Fraxel Laser (Fractional Resurfacing)

Fraxel Laser Treatment

Info

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 its 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.

Procedure

Your 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.

 

Clinical Skin Clear Thermi RF

Blogs

How To Prepare For Your First Fraxel Treatment

September 22, 2020 Laser Resurfacing and Fraxel are great treatment options because they can address a few concerns at one; ageing, pigmentation and sun damage, skin texture and scarring. That being said, it is also quite a strong laser treatment. Senior Clinician Rachael from Rejuvenation Clinics of Australia tells us there are some important things to know about prepping and aftercare before you book in.   Pre-Treatment Screening Before you can even start your skin-prepping routine, you should have a consultation with a trained Doctor or Clinician to determine which treatment is right for you. “A clinician can assess your skin and recommend the correct laser and the number of treatments you might need based on your skin type, the condition of your skin and what you are trying to achieve,” explains Senior Clinician Rachael. There are a few different lasers that do resurfacing treatments, including Fraxel, CO2 Fractional and Erbium. Not all treatments are suitable for all skin types, so a consultation is a good place to start.   Skin Prepping Regardless of which Laser Resurfacing Treatment you have, you’ll need to prepare your skin for 2-4 weeks (depending on your history and skin type) with a pigment inhibiting serum to prevent the […]

Dr Shobhan Manoharan From Brisbane Skin Talks Cosmetic Dermatology

August 25, 2020 We chat to Dr Shobhan Manoharan about some of the amazing work we’ve seen him do on his patients. As a Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr Manoharan and his team at Brisbane Skin offers a full service dermatology clinic including medical dermatology such as eczema, psoriasis, skin checks and cancer removal but Dr Manoharan’s real passions are aesthetic dermatology including scar treatments and laser treatment rejuvenation. Dr Shobhan Manoharan from Brisbane Skin talks Cosmetic Dermatology. We also discuss how modern laser resurfacing and other cosmetic treatments are able to offer patients an alternative to surgery when it comes to facial rejuvenation. Dr Manoharan is becoming known for his Ten Year Flashback treatment that gives a patient a refresh and rejuvenate that helps with various signs of ageing including fine lines and wrinkles. You’ll also want to hear about their Skin Gym! One of the stand-out differences of Brisbane Skin is their exemplary after care offered to their patients. Dr Manoharan says, “We’re definitely not a one night stand clinic. We develop long term relationships with our clients.” Brisbane Skin have several specialists that offer a full range of cosmetic treatments and procedures including liposuction, facial and body contouring, all the latest cosmetic […]

Scar Minimisation with Coco Ruby Skin Clinic

February 23, 2017 Scarring is an inevitable part of having surgery, and is often the one thing that people who decide to have surgery often worry about. Apart from ensuring that you get a highly-qualified Surgeon who focuses on precision incision techniques and proper scar management, there are other technologies that can help minimise scars. Fraxel Laser is one of many technologies for scar reduction for some patients, and Coco Ruby Skin Clinic in Hawthorn and Berwick (VIC) offers this state-of-the-art scar-removal treatment. How FRAXEL laser treatments can help reduce scars after surgery Fraxel laser works by targeting the skin areas that were penetrated by surgical incisions or otherwise underwent dermal changes that resulted in the formation of a scar. Using a patented fractional laser technology, only a small area of the skin tissues are treated at a time. The surrounding skin remains unaffected and intact. The deep penetration of this laser treatment promotes rapid healing, which occurs faster than if the entire skin is treated at once. Collagen production is triggered to encourage the growth of new and healthy skin. Repeated treatments will lead to healthier and renewed skin. Benefits of Fraxel Laser treatments include both scar minimisation AND skin rejuvenation: Removes […]

Laser Treatments for Facial Rejuvenation

May 5, 2016 As we age the effects of the harsh Australian sun take their toll on the appearance of our skin. Generally, lines appear around the eyes and lips first. Then, as the collagen beneath our skin breaks down, deeper lines begin to appear, as well as obvious sun damage in the form of hyper-pigmentation (unattractive dark blotches). The scarring of acne may worsen with age with an increase in redness, capillaries and facial veins more obvious. These can begin to appear along with a less firm surface to our skin. Laser facial rejuvenation can help repair and renew our skin, producing excellent results. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) skin rejuvenation is a form of light-based skin therapy. By using safe and effective laser in a small area of the skin particular skin issues can be targeted and corrected. This IPL technology works by lasers targeting cells and causing damage to the area. This damage promotes a wound-healing response in the skin, without a major tissue build-up. After treatment, the skin begins to rapidly produce new skin cells, which replace the old and damaged areas of skin. Fractional Laser uses pinpoint, computer-guided precision to create micro-channels in the skin. This initiates the body’s […]

Laser Treatments for Facial Pigmentation

May 5, 2016 Excessive skin pigmentation is a result of the overproduction of melanin. This excessive pigmentation can have a number of causes including excessive sun exposure, hormones, skin trauma and congenital conditions. This unsightly pigmentation can now be treated effectively with lasers. The type of treatment used will be dependent on the type of pigmentation. Different lasers are used for different types of skin pigmentation and skin types. Intense Pulsed Laser (IPL) technology works by a laser targeting cells and causing damage to the area. This damage promotes a wound-healing response in the skin, without a major tissue build-up. After treatment, the skin begins to rapidly produce new skin cells which replace old and damaged areas of skin. C02 Lasers can provide dramatic improvements for sunspots and offer long-lasting results with the least amount of treatment. The intensity of the laser is adjusted on an individual basis and thus offers the practitioner a wide range of flexibility in minimising the appearance of sun damage on the skin. Fractional Laser uses pinpoint, computer-guided precision to create microchannels in the skin. This initiates the body’s healing response by stimulating new collagen and elastin production, while the surrounding skin remains intact for rapid healing. Fraxel […]

Younger looking skin with radio wave technology

May 30, 2013 Younger, Healthier Skin – Quick and Painless There is any number of non-surgical treatments available in the market to assist people in achieving a younger healthier looking skin. These include skin surface treatments such as micro dermabrasion, injectables such as fillers and Anti-wrinkle injections, laser treatments such as Fraxel  and radio wave treatments like Ultherapy, Ulthera and Pelleve. Radio wave treatments have become increasingly popular in recent years due to them being quick and relatively painless. Firstly though and in order to understand how the radio wave treatments work it is useful to have a short discussion on why skin becomes wrinkly and what skin care regimes should be implemented in order to give your face the best possible chance to have a healthy glow and for you to be as young looking as possible. Younger looking skin depends on collagen. You have probably all heard or read about collagen. You may have even bought collagen supplement pills or drinks on the basis of marketing claims that they will promote the production of collagen in your body. Well I am sorry to say that there is no scientific evidence to back up those claims. It is very true however that […]

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