Fraxel®

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Fraxel Laser resurfacing?
Fraxel Laser Treatment (FLT) is a “fractional” treatment that produces thousands of deep, tiny columns in your skin, called microthermal treatment zones. FLT is “fractional“ in that it intensively treats epidermal pigment cells without affecting any of the surrounding tissue, which reduces healing time and promotes the skin’s natural process for creating new, healthier tissue to replace the damaged cells.

It can treat areas on the face, including around the lips and eyes, and body parts including neck, chest, arms, and hands. It can also be used for acne scars.

How does Fraxel work?
Fraxel is designed to treat aging and sun damaged skin by targeting portions of specific damaged tissue. By creating microscopic “wounds” within the targeted areas well beneath the outer most epidermal layer of skin, Fraxel Laser treatments trigger the body’s natural healing process, accelerating the production of collagen and new, healthy skin cells.

How many treatments will I need?
Clinical studies suggest that on average, an effective treatment regimen is 3 to 5 sessions, spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart. (Based upon our experience, our office sells treatments in packages of four.) Depending upon your condition and schedule, you and your physician may choose to space treatment sessions even further apart. Results are immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement is usually visible in about 2 to 3 months. This time frame and treatment structure allows for complete healing and replacement of damaged tissue with new collagen and elastin, and viable healthy skin cell growth.

When can I return to my daily activities?
Fraxel offers the benefits of speedy healing with minimal to no downtime. Side effects are negligible and typically involve swelling and redness. Mild swelling should subside within a day or so, and redness usually fades over several days. The appearance for several days after the procedure is similar to a sunburn.

Does it hurt?
Treatment is well tolerated and feels like a prickling sensation. A topical anesthetic ointment is applied one hour prior to treatment to allay any discomfort. Stronger medication is available on a case-by-case basis. A cool air stream is also directed at the skin during treatment to increase comfort.

When will I see results?
After your very first Fraxel Laser Treatment, you will begin to feel the difference in your skin, as it gradually becomes softer, smoother and fresher. Fine lines around your eyes and mouth will noticeably fade, as will uneven coloring and the brown spots caused by aging and sun exposure.

Before/After Photos:

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