Fraxel

What is Fraxel?


Fraxel involves the use of the latest in skin care laser technology to purposefully stimulate the body’s own restorative processes by controlled damage done to the skin. Reaching deep into the skin’s second layer, the dermis, Fraxel helps to stimulate the body’s restorative abilities and thus new collagen and skin is formed. Older skin that is damaged is removed from beneath the epidermal layer, the outermost area of skin. The process of controlled skin damage in small areas which are separated by healthy skin allows for minimal healing time and highly effective skin rejuvenation.

Who is a candidate for Fraxel?

Anyone suffering from age spots, effects of the environment such as sun damage, acne scars, wrinkles near the eyes and even melasma, Fraxel is a great way to achieve clearer and even more radiant looking skin. Other skin disorders such as pigmentation issues and skin resurfacing are effectively treated with Fraxel as well.

Which areas of the body can Fraxel treat?

Fraxel may be used on the neck, chest and hands. Other treatment areas may be possible; discussing these options with your Doctor is encouraged.

How many treatments are necessary?

The number of treatments needed to acquire certain results will vary from patient to patient. Discussing this is always recommended. Usually 3-5 monthly sessions are needed.

Are the treatments permanent?

Patients can enjoy long lasting results as long as their skin is maintained and well taken care of over time. However, age and the elements can still cause skin changes as time progresses so Fraxel is a skin rejuvenation procedure which can be repeated if further unwanted changes occur to the skin.

How is the Fraxel procedure performed?

Treatment begins by cleansing the skin and applying a topical cream to numb the area about an hour prior to treatment to keep the patient comfortable during the procedure. The laser is then used to help the skin rejuvenate in the treatment area. The epidermis and dermis layers of the skin are treated yet no visible damage is done to the epidermal layer of the skin. By only damaging specific areas of the skin spread out over the area being treated, healthy and unaffected skin is left to support the healing process and stimulate the body’s healing capacity. This results in production of new collagen and even more radiant skin. Treatments usually conclude in about half an hour.

What should be expected during recovery from a Fraxel treatment?

After the treatment has concluded, the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, will remain undamaged while the deeper layer, the dermis, begins to heal. The patient may notice the appearance and discomfort of sunburn and eventually a slight tanning or bronzing of the skin which begins to show in a few weeks depending on the skin type. The old skin cells will slough off and the skin will gradually repair itself, igniting new collagen development. The skin should be treated as if sunburned, keeping it moisturized and out of heavy sun exposure. Sunscreen and protective clothing is a good idea. Some patients can expect to return to daily activities right away while others may require a bit more time to adjust. Makeup may be worn to help alleviate some of the redness to the skin if desired and if the skin is not too sensitive to the touch. Shaving may also be done if discomfort is minimal. Every patient’s skin is unique so different recovery times are normal.

When will results from Fraxel be apparent?

Results will usually begin to show in about two to three months post treatment, yet every patient’s skin type varies.

What is unique about Fraxel?

By fractionally treating skin in specific areas while leaving some skin unaffected nearby, Fraxel allows for a less invasive procedure. Due to this approach to skin rejuvenation, the body’s healing response is enhanced and new collagen develops. Fraxel is a balanced laser treatment which allows for the high effectiveness of some other more invasive laser treatments while maintaining a shorter recovery time and fewer side effects.

Is Fraxel approved in the USA?

The FDA has permitted the use of Fraxel in the USA for specific skin conditions. Approval is still pending for various other skin treatment options that Fraxel has been shown to treat with a high success rate. Age spots, acne scars, melasma and wrinkles near the eyes are a few of the FDA approved conditions for treatment.

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