Fraxel^® Laser

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Fraxel® different from other laser treatments?
Until the Fraxel®, there were only two types of laser treatments available – ablative and non-ablative. Ablative laser treatments are effective but require a lengthy recovery. Non-ablative laser treatments involve almost no healing time, but require multiple treatments before satisfactory results are obtained. The Fraxel® offers the same effectiveness as the ablative laser treatment, but with the speedy healing time associated with the gentler, non-ablative lasers.

How does the Fraxel® work?
The Fraxel® is designed to target aging and sun damaged skin by zeroing in on damaged tissue. The Fraxel® creates microscopic columns called microthermal treatment zones (MTZs), far below the outer most epidermal layer of skin. Each column penetrates deep into the dermis layer of skin, eliminating old epidermal pigmented cells. Surrounding each of these microscopic “columns” is healthy, unaffected tissue. The healthy, surrounding tissue triggers the body’s natural healing process, accelerating the production of collagen and the formation of new, tighter tissue to replaces the skin’s imperfections.

What are the benefits of the Fraxel® laser treatment?
The Fraxel® provides similar results obtained with ablative lasers, but offers the benefits of the gentle non-ablative laser treatment with little to no downtime. Because the revolutionary technology of the Fraxel® laser bypasses the outer layer of skin, make-up can be applied immediately following the session. Some people are able to return to work and social obligations the same day as the treatment. Other people may require more time to heal, depending upon their skin condition and the improvement desired. Your treatment specialist will better explain how the Fraxel® treatment will fit into your schedule during your private skin evaluation. Call our office today to schedule you appointment.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of sessions will depend upon the condition treated. On average, an effective treatment regimen is 4 or 5 sessions, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart. Results are immediate and progressive. Over the course of two or three months, new collagen begins to form, creating healthy, more youthful skin.

How are Fraxel® laser treatments performed?
A topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area approximately 60 minutes before the session. Then a blue tint, called OptiGuide Blue, is applied to the treatment area. The tint increases the contrast of tiny folds in the skin’s surface, allowing the Fraxel® laser hand piece to precisely read the contours of the treatment area. The procedure takes between 20 or 25 minutes for a full face. The blue tint and anesthetic ointment are washed off immediately after the treatment.

Is Fraxel® laser treatment painful?
Due to the topical anesthetic and the cool air applied during treatment, most people find that a Fraxel® laser session is quite comfortable. When asked, patients describe the feeling as a “prickling” sensation.

What should I expect after a Fraxel® laser treatment?
For the first 24 hours after treatment, your skin may feel like it is sunburned and it will appear slightly pink or red. The redness or pinkness, will naturally turn to a bronze color over the next week or two. As you continue treatment, the pinkish to bronze coloration process will repeat. And just like a natural sunburn, your skin will begin to flake and exfoliate normally. Using a moisturizer will help to reduce the flakiness.

What precautions should I take after a Fraxel® treatment?
It is important to apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 at least twice a day. Also, avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process and for at least three months following treatment.