’s  lifting off.
• Scrubs, Toners, Glycolic Acid, and Retin A.  Your skin will be sensitive for the first week or so after treatment, so do not use products that will cause irritation during this time. Do not use abrasive scrubs, toners, wash clothes or products that contain glycolyic acids or retin-A.  Read the product labels.
• Bleaching Creams. Discontinue use of your bleaching cream while your skin is tender. We will advise you as to the timeframe that you can safely restart your bleaching cream
• Resume your normal skin care regimen when your skin has fully healed.

Fraxel Laser FAQ

Q: What do Fraxel treatments do?

A: The technology behind a Fraxel treatment is as revolutionary as the results it can deliver.  Unlike other laser treatments, Fraxel treatment is aboe to precisely treat thousands of microscopic areas of skin, using pinpoint laser beams that penetrate beneath the skin’s surface to eliminate old, damaged skin cells.  Fraxel treatment stimulates the body’s own natural healing process which replaces damaged skin with fresh, glowing, healthy skin.

Q:  How many Fraxel treatments are recommended for optimal results?

A:  Your skin, genetic make-up, lifestyle and personal history are unique.  They all contribute to how your skin looks and feels.  For most people, maximum results are realized in 3-5 sessions that are usually spaced 2-6 weeks apart.  We can develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

Q: How much social downtime is required?

A:  Aggressive treatments require fewer sessions and result in more post treatment side-effect—meaning a few days of social downtime.  Less aggressive treatments accomplish the same results, with a few more treatment sessions and less pronounced side-effects.  For some types of skin and skin conditions, gentle and/or fewer treatments are best.

Q: Can Fraxel be used in delicate areas such as neck and chest?

A: Yes!  Since Fraxel treatment is so precise, it is safe and effective on delicate skin areas like the neck, chest and hands, in addition to the face. 

Q:  What results should be expected with Fraxel treatment?

A:  You can expect two levels of results, immediate and progressive.  Immediately after the initial healing is complete, the surface of your skin will feel softer, look brighter, and tone will start to become even.  Progressive results occur over the next 3-6 months as the deeper layers of skin continue to heal.

Q: What are the benefits of Fraxel treatment?

A:  Benefits include smoother, fresher looking skin; improved tone and texture; reduced wrinkles around the eyes; improved appearance of acne and surgical scars.

Q:  Has Fraxel treatment cleared by the FDA?

A:  Yes!  The Fraxel laser has received FDA-clearance for treatment of the following:  wrinkles around the eye (periobital wrinkles); age and sun spots (pigmented lesions); brown spots; pregnancy mask (melasma); acne and surgical scars; and skin resurfacing.

Q:  Do Fraxel treatments hurt?

A:  Topical anesthesia is applied before the procedure and cold air is used on the treatment area during the procedure to minimize discomfort.  After the treatment, most patients report tingling sensation similar to having gotten too much sun.  This sensation usually disappears after 1-3 hours.

Q:  What side-effects can I expect and how long will they last?

A:  You will have some degree of redness and swelling.  The intensity and duration depends on how aggressive the treatment was and your particular healing characteristics.  Other temporary side-effects include minor itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking, and a bronzed skin appearance.  You will be given specific instructions about what to expect for your particular treatment and how to minimize side-effects.

Q:  What precautions should I take after treatment?

A:  Wear sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and avoid direct sun exposure while you are healing for at least 3 months after your last treatment.  Further protect yourself by wearing wide-brimmed hats if you expect to be out in the sun.

Q:  How long do the effects of Fraxel last?

A:  It depends on your particular condition and how you care for your skin.  Once your skin is restored, continue to protect it.  For conditions such as melasma, it is very important to avoid direct sun exposure.  We will give you specific advice based on your individual needs.