About Fraxel
Fraxel Dual is an innovative laser treatment for resurfacing aging skin, reducing brown spots, actinic keratosis, scarring and even stretch marks. This laser has variable wavelength and energy settings that allows for highly individualized care. A treatment can focus on collagen stimulation for fine lines, wrinkles or scarring or unwanted pigment related to sun damage/age or several issues together all in one treatment. Your provider will determine the best settings to meet your specific needs. The outcome is an impressive more youthful and fresh appearance that will continue to improve for a year after treatment.
How it Works
Fraxel Dual is a non-ablative laser, which means it does not remove the top layer of skin like some other lasers, but rather treats in tiny micro-treatment zones that are healed quickly by the healthy surrounding tissue. This precise technology means amazing results with downtime lasting only about one week. Fraxel is also safe and effective for most skin colors because it targets water in the skin, not melanin. Although one treatment can result in significant improvement, a series of three to five is recommended for optimal rejuvenation.
Areas of Treatment
Because of its potency in generating collagen, Fraxel is highly effective against fine lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, décolletage and hands. Many patients also like to treat their arms for sun damage and crepey skin with great results.
It is also an ideal procedure for acne scarring and some surgical scars. Age spots, sunspots, and other forms of pigmentation on the skin can be minimized significantly. Fraxel Dual is also our treatment of choice for managing actinic keratosis, which is one of the earliest symptoms of skin cancer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
COMMON POST PROCEDURE CONCERNS
Immediately after treatment, you may experience redness, swelling, and occasional pinpoint bleeding. Swelling can be minimized by applying cold compresses to the area for 10 minutes of every hour on the day of treatment. Heat sensation can be intense for the following 2-3 hours.
Over the next few days, skin may appear bronzed or little dark dots will appear on the treated area. The skin may feel dry and peel or flake, and some itching may also occur. You may notice a sandpaper texture to your skin, which is the treated tissue working its way out of the body as new, fresh skin is generated. This dead skin should slough off 3-4 days after treatment, and most patients complete this process 5-7 days after treatment. Once the sloughing is complete, you may notice some pinkness over the next few weeks. You may apply makeup to help minimize the redness. It is critical not to use any active ingredients for 7 days after treatment or until your skin is completely healed. Minimizing sun exposure for 7 to 14 days post treatment is also key as your skin will be more photosensitive. Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hrs.
ADDITIONAL PROCEDURE INFORMATION
Is Fraxel safe?
Fraxel technology has an exceptional track record for its safety and effectiveness in treating a wide selection of conditions affecting the skin.
How many treatments are recommended?
For best results, it is recommended that a patient receive about 3-5 Fraxel treatments, with each session taking between about an hour to complete.
What should I avoid after the treatment?
Avoid irritating products or any products containing retinol, glycolic acid, bleaching cream, and exfoliants 7 days after treatment. Use a bland moisturizer or very thin layer of petrolatum ointment (Aquaphor) to cover any area with oozing. Allow your skin to heal and DO NOT scrub, rub, or use any exfoliatns on the area. Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, exercise, sweating, swimming, and exposing the skin to heat and sun.
How long until I can resume my usual activities?
Once the sloughing is complete, you may resume your routine skin care and makeup products as long as they are tolerable to you.
Should I be concerned with sun protection immediately after the treatment?
It is very important that you use a broadband sunscreen (UVA and UVB) with an SPF of 30 or more. Reapply every 2 hours. If direct exposure is necessary during the first 7 to 14 days also wear a hat and clothing that covers the treated area.
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BEFORE & AFTER IMAGES
