The Fraxel laser systems by Solta Medical are some of the most well known fractional laser devices used for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation, and the flagship laser of the brand is the Fraxel Restore, which has now been combined with a Thulium laser to create the Fraxel Restore Dual.
Fraxel Indications
The Fraxel Restore Dual is a popular treatment for acne scars and other skin texture irregularities, and it also treats the following conditions on the face, neck, chest and hands:
- Fine lines
- Enlarged pores
- Melasma
- Sun damage
- Uneven pigmentation
Additionally, Fraxel is an effective treatment for reducing scars caused by accidents and other skin trauma on nearly any part of the body. Fraxel treatment is safe and effective for adult men and women of all ages and skin types, however ablative laser treatment, such as CO2 laser resurfacing, may be more suitable for correcting advanced photoaging and moderate to severe wrinkles.
Fraxel Treatment
Prior to Fraxel treatment, your skin will be cleansed and a topical anesthetic will be applied. A full face Fraxel treatment typically takes about 20-30 minutes to perform, and total of three to six treatments spaced two to four weeks apart is recommended to achieve optimal results.
Utilizing two lasers— the original Fraxel Restore 1550nm Erbium Yag laser and Thulium 1957nm laser— the Fraxel Restore Dual penetrates the skin, heating the deep dermis layer without vaporizing the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. This stimulates collagen remodeling, gently helping to improve skin tone and texture over the course of a three to six treatment series.
Although the Fraxel Restore and Fraxel Restore Dual lasers are perhaps the most popular of the Fraxel laser systems, the brand name extends to the Fraxel Repair laser, an ablative fractional CO2 laser resurfacing device, and the Fraxel Refine, a non ablative laser that provides superficial skin treatment.
Fraxel Recovery
After Fraxel, little to no downtime is required and the recovery period is minimal, as skin reacts to each Fraxel treatment much like it would to a mild to moderate sunburn.
Mild redness and swelling typically occur for one to two days after treatment, then skin pigmentation temporarily darkens for a few days before superficially peeling or flaking off.
It is important not to pick or scratch at your skin while it peels, as this may result in scarring or permanent changes in skin pigmentation. It is also important to moisturize and protect your skin from the sun after Fraxel treatment, as this can affect results and cause more significant skin damage.
The full results of each Fraxel Laser treatment may be seen about 6 months after the procedure, so be sure to stick with your treatment series and allow time for significant collagen remodeling to occur before judging your Fraxel results.
Would you like to learn more about Fraxel laser resurfacing in New York City? Call 212-772-7242 to schedule a consultation at Sadick Dermatology.
