What makes Fraxel different from other laser treatments?
Fraxel re:store is the most aggressive of the three laser rejuvenation treatment systems. Unlike the other two Fraxel systems, Fraxel re:store is more invasive, relying on both ablative and nonablative techniques to treat the most severely damaged skin, including deep lines and wrinkles. Most men and women require only one treatment with the ...
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 the recovery time for Fraxel Laser treatment?
What should I expect during my laser skin resurfacing recovery?
- Follow these steps during your laser skin resurfacing recovery. Clean the treated areas two to five times a day with saline or a diluted vinegar solution as directed by your ...
- Complications of laser skin resurfacing. Acne flares. ...
- Tips for an easier recovery. ...
- Recovery times will vary depending on your treatment. ...
- Camouflage the pink or red skin. ...
What will I look like after a Fraxel Laser treatment?
- soften fine lines
- lessen acne scars (icepick, boxcar, post-acne hyperpigmentation)
- heal traumatic scars (surgical scars, injury, burns)
- address texture issues
- lighten age spots and brown sunspots
- balance uneven skin tone
- reduce stretch marks
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 ...
What are the side effects of Fraxel laser?
Redness, swelling, itching and pain. Treated skin may swell, itch or have a burning sensation. Redness may be intense and might last for several months.
What are the long term side effects of laser?
Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.
Is Fraxel long term?
Fraxel Results Fraxel skin resurfacing is designed to stimulate collagen production long-term, so patients typically enjoy the full effect of their treatment after three to six weeks. However, initial, subtle improvements may be noticeable within one week of a Fraxel session.
Is the Fraxel laser worth it?
Since the Fraxel laser promotes rapid cell turnover and collagen production, it works extremely well on dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles along with other skin conditions such as acne scars. The Fraxel laser is also an effective treatment for skin discoloration.
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.
Can lasers ruin your skin?
Lasers can harm the skin via photochemical or thermal burns. Depending on the wavelength, the beam may penetrate both the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outermost living layer of skin. Far and Mid-ultraviolet (the actinic UV) are absorbed by the epidermis.
What are the negative effects of lasers?
Improperly used laser devices are potentially dangerous. Effects can range from mild skin burns to irreversible injury to the skin and eye. The biological damage caused by lasers is produced through thermal, acoustical and photochemical processes.
Can laser treatment damage your face?
Potential risks of the procedure include: Burns or other injuries from the laser's heat. Scarring. Changes in the skin's pigmentation, including areas of darker or lighter skin.
How often should you get 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.
How long do results of Fraxel 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.
Does Fraxel get rid of wrinkles?
Fraxel is effective in treating: Fine lines & wrinkles (like crow's feet and brow lines) Surface scarring (helps to erase effects of acne & other scarring) Pigmentation (diminishes the appearance of brown spots)
Answer: Fraxel therapy and long term implications
The long term consequences of Fraxel therapy are really unknown at this time. IT may take us 10--20 years to really discover the effects of this intervention.
Answer: Fraxel Laser Skin Damage Fears
First, your question and information about Accutane use leads me to assume you are considering Fraxel for acne scarring. This response will pertain to the Fraxel Restore since to date this laser is still seen as the most effective for acne scarring.
Answer: Fraxel Laser and the Risk of Long Term Damage
HI Fraxel girl, Fraxel repair has been used for the past 4 years (2 1/2 years of pre-release patient testing, and 1 1/2 years since it's release to the public). There have not been long term problems with skin in patients who did not have complications with their treatment.
How long does swelling last after faxel repair?
For most patients, minor swelling can result from undergoing Fraxel Refine or Fraxel Restore treatments, but the swelling usually subsides within 24 hours and does not interfere with normal life activity. For the more invasive Fraxel Repair procedures, swelling can be slightly more serious and can last 2 to 5 days post treatment. However, in rare cases, prolonged periods of swelling do occur.
How does fraxel work?
The technique is done by using laser beams to penetrate into the dermal layer of the skin and induce precisely controlled damage to the treatment area, triggering the skin's own healing process. As a result, superficial imperfections will gradually fall off and be replaced by a fresh layer of newly regenerated and healthier skin. Within the Fraxel family, there are three subcategories of treatments: 1 Fraxel Refine 2 Fraxel Restore 3 Fraxel Repair
How does laser skin treatment work?
The technique is done by using laser beams to penetrate into the dermal layer of the skin and induce precisely controlled damage to the treatment area, triggering the skin's own healing process. As a result, superficial imperfections will gradually fall off and be replaced by a fresh layer of newly regenerated and healthier skin. Within the Fraxel family, there are three subcategories of treatments:
How long does it take for redness to go away after frazel?
