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The skin tells a story. Years of sun exposure, early breakouts, pregnancy hormones, or the simple passage of time can leave visible marks on the surface. Fine lines, pigmentation, enlarged pores, and rough texture can begin to affect how someone feels in their own skin. For many people, these signs don’t reflect how youthful or vibrant they actually feel inside.
Fraxel laser offers a clinically proven solution to help reverse those signs. It is a non-surgical treatment that targets damaged skin with microscopic precision, stimulating renewal from within. By encouraging the skin’s own healing response, Fraxel helps fade imperfections and restore a smoother, more even complexion. It is a trusted choice for people seeking visible improvement without surgery or extended downtime.
Fraxel is a fractional, non-ablative laser treatment designed to treat a wide range of skin concerns by stimulating the body’s natural regenerative processes. It delivers microscopic columns of laser energy into the skin, treating damaged tissue while leaving surrounding skin intact. This fractional approach allows for deeper collagen remodeling with faster healing than traditional ablative lasers.
The name Fraxel is derived from “fractional” and “pixel,” describing the way the laser creates tiny thermal zones in the skin. Each of these microscopic channels triggers a wound-healing response, encouraging the replacement of old, damaged skin with new, healthier cells. It also boosts collagen production, which improves firmness and texture over time.
What makes Fraxel unique is its dual-wavelength technology. Depending on your concerns, it can be customized to treat the superficial or deeper layers of skin, or both in combination. This versatility makes Fraxel effective for everything from sun damage to acne scarring and surgical scars.
Technology
Fraxel laser uses a process called fractional photothermolysis, which means it applies heat energy to fractions of the skin in a highly controlled pattern. The laser creates thousands of microthermal treatment zones per square centimeter, where targeted skin columns are vaporized. The surrounding untreated tissue supports rapid healing and minimizes downtime.
Fraxel can be customized using two wavelengths:
– 1550 nm erbium-doped fiber laser: This wavelength penetrates deep into the dermis, targeting wrinkles, acne scars, and skin texture irregularities. It stimulates collagen remodeling and dermal regeneration over time.
– 1927 nm thulium laser: This wavelength primarily affects the epidermis and upper dermis. It is ideal for treating pigmentation issues like sunspots, melasma, and uneven tone.
These two wavelengths can be delivered in a single session or separately, depending on the treatment plan. The laser energy is fractionated, so only a portion of the skin is treated in any one session, promoting faster recovery. Most patients experience a series of treatments to achieve optimal results, allowing the skin to progressively remodel.
The Fraxel device also features integrated cooling and real-time monitoring of energy delivery to ensure precision and safety throughout the procedure.
Fraxel Laser Treatment
Before undergoing Fraxel laser, a full consultation is conducted to assess your skin condition, identify contraindications, and design a customized treatment plan. Preparation includes:
Topical numbing cream may be applied before the procedure. This helps to minimize discomfort during the laser session. If you are prone to cold sores, prophylactic antiviral medication may be recommended to prevent outbreaks post-treatment.
Once the skin is numb, your provider will begin the Fraxel laser treatment using a handheld device that glides across the surface in a grid-like pattern. The laser energy is delivered in short pulses, and the entire process is monitored for even coverage and consistent energy delivery.
Most patients describe the sensation as a combination of heat and prickling. The treatment takes between 20 and 45 minutes depending on the area treated. A cold air device may be used simultaneously to increase comfort.
After treatment, the skin will appear red and swollen. The heat sensation can persist for several hours. A cooling gel or ice packs may be applied to reduce inflammation. You’ll be given post-care instructions to support optimal healing.
Post-treatment healing is a gradual process that unfolds over several days. Immediately following the session, your skin may feel warm, tight, and appear flushed or slightly swollen. In the following days:
It’s essential not to pick or exfoliate the skin manually. Hydration, gentle cleansing, and barrier-repair moisturizers are key to supporting skin renewal. Most people return to work within a few days, though makeup can typically be resumed after 48 to 72 hours, depending on skin sensitivity.
Results improve over time as collagen production continues. Many patients notice smoother, brighter skin within one week, with progressive improvements in tone, texture, and firmness over the next several months.
Our partnership with Beautifi means our patients can get the treatments they deserve with low-interest, flexible monthly payments.
If you discover a better price on laser-based aesthetic services, let us know, and we’ll match that figure.*Details apply.
Our medical team is made up of the country’s top board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists. These experts are supported by a team of dedicated registered nurses who are passionate about helping you achieve your aspirations.
Got questions about the Fraxel Laser? We’ve got your answers here
Fraxel is a highly versatile fractional laser that can address a wide range of skin concerns. It is effective for softening fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes and mouth, and for improving acne scars or other textural irregularities left by inflammation. Fraxel can also reduce hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and melasma, as well as fade surgical or traumatic scars on the face or body. In addition, it helps refine rough skin texture, minimize large pores, and treat actinic keratoses, a precancerous condition caused by sun damage. Because it can be customized to target both superficial and deeper layers of the skin, Fraxel is considered one of the most versatile laser treatments available today.
Yes, Fraxel is clinically proven to improve a range of concerns including wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and uneven tone. Results build gradually over a series of treatments and continue to improve as new collagen forms.
Most patients require 3 to 5 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Your provider will recommend a treatment plan based on your skin goals, concerns, and how your skin responds to each session.
Results can last several years, especially with good skincare habits and sun protection. While the treatment addresses existing concerns, natural aging continues, so annual maintenance may be recommended.
Yes. Fraxel is FDA-cleared and considered safe when performed by trained providers. The fractional, non-ablative approach allows for effective treatment with minimal downtime and lower risk of complications compared to fully ablative lasers.
Fraxel can be used on darker skin tones, but it requires careful customization. When performed correctly by experienced providers, it minimizes the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Fraxel helps improve skin firmness by stimulating collagen and elastin in the deeper dermal layers. While it is not a substitute for surgical lifting, patients often notice smoother, firmer skin with consistent treatment.
CO2 lasers are typically ablative, removing the entire outer skin layer for more dramatic results and longer downtime. Fraxel is fractional and non-ablative, targeting only microscopic zones while leaving surrounding skin intact for quicker recovery and fewer risks.
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