What is Fraxel® Laser Treatment?
Fraxel® Laser Treatment (FLT) is a "fractional" treatment that produces thousands of deep, tiny treatment columns in your skin.
How does FLT work?
It creates microscopic "wounds" within targeted areas beneath the outer layer of skin. The natural healing process produces collagen and healthy skin cells.
What are the benefits of fractional laser treatment?
Healing time is significantly reduced; there is minimal downtime. Most patients return to activities the same day.
Are there risks of Fraxel® Laser Treatment?
A limited risk of infection, pigmentation or scarring. We prescribe the anti-viral Valtrex® to prevent cold sore breakout, and use a surface skin bleach to reduce the risk of pigmentation
How is Fraxel® Laser Treatment different from other laser treatments? Which lasers stimulate collagen?
Until FLT, there were two types of laser treatments. Ablative laser treatment is effective but requires more lengthy healing. The other laser treatment, non-ablative, has little side
effects and almost no healing time, but requires many treatments and has more limited results. FLT offers the effectiveness and collagen stimulation of ablative treatments with the benefits of the
gentler, non-ablative lasers.
What are the results? What about Fraxel® laser and large pores? Is Fraxel® good for stretch marks?
Areas that improve include mild to moderate wrinkles, surface irregularities, blotchy pigment, acne scarring, large pores, and stretch marks. Skin is smoother, less wrinkled and more refined
with smaller pore size.
How many treatments will I need?
Usually 3 to 5 sessions, 4-6 weeks apart. Acne scarring may require 5-8 treatments.
Does it hurt?
Most patients describe treatment as having a "prickling" sensation. Surface anesthetic and air cooling reduces most discomfort. In our Texas Clinic, for Fraxel® we often prescribe oral pain
and anxiety medications.
What will I look like after the procedure?
For 24 hours skin feels sunburned and will appear pink. Skin naturally bronzes over the next 5 days and may feel slightly swollen and stiff. Then it exfoliates as a fine scaling.
What should I do after treatment?
After Fraxel®, sun can cause darkened pigment. Apply sunscreen twice a day. Avoid direct sun exposure for 6 weeks.
