Can Fraxel Laser Treatment be used on all skin types?
Because Fraxel Laser Treatment is gentle and non-ablative, it can be used on all skin types for skin rejuvenation and for the treatment of acne scars, surgical scars, fine wrinkles around the eyes, age spots, sun damage, melasma and tone and textural improvement. Fraxel treatment promotes your skin’s own healing process, resulting in natural rejuvenation in all skin types and overall improvement that removes years from your appearance.
How is Fraxel™ different from other laser treatments?
Until Fraxel™, there were two types of available laser treatments. Ablative laser treatment (CO2 and Erbium), which literally means to vaporize at very high temperature, is very effective but has significant side effects and requires a lengthy healing period (weeks). The other available laser treatment, being non-ablative, had little downtime but very little clinical effect. Fraxel treatments offer the effectiveness of ablative treatments with the benefits of the gentler, non-ablative lasers.
What are the benefits of Fraxel™ Laser Treatments and how long do they last?
Since 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. At no time after treatment is the skin left raw therefore, 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.
What side effects can be expected after Fraxel™ Laser Treatments and how long do they last?
Swelling and redness are the most common side effects from treatment. The intensity and duration of redness and swelling depends on how aggressive the treatment was and the your body’s particular healing characteristics. Swelling is usually 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. We have never seen any significant complications.
How many Fraxel™ Laser 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. Most patients get 4 treatments. Results are immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement occurs for months after the series of treatments. 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. Then a clear gel is applied to the treatment area. The gel guides the Fraxel Laser handpiece to precisely read the discreet contours of the treatment area. A topical anesthetic ointment is also applied to the treatment areas approximately 60 minutes prior to treatment in order for the anesthetic to take full effect. The procedure takes between 20-25 minutes for the full face. The topicals are washed off immediately after the treatment. Makeup can then be applied.
Is Fraxel™ Laser Treatment painful?
Most patients describe the treatment as having an intense “prickling” sensation. The topical anesthetic ointment and air cooling alleviates most discomfort. For those that are sensitive, Dr. Rapaport does offer additional pain relief if necessary.
