Fraxel Laser - Introduction

The Fraxel Dual laser is the biggest breakthrough in skin repair and rejuvenation of this decade. This is because it can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin (dermis) and the amount of skin treated can be varied, making it suitable for all skin conditions and colours. Furthermore, results can be achieved without the downtime, pain and complications of traditional lasers.

Great for:
•    Fine lines and wrinkles
•    Loss of skin elasticity
•    Sun damage including pigmentation
•    Acne and acne scarring
•    General scarring
•    Rosacea

Fraxel Laser - How it works

The lowdown
The Fraxel laser drives thousands of individual columns of light (about the width of a hair) deep into the skin, leaving the remaining skin to stimulate collagen – the basic building blocks or structural support of our skin. The microscopic columns of treated skin are eliminated slowly over many weeks as they are replaced by healthy new tissue. You will find that your skin improves in thickness and elasticity (springiness), as well as in colour, lustre and tone.

How long does the procedure take?
Depending on your skin’s needs, you will require 1-5 sessions, 2-6 weeks apart, for best results. Each session is 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of the area treated (+ 2 hours preparation and 1 hour cooling time). 

What happens during the procedure?
The Fraxel laser is rolled several times across the entire area it is treating. Topical anaesthetic is applied before the procedure plus cold air is used during it to minimise discomfort. Afterwards, cold compresses are applied to cool the skin. There is no skin breakage or burning – the skin remains dry. A sunscreen and a post-laser lotion are applied and often a dry, mineral powder camouflage make-up is used to cover the resulting redness. Most people feel comfortable travelling home by public transport.

How long will my recovery be and what can I expect?
You will have the appearance of a red, ‘sunburnt’ face for 1-3 days with some swelling, depending on the level of treatment you have experienced. Much deeper treatments may require a few more days of recovery. You will need to return for a post-treatment facial to help with exfoliation and maximise new collagen stimulation.

Fraxel Laser - Results

Resurfacing can take up to 10 years off your skin’s age, texture and colour, depending on your degree of skin damage before treatment. We recommend maintaining this improvement and slowing future ageing by using good skin-care products containing antioxidants and always practising sun protection. Scar repair should be permanent, and acne damage may not recur if sufficient Fraxel treatments are completed, as many of the diseased oil glands are destroyed. Melasma, being a hormonal as well as a sun-prone condition, frequently recurs and requires careful maintenance and protection.

Fraxel Laser - FAQ

What is skin resurfacing?
True resurfacing means to remove old and damaged skin and replace it with new skin by stimulating new collagen tissue growth. This can include just the superficial epidermal layers or the deeper dermal layers of the skin.

Are all lasers the same?
Not at all. The Fraxel laser is the first laser to penetrate deep enough to cause true resurfacing of the deepest dermal layers without breaking or burning the skin’s surface. Older resurfacing lasers cause excessive heat destruction, break the skin’s surface and require weeks of healing and downtime. Therefore, they have been greatly limited to shallow resurfacing. A deeper depth of resurfacing provides a longer-lasting and greater tightening repair of the skin.

What skin conditions can be treated?
Poor skin texture, fine to large pores, fine lines, active acne, scarring (especially acne scarring), redness, pigmentation and melasma, sun damage and ageing skin.

Which areas can be treated?
Any area of face and body where you want to refine and tighten skin texture and improve skin colour, or treat active acne or scarring (including post-surgical scarring). Unlike with other lasers, the neck, chest and hands can also be treated.

Fraxel Laser - Safety

Fraxel has been trialled since 2000, was released into the market in 2004 and has been used for hundreds of thousands of treatments since. At The Facial Rejuvenation Clinic, we conduct treatments on almost a daily basis.