Fraxel® Laser

What skin conditions does the Fraxel® Laser treat?

The Fraxel® laser treats wrinkles around the eyes (periorbital wrinkles), age and sun spots (pigmented lesions), brown spots, melasma (the mask of pregnancy), acne scars, surgical scars through skin resurfacing. It results in smoother, fresher looking skin, improved tone and texture, reduced wrinkles around the eyes, and improved appearance of acne scars and surgical scars. Many patients also report skin tightening as a side effect.

How does the Fraxel® laser work?

The Fraxel® laser is able to precisely treat thousands of microscopic areas of the skin, using pinpoint laser beams that penetrate beneath the skin’s surface to eliminate old, damage skin cells. Fraxel treatments stimulate the body’s own natural healing process which replaces damaged skin with fresh, glowing, healthy skin. By design, each treatment targets between 5 and 35 percent of the skin’s surface, leaving the remaining areas to quickly heal the treated areas.

What will happen during a treatment?

A topical anesthesia is applied for one hour before the procedure. Cold air is used on the treatment areas during the procedure to minimize discomfort. Afterwards, most patients report a feeling similar to getting too much sun, usually disappearing after 1 to 3 hours.

How many treatments will I need, and how long will they last?

Everyone’s skin is different, but it usually takes 3 to 5 sessions for maximum results. Sessions are spaced 2 to 6 weeks apart. Each treatment session generally lasts from 10 to 20 minutes.

Are there any side effects? If so, how long do they last?

There will be some degree of redness and swelling. The intensity and duration depends on how aggressive the treatment was, and your particular skin characteristics. Other side effects may include minor itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking, and a bronzed skin appearance. Your skin will return to normal in approximately five to seven days.

Are there any precautions I should take after the treatment?

Wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and avoid direct sun exposure for at least 3 months after your last treatment. To further protect yourself, wear wide-brimmed hats if you plan on being in the sun.

How long do the effects of Fraxel® treatment last?

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

To learn more about Fraxel® Laser.

More before and after pictures

Lasers