Treatment FAQ

how fraxel laser treatment works

by Prof. Krystina Zulauf Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Fraxel is a non-ablative fractionated laser that stimulates collagen growth in the skin resulting in a healthy glow, smoother texture and improved appearance. The laser energy produces a wound healing response without injuring the skin surface, allowing for a faster recovery time, typically 1-3 days.

Full Answer

How much does it cost Fraxel Laser treatment?

What is the cost of Fraxel laser treatment? The cost of Fraxel varies depending on your skin condition, your insurance plan, and where you live, but Dr. Nussbaum says most often, Fraxel costs around $1,500 per treatment for just the face, and up to $2,000 if you add on the neck and chest.

Does Fraxel Laser really work?

The Fraxel Dual laser is programmed to specifically target and minimize pigmentation, which makes it a better option for treating a broad range of skin problems. The final results of Fraxel laser treatment are usually seen within 3-6 months.

What is a Fraxel Laser and how does it work?

Fraxel laser treatments are a very straight-forward process. The Fraxel laser treatments work by manipulating laser rays to produce the growth of healthy skin tissue that replaces the damaged cells of acne-scarred skin. Fraxel laser treatments are a treatment option for anyone experiencing mild to medium-depth acne scars.

How many sessions of Fraxel Laser treatments are needed?

The Fraxel laser is particularly effective because it penetrates well below the skin’s surface; the underlying tissues are then broken up in a way that: To achieve these effects, most patients need three to five treatments each spaced four weeks apart. Of course, this timeline depends on the exact concern you want to address.

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Do Fraxel lasers really work?

Doctors laud its results and the minimal downtime required for healing. It doesn't come cheap; treatment often costs about $1,000 a pop. (Solta Medical, the company that makes Fraxel lasers, says patients will have noticeable improvements immediately but recommends three to five as “an effective treatment regimen.”)

How long does it take for Fraxel laser to work?

2 to 3 monthsHow long does it take to see results from Fraxel laser treatment? Results are both immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement is usually visible in 2 to 3 months, but the skin can continue to improve for up to a year. Each laser treatment markedly improves skin quality.

How does the Fraxel laser work?

The Fraxel laser creates tiny “microthermal” zones (think pixels) deep into the skin which the skin repairs by pushing out the old sun damaged skin (the tiny pixels) and replacing it with new skin. Each treatment replaces about 15-20% of the sun damaged, scarred or wrinkled skin.

How long will Fraxel results last?

Soon after the treatment, the surface of your skin will feel softer, look brighter and show more even tone. The next 3 to 6 months will bring additional improvement as the deeper layers of the skin continue to heal. Results can last for several years depending on your age and skin condition.

Can Fraxel ruin your skin?

Because the Fraxel laser does damage your skin cells (in order for them to rejuvenate and improve your skin's appearance), you need to be certain to clean all treated areas several times a day – two to five, according to plasticsurgery.org – with saline or diluted vinegar solution, depending on your surgeon's ...

Will Fraxel tighten my skin?

Fraxel Repair uses carbon dioxide laser beams, which not only minimize wrinkles and discolorations, but also have the ability to tighten skin.

How many times can you do Fraxel?

If it's pigment, you will see results in one to two sessions. If you're trying to get rid of wrinkles or acne scarring, it's three to five sessions. For both acne and wrinkles, it's recommended to space out sessions four weeks apart. For photo damage, you space out sessions six to eight weeks apart.

What is better than Fraxel laser?

Fractora and Morpheus8 combine RF waves with microneedling technique for even better results. Unlike Fraxel laser, Fractora and Morpheus8 can be used on all skin types safely – on light and darker tones up to skin type VI with no risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

How painful is Fraxel?

The 'new' Fraxel is not painful for most patients; a mild prickling sensation can be felt. We ensure patients are comfortable by applying a topical anaesthetic cream before the treatment and the machine now comes with a Zimmer device, which blows chilled air on the skin as the laser works, distracting nerve endings.

Can I wear makeup after Fraxel?

If desired, make-up can be applied beginning 5 days after the procedure. Skin Care Products and Sunscreens o All of your skin care products should be non-irritating and non-clogging for a few weeks after laser treatment.

Can I wash my face after Fraxel laser?

Bathing / activities: Avoid strenuous exercise, massages and bathing in very hot water for 2-3 days after treatment. Washing: Wait at least 12 hours to wash your face. Use a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil to cleanse your face. Keep using the cleanser for the duration of the healing process.

Does Fraxel laser help wrinkles?

Fraxel is a fractional skin resurfacing treatment that improves the overall texture and tone of your skin while targeting a variety of common imperfections including, Fine lines and wrinkles. Dull skin.

What is Fraxel laser treatment?

Fraxel is the most widely known brand of fractional laser treatments used for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation—so popular that many people refer t...

What are the pros and cons of Fraxel?

Pros Fraxel laser downtime can be less than a week (unless you’re treated with the ablative Fraxel Re:pair).Patients see fresher, firmer, smoother,...

How much does Fraxel laser cost?

The price you’ll pay for Fraxel will depend on the intensity of your treatment, size of the treatment area, your provider’s level of experience, an...

What's the difference between Fraxel Re:store, Fraxel Dual, and Fraxel Re:pair?

There are three types of Fraxel lasers. Your doctor should recommend the best type of Fraxel laser to get the results you want, but these are the h...

What is Fraxel laser good for?

Fraxel can treat a variety of skin conditions, depending on the type of laser and setting your provider uses. It’s especially good for treating sig...

What happens during a Fraxel laser treatment?

Here’s what to expect during a Fraxel Dual treatment.Your provider will apply a topical anesthetic to make you comfortable and less likely to feel...

