Fraxel

The Fraxel SR is a revolutionary laser therapy that has been tested and approved by the FDA for treatment of uneven skin pigmentation (age/sun spots and Melasma), fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet) and acne or surgical scarring.  This remarkable, advanced laser system is highly precise and predictable as it eliminates old damaged skin cells beneath the dermis and initiates a process that allows new growth, while causing very minimal disturbance to the surface skin.  With most patients, after three to five Fraxel sessions, sun damage clears, acne scars heal, Melasma and hyperpigmentation fade and wrinkles retreat.  The result is smoother, more evenly toned, tighter skin, smaller pores, and an overall look of youthful rejuvenation.  In short: laser skin resurfacing without downtime and with very low risk of failure or complication.

How does it work?  The Fraxel, or ‘fractional,’ laser method corrects damaged or scarred skin by affecting just a tiny portion of the epidermis at a time, in a metaphorical sense: photo-correcting it pixel by pixel.  With depth, direction and precision, Fraxel laser is capable of creating thousands of microthermal ‘treatment zones’ in the skin, while leaving the surrounding skin (the skin you can see on the surface) untouched.  In this way, old, damaged pigmented cells can be broken down, and healing with new, healthier tissue can occur. Repeated Fraxel sessions yield progressive improvement until a desired result is achieved, a process that requires three to five Fraxel treatments spaced two to four weeks apart. Optimal improvement is usually visible in about two or three months, as the skin’s own healing process finishes the job.
Fraxel non-ablative laser treatment is effective on delicate skin areas like the face, neck, chest and hands.  It works especially well to correct skin around the eyes and mouth.  This latest generation of Fraxel is the enlightened way to restoring damaged skin to its original clarity and vitality, as it is at once highly effective and does not visibly disturb the surface skin the way one-time only skin resurfacing does. 

Q: Does Fraxel Laser hurt?

A: Fraxel does typically cause some discomfort during treatment. Prior to treatment, the dermatologist will develop a pain management approach that will probably include topical numbing cream and may include mild anti-anxiety medication. 

Q: What Happens After Fraxel?

A: Many patients experience a mild sunburned sensation for about an hour after treatment, and pink skin tone for several days. Any swelling should subside within a day or two.  Most patients are able to return to normal activities the day of or within twenty-four hours of Fraxel treatment.

New epidermal skin begins developing within 24 hours. The process of skin repair proceeds through several stages, including:

• Bronzing: Skin may have a bronze appearance for up to two weeks, depending on extent of treatment.

• Flaking: Old skin will exfoliate as new skin replaces dead tissue. Flaking is similar to that associated with a minor sunburn. Use of a moisturizer will reduce its appearance.

• Healing: During the healing phase, skin will be extra sensitive to the sun, and proper sun protection is of maximum importance.  This is true for several months after treatment.  Use a high-level sun protection product like LaRoche-Posay’s Anthelios or NYDG’s Physician’s UV Defense.