What is Fraxel Laser? 

Fraxel™ Laser Treatment is a revolutionary new approach to skin rejuvenation.  This one laser therapy allows improvement of the full constellation of aging changes in the skin. Typically, a series of three to five treatments is carried out every two weeks to create a reduction in skin wrinkling along with improvement in pigment irregularities and acne scars.  A minimal degree of skin tightening is also often obtained.  All of this is accomplished without a raw skin surface or time away from work or social activities.

Before treatment of under eye lines Performed by R. Garcia PA-C

After treatment of under eye lines

Before treatment of forehead

After treatment of forehead

Fraxel™ and Restylane™ used to treat the forehead and glabellar complex (one session). Performed by R. Garcia PA-C

Before

After

Before

After

How does Fraxel™ Laser Treatment Works

Fraxel™ Laser Treatment produces thousands of tiny but deep columns of treatment in your skin, known as microthermal treatment zones. This treatment eliminates old epidermal pigmented cells. It also penetrates deep into the dermis. Just as important, though, are the areas of skin the Fraxel laser leaves untouched. For every microthermal zone the laser targets and treats intensively, it leaves the surrounding tissue unaffected and intact. This "fractional" treatment allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area were treated at once, using the body's natural healing process to create new, healthy tighter tissue to replace skin imperfections.

This reduces wrinkles or scars, pigment variation, brown age spots, spider veins and other vascular changes in the skin.  Active acne is also generally reduced.

Optimal improvement is usually visible in about 2 to 3 months. Because Fraxel™ Laser Treatment spares healthy tissue, it is effective even on delicate skin areas, such as the neck, chest and hands.

Before

After

Improvement in Melasma Note improvement in skin pigmentation as evidenced by before and after pictures to the left. Effectiveness can be enhanced with the use of  Obagi™ products.

What should I expect with treatments?

Your skin will be cleansed gently with a scrubbing cleanser, an anesthetic gel will then be applied.  After 45-60 minutes, your skin will be tested to insure adequate anesthesia, a blue dye that interacts with the laser will then be applied.  Next, the face is treated by passing the laser hand piece back and forth over the skin.  A warmth and faint prickling sensation is felt during the treatment, which requires 20-30 minutes.  After the treatment, the skin is cleansed with a warm towel and moisturizer applied.

You will experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour and then minimal discomfort. The skin will have a pinkish tone for 2-3 days. This is a normal sign that the skin is deeply healing. Swelling is minimal and generally resolves in 2 to 3 days.

Before

After

Improvement in Acne Scarring Note improvement in acne scarring as evidenced by before and after pictures to the left. 5 (five) sessions may be needed for the results seen

You may apply make-up or shave soon after treatment. We encourage the use of  Dermacia MD Lycogel® Camouflage products to help with healing and to minimize post treatment redness. Some patients are able to return to routine activities, including work and social obligations, the same day of treatment. Others require a little more time, depending upon their skin condition and treatment. Please consult our practice to understand how Fraxel™ Laser Treatment help you benefit the most

New epidermal skin develops within 24 hours. This process of skin repair involves:

• Bronzing: Your skin will have a bronze appearance (which looks similar to a tan) that lasts anywhere from 3 to 14 days, depending on your treatment level. 
• Flaking: Your skin will naturally and vigorously exfoliate as new skin replaces dead tissue. Flaking is similar to that of minor sunburn, but without the associated pain. Use of a moisturizer will mask the appearance of flaking.
• Sunscreen: Be sure to use sunscreen at least twice daily to protect your skin from sun exposure during both the healing phase and for several months after treatment. Apply a moisturizing sun block with an SPF of at least 30-plus. For added protection, use wide-brimmed hats when in direct sunlight.

Over the following weeks and months, the body repairs the deeper dermal tissues that have been affected by the Fraxel™ treatment, producing longer beneficial changes associated with a healthy, youthful appearance.  Results should be clearly visible within two weeks of finishing a series, although the skin will continue to improve for several months.   

What are the limits of Fraxel?

Fraxel laser treatment is not designed as a substitute for surgical skin tightening such as a facelift. 
The degree of wrinkle reduction will vary from individual to individual but can not be predicted in advance.   While risks of treatment include infection, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, blistering, protracted erythema and scarring the safety profile has been superb compared to chemical peels and laser resurfacing.  One of the most impressive advantages of Fraxel Laser Treatment is the that improvement in wrinkles seems to be much more notable than with nonablative treatments. 

If you have a history of cold sores, hyperpigmentation , or dry eye syndrome, be sure to inform our medical team during your consultation with us.