What is Fraxel?

How is Fraxel different from other Laser Skin Rejuvenation Procedures?

Traditionally, two kinds of laser treatment have been available for cosmetic skin treatment: ablative and non-ablative. Typical ablative treatments, which use a high temperature to vaporize unwanted tissue, can be effective—but with significant side effects and several weeks of recovery time. Non-ablative treatments, meanwhile, have very few side effects and low downtime, but they commonly require numerous treatments to produce more modest results.

How the Fraxel Laser Works

Fraxel is specially designed to alter fractional volumes of the skin. The clinical effect of this treatment technique is to improve the health and the appearance of aging and sun-damaged skin. The creation of tiny microscopic laser thermal zones results in a wound healing process and a response that improves existing collagen as well as building new collagen. The increase in the collagen volume and structure is what creates the thickening of the skin, which improves the health and the appearance of your skin.

How Many Treatments are Needed?

Clinical studies suggest 3-5 treatments. Over a period of 1-3 months, clinical improvement in photo-aged skin correlates with dermal repair and positive skin changes.

What to Expect in a Fraxel Treatment

After cleansing with a gentle cleanser at Dr. Barnett’s office, a topical anesthetic ointment is applied to the treatment area, which requires 60 minutes to take full effect. Fraxel Laser Therapy is performed by passing the optical laser hand piece across the skin treatment area. A treatment typically will take approximately 30-45 minutes. The skin will be applied with a gentle moisturizer, SPF 30 and liposomal growth factor serum at the conclusion of the treatment before you go home.

Does it Hurt?

Treatments are well tolerated and feel like a prickling sensation. The topical anesthetic ointment applied prior to treatment is very effective at numbing the skin thus creating a tolerable treatment.

Fraxel is Effective in Treating:

1. Fine lines and wrinkles – like crow’s feet and brow lines
2. Surface scarring – smoothing the effects of acne and other scarring
3. Pigmentation – minimizing the appearance of age spots
4. Sun damage – helping heal dangerous skin damage
5. Actinic Keratosis (AK) – a common pre-cancerous skin condition
6. Treating melasma (pregnancy mask)
7. Improving overall skin texture, pore size and tone
8. Rejuvenating the face, neck, chest, back, hands and forearms