Years of sun exposure, environmental pollutants, and the natural aging process all have an effect on the appearance and youthfulness of your skin. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of treatments available to rejuvenate and refresh your complexion. Among these treatments, the innovative Fraxel laser works to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and boost collagen production and improve aging and sun-damaged skin at the cellular level, yielding dramatic, long-lasting results.
What Is Fraxel Laser?
Fraxel laser is an FDA-cleared fractional laser technology that uses light energy to improve skin tone, texture, and appearance. Considered the gold-standard in laser skin treatments, the Fraxel laser works by promoting collagen regeneration deep within the dermal structure. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and serves as the main building block for skin, helping it maintain its integrity and keeping it from sagging and drooping as time goes by.
Benefits & Treatment Areas of Fraxel Laser
The Fraxel laser is a fantastic option for people looking to achieve glowing, healthy skin without going through the downtime associated with ablative laser treatments. And best of all, the treatment can be applied anywhere in the body, including sensitive areas like the face, neck, hands, and decolletage.
Fractional laser skin resurfacing works by emitting thousands of microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep inside the skin to flush out dead or decaying cells and stimulate collagen production. At the Boston Center for Facial Rejuvenation, we’ve had great success using the Fraxel laser for the following skin concerns:
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Melasma
- Surgical scars
- Injury/traumatic scars
- Enlarged pores
- Brown spots
- Acne scarring, especially textured ones like icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars
- Poor skin tone
- Age spots and sun-damaged skin
- Skin discoloration and uneven pigmentation
- Aging hands
- Stretch marks
How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?
A laser is a focused light beam that uses a singular wavelength to correct a flaw or imperfection on the skin, such as pigmented lesions or acne scars. The lasers typically used for skin resurfacing are known as ablative, or “wounding” lasers, because they work by removing the uppermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis. Stripping this damaged or worn layer reveals the younger, brighter skin that’s sitting underneath. However, these laser treatments are also relatively invasive and require an extensive recovery period.
The Fraxel laser, on the other hand, delivers the same rejuvenating effects as ablative treatments with minimal downtime. Fractional lasers, like the name suggests, only treat a fraction of tissue at a time, leaving the surrounding skin intact. This, in turn, expedites your body’s natural healing process, allowing you to get back to your regular activities just a day or two following your treatment.
Fraxel acts almost like a “magic eraser” for your skin. You will see a dramatic improvement in both radiance and texture immediately after treatment. And since it promotes collagen formation, your results will continue to improve months after your Fraxel session.
The staff is very friendly and welcoming! Very nice place and enjoy coming here each month for treatment! I highly recommend them!
Am I A Candidate For Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing?
You may be a good candidate for Fraxel skin resurfacing if you want to achieve younger-looking, smoother skin without undergoing surgical intervention or ablative laser treatments. The Fraxel laser is approved for a range of skin concerns, including acne scars and sun damage, and it can be used in all skin colors and types.
You may not be a candidate for Fraxel laser skin treatments if you:
- Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are currently taking prescription acne medications or using retinoids
- Have a history of keloids or excessive scarring
- Have an ongoing facial infection, open facial wounds, or active cystic acne
Fraxel Laser Treatment & Recovery
You will meet with one of our experienced dermatologists before your procedure to discuss your skin concerns and determine if this treatment is appropriate for you. The day of your Fraxel treatment, your dermatologist will gently clean your skin and apply a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort.
The numbing cream usually takes effect within 45 minutes to an hour, and the treatment itself only takes about 15 minutes for the entire face and 30 minutes or longer for larger areas like the arms or legs. Generally speaking, you can expect each Fraxel laser session to last about 2 hours.
Your skin will look and feel a little red and irritated immediately following your Fraxel treatment. During the first two days, you can expect mild swelling, achiness, and tenderness. Using cold compresses and ice packs can help to reduce inflammation and pain. However, it’s important to avoid hot showers, saunas, and intense exercise for at least 3 days or until your skin no longer feels inflamed.
You will notice some peeling three to five days after your treatment. Do not scratch or pick at the flakes and scales, as it may cause scarring, increase your risk for infection, and lengthen the recovery process. Make sure you apply UV protection every day, even if you are staying indoors. You’ll also want to avoid harsh products like scrubs and chemical peels for at least a week or until your doctor says it’s okay to use them.
Schedule Your Fraxel Laser Consultation
Turn back the hands of time and reveal fresh, younger-looking skin with the Fraxel laser. Call the Boston Center for Facial Rejuvenation at 617.735.8735 or fill out our online Contact form to get started on your skincare journey.
Fraxel Laser Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of Fraxel laser treatments depends on each patient’s individual aesthetic needs and goals. For more specific information on laser treatments at the Boston Center for Facial Rejuvenation, please contact our Patient Coordinator, Robyn Sola.
One of the greatest things about Fraxel treatment is that it doesn’t require a whole lot of preparation or aftercare. In general, we ask our patients to stop using retinoids, chemical peels, acids, or irritating products a week before their laser session. For safety reasons, you may need to wait a few weeks before undergoing Fraxel laser treatment if you have an infection, active acne breakout, or open wounds in the treatment area.
Fraxel laser treatment isn’t considered painful, although there is some discomfort involved. You may experience a burning or stinging sensation, similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin. Your dermatologist will also use cold air on the treatment area during the procedure to reduce any unpleasant sensations.
Fraxel laser is considered a safe and effective treatment with little to no side effects when performed by an experienced provider, like the dermatologists at the Boston Center for Facial Rejuvenation. In inexperienced hands, however, the treatment can result in burning, scarring, and pigmentation issues.
Your Fraxel results can last for years with proper skin care. Since the treatment stimulates collagen and elastin production, your skin will continue rejuvenating over the following months as the deeper layers continue healing.
Fraxel skin resurfacing will help your skin to look softer, plumper, and more radiant. However, laser treatments do not stop the natural aging process. Depending on your cosmetic goals and the current state of your skin, you may need up to five treatments to achieve your desired results. At the Boston Center for Facial Rejuvenation, we like to space out Fraxel sessions 4 to 8 weeks apart to give your skin sufficient time to heal.
