Before and After Fraxel

The success behind Fraxel® technology is the way in which the device works. The skin in a treated area is exposed to laser energy, but unlike other laser-based skin resurfacing procedures, Fraxel® delivers this energy as microscopic columns which penetrate deeply into the dermis and leave some tissue unaffected. As a result, only a fraction of skin tissue is exposed at any given time, and that is why healing and the recovery process are faster – because only the affected tissue needs to recover from treatment.

Fraxel Re:Pair vs Fraxel Re:Store

There are two types of Fraxel technologies. One is non-ablative and the other is ablative.

What Does Ablative Mean?

Ablative describes the surgical removal of tissue. Therefore, an ablative laser is one that removes the skin (and leaves open wounds). Fraxel Re:Pair is an ablative laser. Generally speaking, ablative lasers are used for complexion irregularities that require a more dramatic improvement. Due to its invasiveness, the recovery period may be lengthier.

What Does Non-Ablative Mean?

A non-ablative laser is one that does not remove tissue. It works by producing a wound healing response at the deeper layers of your skin, without breaking the skin itself. This stimulates collagen growth. Fraxel Re:Store is a non-ablative laser.

Preparing

Leading up to the procedure, make sure to follow all of the steps and guidelines given to you by your practitioner. These can vary, being dictated mostly by the type of treatment you require, but never consist of any drastic steps. Most often we will advise that you halt the use of certain medications in the week before your procedure is set to begin. The consultation will also detail if any topical or oral products need to be used in the days before the treatment. Sometimes an antiviral medication will be prescribed that should be taken one day before and on the day of the Fraxel® procedure.

Depending on the type of Fraxel Skin Resurfacing treatment that has been decided upon between you and the clinic, however, you may need to begin a skin regimen that prepares your face and/or body for the procedure. Fraxel® Re:pair usually requires that patients begin to supplement their daily skin care routine with the application of products made with glycolic acid, vitamin C and retinoic acid (usually for the three days before your appointment date).

The Procedure

There’s no reason to be nervous about your upcoming Fraxel Skin Resurfacing procedure but it can help to know what to expect. The treatment itself is quick and almost entirely painless with minimal side effects but, regardless, going into the procedure with plenty of information is always a good idea.

On the day of your appointment you will arrive at the aesthetic medical practice you’ve chosen and be directed to the treatment area. A technician, nurse or doctor will use a laser hand-piece to prepare the treatment site. The clinic will also use a specialized cooling device on this area as well. The hand-piece mentioned before will then be applied, directing laser energy at the targeted skin.

The procedure itself is essentially painless. Patients will feel some gentle heat along with prickling while the lasers do their work. If sensitive areas of the face are being targeted, anaesthetic drops or other topical numbing agents may be used in order to minimize any discomfort.

Before and after Fraxel skin resurfacing of female patient on stomach area.

Recovery

Usually, it takes about 7 to 10 days before the redness and swelling resolve, after which you’ll just look a bit sunburnt — like you’ve just returned from a tropical vacation. During that time, you can still go to work, but you might feel uncomfortable if your work involves dealing with customers face to face. You won’t feel pain though you may have some pinpoint bleeding. This goes away in a day or two. You’ll need to avoid applying makeup for about a week to 10 days, because your skin will need time to heal.

Recovery and Side Effects

Once the Fraxel® procedure is finished patients can expect to feel a sensation that resembles a mild sunburn for roughly an hour. This discomfort will begin to noticeably subside, vanishing completely during the days that follow the treatment. The affected skin will take on a pinkish colour for several days (indicating that it is healing) and there may be a small amount of swelling during this time as well. Because healing skin is more vulnerable to environmental damage, minimizing sun exposure is important at this stage.

After your Fraxel® treatment the skin immediately begins to repair itself and correct the problems that the procedure was aimed at fixing. The first healing stage can result in a bronze tinge appearing on the affected skin (lasting from three to fourteen days) before dead tissue begins to shed. Skin flaking is similar to what results from a mild sunburn and can be reduced in appearance by using moisturizers or sunscreen.

Some Fraxel® treatments can cause brief acne flare-ups but, if this looks to be the case, your clinic will prescribe an antibiotic to counteract this side effect.The vast majority of patients continue on with their day immediately after the Fraxel Skin Resurfacing procedure is completed. Your practitioner will let you know how soon you can begin to shave and/or apply makeup but, usually, patients are able to do so soon after the end of their appointment. Results will begin to become noticeable almost immediately following treatment but, depending on the nature of your skin improvement goals, follow-up sessions may be advised.

Before and after Fraxel skin resurfacing of female patient to treat pigmentation

Before and after Fraxel skin resurfacing of female patient to treat texture and pigmentation

Before and after Fraxel skin resurfacing of female patient to treat wrinkles and pigmentation

How Does Fractional Laser Therapy Work?

Fractional laser therapy is offered at many aesthetic medical practices under the trade name Fraxel®. Fraxel® leverages powerful and highly advanced technology that treats damaged or irregular skin through sophisticated lasers. This laser system (used in a procedure called fractional photothermolysis) is able to penetrate deep into injured skin, replacing problem areas with new, healthy cells.

The end result of a Fraxel® treatment is total repair that is usually referred to as skin resurfacing. The Fractional photothermolysis system sees thousands of extremely fine laser columns being aimed at a treatment area. These columns (each one is only the size of 1/10th of a hair follicle’s diameter) are targeted, with incredible precision, toward where they are needed most.

Fraxel® eliminates the damaged tissue responsible for skin problems and promotes natural growth processes in its place. Once the skin is able to function properly again patients experience a normalized and healthier-looking appearance.

Great Results

Fraxel is well received by our patients. The treatment has a high satisfaction rate when resolving complexion concerns.

What are the Benefits of Fractional Laser Therapy?

Fraxel® is able to treat a number of different skin problems. One of its most common uses is in reducing the appearance of scars (either from acne or physical trauma). Patients can also make use of a Fraxel® procedure in order to correct skin tone and/or textural issues brought about through environmental damage or natural aging processes. Wrinkles and fine lines (even in sensitive areas like the skin that surrounds the eyes) can be treated through the system’s ability to promote collagen growth and the treatment also works to resolve tonal problems like age spots, uneven colouring, irregular pigmentation and more. The resurfacing procedure also leaves skin with a smoother, vibrant and more youthful look.

One of the main reasons that Fraxel Skin Resurfacing is recommended for so many skin correct procedures is due to another of its primary benefits: an unparalleled level of accuracy that results in minimal pain and speedy recovery times. The advanced fractional photothermolysis system is able to target only problem tissue without accidentally causing injury to the surrounding area. This means that a patients’ skin heals extremely quickly and allows them to return to their normal schedule soon after their procedure is completed.