Fraxel® is a revolutionary non-invasive laser therapy designed to dramatically improve skin texture and pigmentation, including the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and brown spots, without significant downtime.

Two varieties of laser treatment were previously available for cosmetic enhancement–ablative and non-ablative. Traditional ablative laser, which literally means vaporization at a very high temperature, are very effective at destroying unwanted tissue but may have significant side effects and require a lengthy healing period.

Non-fractional non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, are very safe and require almost no healing time, but may involve numerous treatments over many months to achieve only modest results. Fraxel® laser combines the potency of ablative lasers with the gentle safety of non-ablative lasers to treat a variety of cosmetic conditions.

Also unlike traditional laser resurfacing, Fraxel® can treat wrinkles and sun damage on the neck, chest, and hands.

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HOW IT WORKS

Fraxel® Laser Treatment utilizes fractional resurfacing technology, where only a small fraction of the skin receives the laser light. Thousands of tiny but deep columns of laser energy are produced. This eliminates old surface pigment and penetrates deep into the skin, intensively restoring the skin’s previous appearance. Around these microscopic treatment zones, the surrounding tissue is unaffected and intact. This 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.

What can Fraxel® Treat?

• Improve skin texture and pore size
• Erase unwanted brown spots
• Smooth fine wrinkles
• Diminish acne scars

• Rejuvenate your neck, chest, and hands
• Diminish the appearance of stretch marks and surgical scars
• Decrease melasma (brown pigment)
• Minimal downtime

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

At your initial consultation, one of our physicians (yes, all cosmetic consultations are done by the doctor) will determine the best treatment plan for your desired results. Clinical studies suggest that on average, the most effective treatment regimen includes 3 to 5 sessions. We space your treatments 2 to 5 weeks apart. Results are immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement is usually visible in about 2 to 3 months.

Fraxel® laser treatment is performed right in our office using only topical anesthesia in most cases. If your skin is more sensitive, we will ensure that you are made comfortable. The topical anesthetic is applied in our office one hour prior to treatment. The Fraxel® laser procedure takes approximately 30 minutes for a full face. We then recommend an application of a moisturizer and sunscreen.

In many cases, your treatment package will include a post-procedure skin care kit. For some patients, we recommend the TNS Recovery Complex to help replenish your skin’s growth factors and aid in healing. You may apply makeup soon after treatment.

After the treatment, you will experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour and then minimal discomfort. The skin will have a pinkish tone for 3 to 7 days. This is a normal sign that the skin is deeply healing. Swelling is common, but usually mild, and may last for 2 to 3 days. Flaking and bronzing, which are part of the normal process of skin repair, may also occur.

Bronzing is a darkening of the skin that looks like a tan. The “social downtime” is usually 2 to 4 days. You will feel fine, but will likely need 2 to 4 days for the redness and mild swelling to disappear. It is important to apply an SPF 30 sunscreen daily during the healing phase and for several months after to protect the new skin.

Over the following weeks and months, the body repairs the deeper dermal tissues that have been affected by the Fraxel® treatment, producing even longer beneficial changes.

» Click here for more information about Fraxel®.