Fraxel Laser Treatment

Overview

What is Fraxel?

Fraxel is a brand of CO2 laser devices that help improve tone, texture, and radiance for aging, sun damaged, or scarred skin.

How it works

CO2 laser resurfacing uses the power of carbon dioxide to evaporate the top layers of the skin which have been damaged over the years usually in the form of sun damage, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, and scars

Fraxel lasers use microscopic light beams to generate micro-injuries on the skin which triggers the skin’s healing process – layer by layer, older and damaged skin is naturally replaced by fresh and healthy skin cells.

Types of Fraxel lasers

There are a few types of Fraxel laser devices, each designed to treat various types of skin irregularities.

• Fraxel Re:pair: This is the most aggressive laser. It’s a fractional CO2 or ablative laser.
• Fraxel Re:store: A non-ablative (non-destructive) procedure that uses a fractional Erbium laser that targets only a fraction of the skin.
• Fraxel Dual: A non-ablative laser that offers a gentle approach to skin rejuvenation.

Your doctor will help determine which Fraxel laser is best for your specific needs.

Skin conditions treated

These are some of skin irregularities commonly treated with Fraxel lasers.

• Age spots
• Uneven skin tone and texture
• Deep wrinkles
• Hyperpigmentation
• Scarring (acne scars)
• Melasma
• Precancerous lesions
• Fine-to-moderate wrinkles
• Acne scars
• Brown spots
• Discolored and sun-damaged skin
• Rosacea

How many treatments will you need?

Many doctors recommend at least 2-3 treatment sessions for optimal results. Five to 6 treatments may be needed for patients with significant scarring and wrinkles. Treatment sessions are usually performed 4 to 6 weeks apart.

Risks and side effects

Typical complications include swelling and redness, itching, and skin peeling. The doctor performing the procedure should let you know when to contact him or her if side effects worsen.

Recovery time

You should expect to experience some minor discomfort and redness during the first week following your treatment.

You will be able to resume all your normal activities after the procedure however your doctor may recommend you wear sunscreen for six months following your treatment and not to use any type of chemical peel or anti-aging lotions for a week prior.

When will you see results?

Results with Fraxel therapy are both immediate and progressive. Most patients see visible improvement in 2 to 3 months, but the skin can continue to improve for up to a year.

How long will your results last?

Fraxel results can last for several years depending on your age, skin condition and lifestyle choices.

Cost of Fraxel treatments

Fraxel laser therapy costs anywhere from $800 dollars to $1,500 per treatment.

The costs may vary depending your geographic location, size of area treated, and the doctor you choose.