Post procedure redness is to be expected. It will look and feel very similar to a sun burn. The degree of redness and burning sensation will vary depending on the type of Fraxel treatment. Usually, for Fraxel Refine and Restore, redness and discomfort will disappear within 2 days, and for Fraxel Repair patients, these side effects should recede within a week. After Fraxel treatment, the skin will be more photosensitive. Patients are recommended to avoid direct sun exposure and to wear sun block SPF30 or higher for up to 3 months post treatment.
Can Fraxel cause hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation. Prolonged hyperpigmentation, the darkening of the skin, can occur as a result of Fraxel laser treatment , but the possibility for this type of side effect is also very rare.
Is a fraxel laser safe?
Compared with other types of treatment options, Fraxel laser is usually favored for their qualities of effectiveness, relative safety and minimal recovery requirements. However, despite the widely acclaimed simplicity of the procedures, there are possibilities for adverse side effects. These risk factors should be carefully considered before treatment.
Can a laser scare be permanent?
Scarring and other permanent skin damage can be potential risks of Fraxel treatments, but since most Fraxel laser procedures are non-ablative, these occurrences are also very rare. Scarring after Fraxel can appear as change of skin texture, protrusion or depression. Though research supports that scarring only occurs in less than 1% of all patients, there have been claims of permanent skin damage that resulted after Fraxel procedures.
How to minimize the risk of a fraxel laser?
The best way to minimize your Fraxel laser risk is to choose an experienced physician. Ask how often he or she uses the Fraxel laser and request to see before and after pictures of others who have undergone the procedure.
What happens after a fraxel treatment?
After the treatment is over and the anesthetic is removed, you will have some redness and swelling, similar to what you feel from a sunburn; the degree will vary depending on which Fraxel treatment you received. These side effects are part of the natural healing process as new skin is built from the inside out.
How much does a laser fraxel cost?
Fraxel laser treatment cost is in the $400 to $1,000 range per session. Since it is a cosmetic procedure, medical insurance will not cover it. If the out-of-pocket cost is prohibitive, financing may be available through your physician.
What is the purpose of a fraxel laser?
Fraxel laser treatments are sometimes used in tandem with Thermage, which focuses radiofrequency energy on the deeper dermis and subcutaneous layers to tighten and contour the skin and stimulate new collagen growth.
What is a fraxel laser?
Fraxel is a laser skin rejuvenation treatment that resurfaces your outer skin, erasing imperfections. It also encourages the production of collagen, a protein found in connective tissue. Collagen is instrumental in maintaining firm, youthful, healthy-looking skin, but its production drops off as we age. The result is clearly visible lines, folds and wrinkles.
How does laser skin rejuvenation work?
It works by creating tiny wounds in the dermis, the dense inner layer of skin where collagen is produced; the top layer of skin (epidermis) remains undamaged. As the dermis heals itself, old skin cells are sloughed off and collagen regeneration occurs, resulting in improved skin tone, appearance and elasticity.
How long does it take for a laser to work?
The treatment area is cleaned thoroughly and a topical anesthetic ointment is applied. Once the anesthetic has taken effect (usually within 60 to 90 minutes), the treatment can begin.
What is recovery like after Fraxel laser treatments?
It will look red or pink for several days. Over the next week or two, your skin will naturally bronze, followed by flaking, for which you can use a moisturizer.
How are Fraxel laser treatments done?
According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, your doctor will plan treatments after reviewing your medical history, conducting a physical exam, and talking to you about your expectations.
How long does it take for a swollen skin to heal after fractional ablative?
Skin peeling may be pronounced. You’ll need to gently remove flakes, reapply ointment, and cover your skin with gauze daily, as directed. Redness might continue for weeks to months, but you can wear makeup after the skin regrows in 3-10 days.
Why is skin color considered a risk factor for ablative treatments?
He also considers skin color because darker skin types have a high risk of pigment changes with ablative treatments.
What are the side effects of laser resurfacing?
According to the Mayo Clinic, side effects from non-ablative laser resurfacing may include mild swelling and redness, infection (herpes virus flare-up), temporary skin darkening (dark skin types), and blistering and scarring (rare).
What is an ablative laser?
Ablative lasers vaporize the outer layer of your skin. This harsher treatment means longer healing, more pronounced side effects, and added downtime, but achieves more dramatic results.
What are the two forms of lasers?
Two forms of lasers have traditionally been available: non-ablative and ablative.