Fraxel Skin Resurfacing is designed to treat many skin conditions and lesions. Anti Aging: Fraxel will give deep dermal remodeling and epidermal resurfacing. Whether one has deep lines & wrinkles, large pores or sagging skin, Fraxel will address & improve all of these. You CAN turn back the on your skin and leave a smooth bright, tighter, regenerated complexion.
Fraxel™ is deep dermal remodeling and epidermal resurfacing, which is a laser treatment that 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.
For anyone suffering from age spots, effects of the environment such as sun damage, acne scars, wrinkles near the eyes, and even Melasma, or commonly referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” Fraxel is a great way to achieve clearer and even more radiant looking skin. Other skin disorders such as pigmentation issues and a need for skin resurfacing are effectively treated with Fraxel.
Most patients describe an increased sensation of heat during the treatment. To minimize discomfort, topical anesthesia is applied before the procedure and cold air is used on the treatment area during the procedure. After the treatment, most patients feel like they have sunburn, which usually diminishes in 1 to 3 hours.
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 sunburn, keeping it moisturized and out of heavy sun exposure.
Bronzing: Your skin will have a bronze appearance that lasts anywhere from three to fourteen days, depending on the treatment level.
Flaking: Your skin will naturally and vigorously exfoliate as the reorganized epidermal skin replaces dead tissue. Flaking is similar to that of minor sunburn, without the associated pain. Use of a moisturizer will mask the appearance of flaking.
Patients can expect to return to daily activities right away or 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.
Results will usually begin to show in about two to three months post treatment, yet every patient’s skin type varies.
The Fraxel laser has received FDA clearance for the treatment of the following:
Maximum results are realized in just 3 – 5 sessions. They are usually spaced 2 – 6 weeks apart.
You will have some degree of redness and swelling. How long this lasts will depend on how aggressive the treatment is and what your particular healing characteristics are.
Wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and avoid direct sun exposure while during your series of treatments and while you are healing.
It depends on your particular conditions and how you care for your skin. Once your skin is restored, continued sun protection and a skin maintenance program is an essential part of having youthful, healthy and rejuvenated skin.