FRAXEL® LASER SKIN RESURFACING

Are you frustrated by your uneven skin tone and texture, with issues like fine lines, dark spots and scars preventing you from looking and feeling your best? Do you wish you could have the smooth, radiant skin that might only seem possible with beauty filters? With Fraxel skin resurfacing, you can restore youthful, beautiful skin that will likely have others questioning how you achieved such a smooth complexion in real life.

WHAT IS FRAXEL® LASER TREATMENT?

Fraxel is an FDA-approved fractional laser skin resurfacing treatment designed to rejuvenate aging and sun-damaged skin on the face and body. Its dual wavelengths of 1550 and 1927 nm allow it to treat multiple skin concerns with one treatment. The 1550 nm wavelength targets the deeper layers of skin to improve textural concerns like wrinkles and scarring. The 1927 nm laser wavelength targets the skin’s surface layers to address pigmentation problems like age spots and melasma.

If you are interested in achieving a more even skin tone and texture with laser skin resurfacing in Redlands, CA, contact Senza Aesthetic Medicine. You can schedule your personalized consultation by calling 909-280-0586 or filling out our online contact form.

HOW DOES THE FRAXEL® NON-ABLATIVE FRACTIONAL LASER WORK?

The Fraxel laser energy heats thousands of microscopic columns in the skin to stimulate collagen remodeling and cellular turnover for the natural production of new, healthy skin cells. As a fractional laser, Fraxel only treats a fraction of the skin at a time, leaving columns of healthy skin between the columns of treated skin for the rapid repair of the damaged cells. It is also a non-ablative laser, meaning it heats the columns of skin rather than removing them, promoting faster healing.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF FRAXEL® LASER RESURFACING?

Nonsurgical skin rejuvenation
Dual wavelengths target multiple skin concerns
Visible results after just one treatment
Minimal downtime needed

WHAT IS FRAXEL® GOOD FOR TREATING?

The Fraxel laser offers an ideal treatment for various signs of aging and sun damage, including:

Fine lines
Wrinkles
Hyperpigmentation (dark spots/age spots, melasma, etc.)
Scarring (acne and surgical scars)
Actinic keratosis (a condition characterized by rough, scaly skin)

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A FRAXEL® TREATMENT

We will first gently cleanse your skin to remove any makeup and dirt. We will then apply a topical numbing cream (anesthetic) to your skin to improve your comfort during treatment. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, one of our laser specialists will pass the Fraxel laser device over your skin.

HOW LONG DOES FRAXEL® TREATMENT TAKE?

Fraxel treatment for the face takes just 20 to 25 minutes. Areas of the body may take up to an hour depending on the size of the treatment area.

IS FRAXEL® TREATMENT PAINFUL?

The majority of patients say Fraxel treatment is not painful at all. They describe the mild prickling and warming sensations during the treatment process as slightly uncomfortable but very manageable. We use a topical anesthetic ointment before treatment and cold air application during treatment to reduce any sensations you might feel.

HOW MANY FRAXEL® TREATMENTS DO I NEED?

One or two Fraxel treatments are typically needed to improve most pigmentation concerns, but indented scars and more dramatic signs of aging like wrinkles may require up to five sessions.

At your consultation, we will listen to your concerns and evaluate your skin to develop a customized treatment plan for your needs. If we determine that you would benefit from multiple Fraxel treatments and you accept our recommendation, each session will be performed two to four weeks apart.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING FRAXEL® RECOVERY

You may experience redness, swelling, itching and rough, dry and flaking skin after Fraxel. Age spots may darken as the pigment comes to the surface of the skin before the spots lighten and disappear. Your skin may also look slightly bronzed with tiny dark dots during recovery.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR SKIN TO HEAL AFTER FRAXEL®?
Patients usually take at least two days off work after Fraxel. The length of your Fraxel recovery will depend on the level of your treatment and the area treated. Fraxel treatments for the face typically involve four to five days for the majority of healing. Body treatments may take up to two weeks for the skin to completely heal.

Patients treated mainly with the 1927 nm wavelength on their face will likely have minimal redness for a few hours and mild swelling for about a day. Those treated more extensively with the deeper-penetrating 1550 nm wavelength will likely have noticeable facial swelling for two days and puffiness around the eyes for three to five days. The dead skin cells on your face will begin to flake off around day three or four of recovery. This flaking will last for two to three days and then reveal brighter, sometimes slightly pink new skin beneath.

HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY SKIN AFTER TREATMENT?

After Fraxel treatment, you should use a gentle cleanser to wash your face twice a day (typically in the evenings before bed and in the mornings after waking up). After cleansing, apply a moisturizer designed for sensitive skin without any fragrances or essential oils. In the mornings, also apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Be sure to reapply as needed throughout the day if you will be outside. By wearing sunscreen daily throughout your lifetime, you can help protect your skin from unnecessary aging and damage related to sun exposure.

After two weeks of using bland cleansing and moisturizing products, you can resume your routine skincare regimen as tolerated.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID AFTER FRAXEL®?

Avoid the following for at least one week after your Fraxel treatment:

Irritating skin products
Exfoliating your skin — manually or chemically
Smoking
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
Strenuous exercise
Swimming and hot tubs
Saunas
Excessive heat
Direct sunlight (for at least three months)

HOW LONG AFTER FRAXEL® DO YOU SEE RESULTS?

Initial results become visible about one week after Fraxel treatment, once the skin is finished peeling and reveals the new, healthy skin beneath it. Ideal results are generally seen after two or three months, as it takes about this long for the skin to produce new collagen to fill fine lines, wrinkles and other textural concerns.

HOW LONG DO FRAXEL® RESULTS LAST?

Most patients experience noticeably brighter, smoother skin for years to come after their Fraxel treatment. The exact duration of your Fraxel results will depend on the condition of your skin prior to treatment, the extent of your treatment and how you care for and protect your skin after treatment.

CAN I COMBINE MY FRAXEL® LASER RESURFACING WITH OTHER COSMETIC TREATMENTS?

Yes, patients often choose to combine Fraxel with other treatments if they have multiple skin concerns or goals. Injectable treatments like Botox and dermal fillers are often great combination treatments with Fraxel for patients looking to smooth deep facial wrinkles or hollows and achieve more radiant, youthful skin.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LASER SKIN RESURFACING WITH FRAXEL® IN REDLANDS

Dr. Leonardo Rasi and his team of laser specialists at Senza Aesthetic Medicine have been helping patients rejuvenate and enhance their appearances for over 20 years. To learn more about Fraxel and whether you’re an ideal candidate for this laser skin resurfacing treatment, contact us today!