Fraxel and Fractional Laser Resurfacing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fraxel® Laser Treatment (FLT) ?

“Results you can see and feel”
Just as a damaged painting is delicately restored one small area at a time, or a photographic image is altered, pixel by pixel, Fraxel® Laser Treatment improves your appearance by affecting only a fraction of your skin at a time with thousands of tiny microscopic laser spots.

FLT is a "fractional" treatment that produces thousands of deep, tiny columns in your skin, called microthermal treatment zones. FLT is "fractional" in that it intensively treats old epidermal pigment cells without affecting any of the surrounding tissue, which reduces healing time and promotes the skin's natural process for creating new, healthier tissue to replace the damaged cells.

How is Fraxel different from other AESTHETIC laser treatments ?

Until Fraxel®, there were two types of available laser treatments. Ablative laser treatment, which literally means to vaporize at very high temperature, is very effective but has significant side effects and requires a lengthy healing period. The other available laser treatment, being non-ablative, has little or no side effects and almost no healing time, but requires numerous treatments over many months and has limited results at best. Fraxel® treatments offer the effectiveness of ablative treatments with the benefits of the gentler, non-ablative lasers.
Fraxel® laser treatments target the skin's surface irregularities such as pigmentation, acne scarring, and wrinkles. Difficult areas such as thin skin of under the eyes, lips, necks and hands are able to be effectively treated with the renewal produced by the Fraxel® treatments.

Fraxel® Laser Treatment works differently than more traditional laser peel treatments. Instead of treating the entire surface area of the skin, Fraxel® creates very small thermal interactions to points along the skin's surface. These areas are invisible to the eye and penetrate 400 to 700 microns into the dermis. The treatment points cause the collagen to build while the surrounding untreated areas help to aid rapid healing.

Older laser technology such as the CO2 or Erbium lasers were effective but the prolonged down-time and risks made it an poor choice for the busy lives we have today. The Fraxel® technology was developed to achieve the same or similar results without the downtime. The idea was to effectively renew tiny microscopic zones of the skin without disrupting the skin's surface.

Fraxel® creates very small thermal interactions to points along the skin's surface. These areas are invisible to the naked eye. The treatment points cause the collagen to build while the surrounding untreated areas help to aid rapid healing. Treatments such as Fraxel® Laser Treatment can cause collagen to rebuild itself, smoothing out the skin's surface and evening out skin tone.

Fraxel® Laser Treatment bridges the gap between ablative and non-ablative treatments - providing the superior results of ablative with the fast-healing period of non-ablative. Its patented, FDA-approved methods give proven skin results that make you appear younger and more vibrant. And the results are so impressive that it has been written up in prestigious publications such as the New York Times.
NB Fraxel® is a registered trademark of Reliant Technologies – beware of imitations!

How Does Fraxel Work ?

FLT is designed to target aging and sun damaged skin by targeting portions of specific damaged tissue. By creating microscopic "wounds" within the targeted areas well beneath the outer most epidermal layer of skin, Fraxel®® Laser treatments trigger the body's natural healing process accelerating the production of collagen and new, healthy skin cells.

What are the benefits of Fraxel® Laser Treatments ?

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. Because the Fraxel® Laser penetrates the non-living out layer of skin leaving it completely untreated, 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. Please consult your physician to understand how Fraxel® Laser Treatment will fit into your schedule.

What are the risks of Fraxel® Laser Treatments ?

Swelling and redness are the most common side effects from treatment. If swelling does occur, it is minimal and will subside within a few days. There is a very limited risk of infection or scarring.

How many 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. Depending upon your condition and schedule, you and your physician may choose to space treatment sessions even further apart. Results are immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement is usually visible in about 2 to 3 months. 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. The number of treatments to achieve results is individual. The younger the person, the fewer the treatments required. As we age the amount and depth of sun damage and wrinkles increases thereby increasing the need for more treatments. Generally, an individual with a skin age in their 40's may need 1-2 treatments, while someone with a skin age in their 50's may require 2-3 treatments. Individuals with a skin age of 60 and over will require a minimum of 3 treatments.

Is Fraxel Laser Treatment for everyone ?

Fraxel® Laser Treatment has been approved for all people on all skin surfaces. The precise hand piece used in treatment can handle tender, delicate areas such as the skin around the eyes or on the chest.

How long will the Fraxel effects last ?

Fraxel® Laser Treatment can help to turn back the clock but it doesn't stop the aging process. Treatments are long lasting, but you still need to take good care of your skin, drinking plenty of water, eating healthy, minimizing stress and avoiding sun exposure. All of these steps will help you keep your youthful appearance longer.

What are the differences between the Fraxel® Refine, Fraxel® Restore &Fraxel® Repair Lasers?

The Fraxel® family of products has three laser treatments, all delivering remarkable results with fast recovery. The range of Fraxel® treatments vary in aggressiveness, downtime, number of procedures needed and results. The most aggressive treatment, Fraxel® re:pair, can produce dramatic improvement for severely damaged skin. This is a single treatment procedure, but will require more downtime and after treatment wound care. Less aggressive treatments, like Fraxel® re:store or Fraxel® re:fine, can produce significant results for mild to moderately damaged skin over the course of 3 to 6 treatments. Typically, there is no after treatment wound care with these treatments and downtime is minimal. When considering which treatment option is best for you, you and your physician should discuss the trade-off between downtime and results, to determine the best option that fits your skin condition and lifestyle. Fraxel®re:fine™treatment (prevention and maintenance) The most gentle option, Fraxel® re:fine treatment is a cosmetic procedure that treats minor skin damage, preventing the signs of aging so you can maintain a youthful look. What it treats: fine lines around the eyes, age spots/sunspots, pigment irregularities and uneven skin tone. Downtime: Minimal. *Most return to routine activities the very same day. Fraxel® re:store™ treatment (for mild to severe skin damage) The original and most popular Fraxel® treatment, Fraxel® re:store treatment can resurface damaged skin and uncover the skin of your youth—all with minimal impact on your daily routine. What it treats: wrinkles around the eyes, acne scars, surgical scars, age spots/sunspots, melasma and Actinic Keratoses. Downtime: Most return to regular activities within a day or two. New:Fraxel® re:store DUAL™ The Fraxel® re:store® systemhas been taken to the next level by adding a new wavelength that enables us to better address pigmentation and other dyschromia on the entire body with minimal discomfort! The new systemAddressing both deep and superficial resurfacing indication with maximum efficacy and safety, consistently for all skin types anywhere on the body. Fraxel® re:pair® treatment (surgery-like results for the most severe skin damage) The newest product in the Fraxel® family, Fraxel® re:pair treatment is a pre-emptive strike against a facelift. The treatment tightens skin and corrects severe damage. What it treats: wrinkles, irregular texture, age spots/sunspots, sun-induced redness. Downtime: Most return to routine activities after a week.

To learn more please use the links to the right or contact us for a consultation.