FRAXEL
What is Fraxel Laser Treatment (FLT)?

Fraxel® Laser Treatment (FLT) is a "fractional" treatment that produces thousands of deep, tiny columns in your skin, called microscopic treatment zones. FLT is "fractional" in that it intensively treats old 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.

How is Fraxel laser different from other laser treatments?

Before Fraxel laser treatment, there were two types of available laser treatments. Bulk ablative laser treatment involves vaporization of entire layers of skin cells at very high temperature. This treatment is very effective but is associated with a high incidence of side effects and typically requires a lengthy healing period. The other previously available laser treatment, bulk non-ablative laser treatment, can have a lower incidence of side effects and little healing time, but requires numerous treatments over many months and has widely variable results. Fraxel treatments strive to offer the effectiveness of ablative lasers with the benefits of the gentler, non-ablative lasers.

How does Fraxel laser work?

FLT is designed to target 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.

What are the benefits of Fraxel Laser Treatments?

FLT has the impact of ablative lasers but the gentler benefits of the non-ablative treatments. Healing time is significantly accelerated so there is minimal downtime. Because the Fraxel Laser penetrates the non-living outer layer of skin leaving it completely intact, make-up can be worn immediately following the procedure. 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.  We will go over this in detail at your consultation.

What are the risks of Fraxel Laser Treatments?

Swelling and redness are the most common side effects from treatment. If swelling does occur, it is minimal and will subside within a day or two. Redness may occur and will fade within a few days. There is a very limited risk of infection or scarring.

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. Depending upon your condition and schedule, we 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.

How are Fraxel Laser Treatments performed?

To prepare your skin for treatment, it will be cleansed. A topical anesthetic ointment is applied to the treatment area approximately 60 minutes prior to treatment in order for the anesthetic to take full effect. The procedure takes between 20 to 25 minutes for a full face. The anesthetic ointment is washed off immediately after the treatment.

Is Fraxel Laser Treatment painful?

Most patients describe the treatment as having a "prickling" sensation. The topical anesthetic ointment and air cooling alleviates most discomfort.

What should I expect after Fraxel Laser Treatment?

During the first 24 hours after treatment, your skin may feel as though it is sunburned, and it will appear pink or red. Make-up can be worn to reduce the sunburned appearance. Your skin will naturally bronze over the next week or two. As you continue treatment, the sunburned to bronze conditions will repeat. Just like a natural sunburn, your skin will flake and exfoliate normally. Using a moisturizer will help reduce the appearance of dry flakes.