Fraxel laser

What Is Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing?

This exciting new family of lasers has revolutionized laser rejuvenation treatments around the world. It was developed in the United States. The process utilizes a laser to minimize the appearance of scars, lines and wrinkles, as well as improve the overall texture and surface of the skin. Resurfacing lasers have long given the best results of all available treatments in improving the skin appearance but until the Fraxel laser this has involved days to weeks of recovery time and significant risks of side-effects. The Fraxel laser has the same minimal down-time associated with IPL treatment or a light chemical peel but with superior results that only a resurfacing laser can give.

What are the different types of Fraxel laser?

There are currently 4 types of Fraxel laser.

• The first and easily the most popular is the Fraxel Re:store. It resurfaces the skin with only 4 days of redness and swelling and usually no peeling. It is the most appropriate type of Fraxel for acne scarring and most skin rejuvenation.
• The Fraxel Peel (a component of Fraxel Dual) gives a more superficial treatment and results in a significant peeling of the skin over 5 to 7 days. It is best suited for treating sun-related pigmentation.
• The Fraxel Re:pair is closer to the older resurfacing lasers. It results in bleeding of the skin at the time of treatment and redness that can take 2 to 8 weeks to fade. It is a more aggressive treatment that is usually reserved for deeper wrinkling
• The Fraxel Re:fine is designed to be operated without the supervision of a doctor. As a milder treatment it does not deliver the same results as the the other Fraxel lasers.

How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?

The Fraxel lasers works by emitting thousands of very precise pin-point columns light that pass through the skin and are absorbed specifically by the water in the damaged collagen of our skin. This action allows the laser light to remove very fine portions of damaged skin, diminishing the look of scars, wrinkles and uneven textures. Fraxel is “fractional” in that it intensively treats tiny portions of the skin without affecting any of the surrounding tis-sue, which reduces healing time and promotes the skin’s natural process for creating new, healthier tissue to replace the damaged cells. The older, wrin-kled collagen in the skin is remodeled into newer skin. As new cells form in the healing process, the skin is smoother and softer.

Why Choose Fraxel Re:store Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Fraxel laser is suitable for anyone who wants improved skin texture. It offers results that were previously only possible with older resurfacing lasers that required days and weeks of crusting and redness and a risk of permanent whitening of the skin. The fraxel laser offers resurfacing with only 1-4 days of redness and flaking similar to a chemical peel or an IPL treatment. Fraxel laser is a break-though especially for younger patients with acne scarring or darker skin types where previous resurfacing lasers resulted in unacceptable whitening of the skin. Unlike previous resurfacing lasers, the Fraxel laser can be safely used on body sites other than the face. It gives excellent results for the backs of hands, neck and chest in particular. The Fraxel laser has also been shown to reduce precancerous sun-spots over broad areas.

How Long Will It Take To Heal?

Many Fraxel treatments have almost no down-time with only mild redness which can be covered by makeup the next day. During the first 24 hours after treatment, your skin may feel as though it is sunburned, and it will appear pink or red.  Make-up can be worn to reduce the sunburned appearance.  Stronger treatments can result in 1-4 days of redness, swelling, and flaking similar to a chemical peel or an IPL treatment.

Is The Procedure Painful?

There is a variable amount of discomfort during the procedure. Most patients describe it as a warm prickling sensation. Prior to the Fraxel™ procedure you will be given either a topical or local anesthetic. A chilled air blower is used to relieve the discomfort. Occasionally oral pain-killers or sedatives can be used. The skin may be iced following the procedure. After the procedure, most describe the discomfort as a mild sunburn that subsides quickly.

How Soon Will I See Results?

Clinical studies suggest that 3-5 Fraxel™ laser treatments, spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart, produce a gradual remodeling of damaged skin over weeks. The skin continues to gradually improve over the following 6 months

What Are The Side Effects?

As with any signficant procedure, there are some theoretical risks associated with laser skin resurfacing.   Swelling and redness are the most common side effects from treatment. If swelling does occur, it is minimal and will subside within a day or two. Redness may occur and will fade within a few days. There is a very limited risk of infection or scarring.

What precautions should I take after treatment?

Wearing sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher twice a day is especially important. Avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process and for at least 3 months after treatment. Wearing wide brimmed hats is highly recommended when out in the elements.