The Fraxel laser delivers thousands of microscopic laser beams that penetrate beneath the skin’s surface to eliminate old, damaged skin cells. This stimulates the body’s own natural healing process which replaces damaged skin with fresh, glowing, healthy skin.
Fraxel can be done on virtually any area of the body. Immediately following the treatment, skin is softer, brighter and more even in tone. Over the next 3-6 months, as deeper layers of the skin.
Who is a good candidate for Fraxel?
- Patients who have sun damage, melasma or dark pigment on the face or body
- Patients with texture irregularities such as acne scars
- Patients with fine to deep facial lines and wrinkles
What can I expect after the treatment?
Generally, patients can experience some redness for several days. As skin heals, bronzing or peeling may occur. There is no wound care but patients may apply moisturizer and sun protection as instructed.
How many treatments are needed?
Everyone’s skin is different, but typically patients with dark spots and melasma can expect great results even after one session. Patients with scarring, wrinkles or texture will benefit most from a series of treatments spaced 4 weeks apart.
Fraxel Laser
What is a Fraxel laser?
It is a laser that creates tiny wounds in the skin. As the skin heels it produces new collagen. This new collagen rejuvenates skin and makes it look younger.
What types of skin problems can a Fraxel laser treat?
You can treat sun damage with uneven discoloration, dark spots, uneven texture, enlarged pores, acne scars and wrinkles.
How many treatments of the Fraxel laser are necessary?
For brown discoloration 1 to 2 treatments may be necessary. For scars or wrinkles 4 treatments are usually necessary.
How far apart are the treatments for Fraxel laser scheduled?
The treatments are scheduled 4 or more weeks apart.
What color skin types can have the Fraxel laser?
Any skin type can have the Fraxel laser but the power settings on the laser may need to be adjusted. If the skin is dark the laser settings may need to be lowered.
Can I have the Fraxel laser if I’ve just been in the sun?
No. You cannot have a tan so it is better to have it after you’ve been out of the sun for 3 weeks or more.
Do I need to wear sunscreen after having a Fraxel laser?
It is very important to our broad-spectrum SPF 30 or above sunscreen. Dr. jaliman recommends one with a high concentration of zinc oxide.
Can I have a Fraxel laser if I have self tanner on my face?
No, you must wait for the self-tanner to wear off. To the laser self-tanner appears as a tan.
Is the Fraxel laser painful?
A topical numbing cream will be applied to the skin 30 minutes before the procedure. In some cases, a pain medication will be given by mouth.
Can I have the Fraxel laser if I have herpes infections on my lip?
It is necessary to take Valtrex medication by mouth before the procedure and after the procedure to prevent a recurrence of the herpes infection. You cannot have the laser with an active infection as it will spread the infection.
Is there downtime with the Fraxel laser?
After the procedure there are a few days of redness and swelling that can be covered by makeup.
Will the Fraxel laser removal all of my acne scars?
Please remember that once your skin has been scarred by acne or even from surgery the skin will never be the same. But it can be greatly improved with multiple treatments of this laser.
Each time that your skin is treated with the Fraxel laser it will cause new collagen production. This collagen makes the skin smoother and produces a more even complexion.
Please call the office of board-certified NYC dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman and make a complimentary appointment with a laser technician to be evaluated for the Fraxel laser.