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Fraxel Laser is an innovative skin treatment, sometimes called by its other name, fractional resurfacing. It’s a non-invasive procedure, used to rejuvenate the skin, and is generally considered superior and advanced as a skin procedure. The reason is simple – it penetrates into the dermis of the skin which is the deepest skin layer and offers long-lasting results.
This pioneering approach is particularly intended to modify only partial amounts of the target tissue. By and large, it is suitable for most types of skin, skin colours and conditions (some darker pigmented skin may need to be assessed first). The good news is that successful results are achieved without the problems and complications of conventional laser treatments.
Fraxel makes use of a patented fractional technology to target a damaged area of skin. The laser penetrates deep into the skin, in order to correct the least-approachable damaged tissue, only treating a part of the tissue at a time, and it doesn’t destroy neighbouring tissue. The Fraxel procedure also promotes rapid healing by evoking the body’s natural process of repair, destroying the old worn-out tissues, replacing them with new tissues and cells. All this helps to return your skin to it’s original freshness, shine, and health.
It’s a safe procedure for restoring sun-damaged skin as well as signs of ageing, and is ideal for a variety of skin problems. It works without causing any damage to the skin areas which are delicate and sensitive such as the back, chest, neck, hands and legs. The nature of Fraxel treatments differ: The milder Fraxel laser is best for problems of the skin darkening, stretch marks, fine wrinkles and most of the sensitive body parts, whilst the more vigorous version is given for those skin conditions that are not so easily treated.
Benefits of Fraxel Laser
This procedure treats various skin conditions:
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Rosacea
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Acne and scarring
- Sun damage
- Skin pigmentation
- Enlarged pores
- Liver spots
- General scarring of the skin
Types of Fraxel Laser
There are three types of Fraxel laser:
Fraxel Restore
A milder form of laser used to treat darker skins, wrinkles and scars.
Fraxel Repair
A strong laser treatment version of the Carbon Dioxide laser, it provides benefits just like the conventional CO2 laser but the major difference is that it offers the quickest recovery time.
Fraxel Dual
Possesses two light wavelengths. One wavelength tightens the skin, diminishing the pores and rejuvenating the skin. The second wavelength is responsible for treating pigmentation (sometimes occurring as a result of pregnancy). The second wavelength only acts on the superficial skin layer.
You doctor or consultant will prepare your skin by cleaning it first, then applying an anaesthetic ointment approximately an hour before the procedure. After the treatment they will administer laser rays to the targeted tissues. The process takes between 20 to 25 minutes for a complete facial treatment.
For the Fraxel laser, multiple visits are generally required with the benefits becoming progressively perceptible, as the skin heals following each session.
Risks and Complications
Fraxel Laser is a new and a safe procedure. It carries little risk of damage to the skin. It may however cause short-term redness which goes away within a few hours, sometimes a few days. It doesn’t damage the skin like traditional lasers. Anyone undergoing this procedure is advised to use a sunscreen for a period of about 3 months after the treatment. Risks and complications can be reduced by avoiding direct contact with the sun. Refraining from direct sun exposure is an absolute must.
After each treatment you may experience skin dryness and peeling but this also subsides within a couple of days, application of a simple moisturising cream will prevent this dryness.
Very rarely Fraxel laser may lead to skin hyper-pigmentation. It usually persists for a month and then fades away. There is a little risk of infection or scarring due to Fraxel laser treatments. It may leave your skin with a vaguely bronzed tone, but this will vanish within 2 weeks of the treatment.
Q. How soon will the results become apparent?
A. Within 3 to 7 treatment sessions; each session is spaced at an interval of about 1 week to 1 month.
Q. Is the Fraxel Laser treatment painful?
A. No, most people only experience a prickling sensation. The procedure is made pain-free by the application of a topical anaesthetic ointment. Cold compressions are also preferred by some of the doctors.
Q. How many Fraxel treatment sessions will be required in general?
A. Usually multiple treatment sessions are needed to achieve the most desirable effects. The particular numbers of treatments given depends on your objectives and desired results.
Q. What are the precautions necessary after treatment?
A. Use of sunscreen is required after a treatment for a period of about 3 months. Keep away from direct sun exposure especially during the healing process. The wearing of wide-brimmed hats is advised when outside.
Q. What are possible side-effects of Fraxel Laser?
A. The possible side-effects of Fraxel laser are minimal, possibly some skin dryness, maybe some redness. There may be slight discomfort. These possible side-effects subside within a day or two and require no medical intervention.