How many sessions of Fraxel laser treatments are needed?

You'll see big benefits after a single treatment with Fraxel Dual or Re:pair, though some people do return for a second treatment, depending on the...

How long does Fraxel recovery take?

Your recovery time will depend on the intensity of your Fraxel laser resurfacing treatment. You and your doctor can plan the best approach for you—...

How long does it take to see results from Fraxel?

You’ll see somewhat of a difference once you’ve healed (especially if you had Fraxel Re:pair), but the lasers' manufacturer says optimal results us...

Is Fraxel laser safe?

Fraxel is FDA-cleared and widely considered to be safe. Fraxel laser side effects tend to result from provider inexperience. Burning, scarring, and...

What is fractional laser?

Fraxel is the most widely known brand of fractional laser treatments used for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation— so popular that many people refer to any fractionated laser treatment as Fraxel. In the early days of laser skin resurfacing, all facial laser technology ablated (or removed the surface layer of) the entire treated area.

What is the role of laser in skin repair?

This means that the repair-and-healing stage is crucial: the laser is the catalyst, while the skin essentially treats itself as it recovers .

Is fraxel good for scarring?

These treatments often required weeks of downtime, with a high risk of side effects, including infection, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. One of the key benefits of a Fraxel treatment is that it’s still able to induce new collagen with far fewer risks and less recovery time.

How long does it take for a laser to work?

Listen, lasers don't exactly feel great, but the treatment itself is relatively quick—about 15 to 25 minutes, plus another 45 minutes for the topical anesthesia (numbing cream) to kick in before getting started. And since you'll be numbed up beforehand, Dr. Nussbaum says you'll likely only feel a little stinging.

How is fraxel different from microneedling?

Fraxel and microneedling are similar in that both treatments use the idea of creating micro-injuries on your skin to help rebuild collagen, but the main difference is that Fraxel penetrates the skin more deeply than microneedling.

What is a dual laser?

Fraxel Dual is a non-ablative laser that can be combined or used separately to address different skin concerns on the face, neck, chest, hands, legs—just about anywhere. The 1927 wavelength of Fraxel will lift away discoloration ( hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun damage, and pre-cancer spots), while the 1550 wavelength of Fraxel is designed to target and smooth your skin's texture (fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring ). Don't worry about writing this down—your derm will decide the correct wavelengths for your skin.

What is the best laser for acne scars?

Fraxel is one of the more aggressive lasers offered at most dermatologist offices (more on these other lasers below), which is how it's able to get rid of things like pockmarks (aka those pitted, indented acne scars known as ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars).

Why do you need ablative lasers?

Ablative lasers are considered "wounding" lasers because they remove the outer layer of your skin and heat up the tissue underneath to stimulate new collagen production and fresh skin growth. As your skin peels off and heals (yup, the week of downtime afterward is no joke), your face will look significantly smoother, tighter, and fresher—basically, it's a takes-years-off-your-face laser. Examples of ablative lasers include CO2 (carbon dioxide) lasering and Erbium (aka YAG) lasering.

How long does a laser touch up last?

Dr. Nussbaum says you might need a touch-up with a Clear + Brilliant laser four to six months later, but usually one Fraxel session is enough to last you the year. With the 1550 wavelength (the one for smoothing texture), you usually need three to five treatments spaced four weeks apart. Dr.

What to put on face to help with heat?

If you desperately need to put something on your face to alleviate some of the heat, Dr. Nussbaum recommends making a 50/50 mixture of whole milk (because the lactic acid and fat help heal the skin) and ice water (because it's naturally soothing).

What is fraxel treatment?

Fraxel ® is for people who want to look younger without dramatic changes or extended downtime.

How long does it take to get a Fraxel 1550?

The Fraxel ® DUAL 1550/1927 procedure takes 20 to 25 minutes for a full face.

What are the complications of frazel?

Possible Complications from of Fraxel treatment include: Blistering and Burns: May develop over the treated areas. Discoloration: The possibility of temporary and permanent skin color change is known to exist with any laser treatment and may occur.

How long does it take for a sunburn to go away after a syringe?

After the treatment, most patients feel like they have a sunburn, which usually diminishes in 1 to 3 hours.

Does laser treatment resurface skin?

And since the laser treats only a fraction of tissue at a time, it leaves the surrounding tissue intact, which promotes very rapid healing. Fraxel ® DUAL 1550/1927 treatment resurfaces your skin by stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells from the inside out.

How does a fraxel laser work?

Nussbaum explains the energy from the lasers creates tiny "columns of thermal destruction" in the skin that stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin cells to replace old, damaged cells.

Why do people use lasers on their face?

Nussbaum says most patients come into her office seeking Fraxel laser treatments for three reasons: hyperpigmentation or sun damage, wrinkles, and acne scarring. People most commonly have lasers applied to their whole faces, but the neck, décolletage, hands, and arms are also popular areas to treat. For textured acne scars, in particular (think: ...

How long does it take to get a retinol treatment?

On the actual day-of, you'll be topically numbed for 45 minutes, and the procedure itself takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on where you're getting treated.

Does milk exfoliate skin?

No exfoliation ," Nussbaum warns. She swears by a DIY compress made with half whole milk and half ice water because the lactic acid and fat content in the milk helps calm the skin. "It sinks right into the channels that we've made in the skin," she says.

Is laser treatment better for acne scars?

For textured acne scars, in particular (think: icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars), lasers are more effective than any topical treatment. "Being able to go that deep allows you to really break up that scar tissue that’s clouding the textural difference, whereas a cream wouldn’t be able to," Nussbaum explains.

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