Fraxel®
Fraxel® is a laser skin rejuvenation treatment that improves several skin conditions, including hyperpigmentation, scars, and sun damage. Unlike most laser therapies, Fraxel® laser light targets only the damaged skin cells, leaving the surrounding skin intact. As a result, there is less downtime required after the treatment. It also affects deep layers of skin so that the body’s natural collagen production is stimulated.
Among the conditions that Fraxel® improves are:
- Age spots / brown spots / sun spots
- Actinic keratosis / melasma
- Acne scars / surgical scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Fine surface lines and wrinkles on the skin
- Sun damage
- Enlarged pores
- Rough, dull skin
At Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, all consultations and treatments, including Fraxel®, are done by our registered nurse under the supervision of our doctors. Our staff has been thoroughly trained in the operation of Fraxel® laser devices and how they improve the appearance of the skin.
We are very particular about the treatments we offer, studying each to determine if a particular product or technique is worthy of our patients. It is important to us that we can stand by every treatment and recommend it with confidence. Then, we make sure that we receive the training required to provide excellent results. This includes follow-up training, as needed.
A thorough examination and detailed medical history will determine if you are a good candidate for Fraxel® or if a different type of treatment would work best for you. Some Fraxel® lasers are not recommended for darker skin tones, as they can cause hypopigmentation.
The effects of Fraxel® laser treatment last about six months. You may require a few treatments to achieve optimal results, especially if you have scars or pigmentation issues.
While the face and neck are the most common areas for Fraxel® treatment, it can be used on almost any area of the body. Some people like to use Fraxel® to improve sun damage on the chest, for example.
The Fraxel® Laser Treatment
After cleansing your skin and applying a numbing cream, our registered nurse will pass a handheld device over the areas to be treated. The numbing cream will need at least a half hour to take effect, and the Fraxel® treatment itself takes about another half hour. Due to the anesthetic cream, you should experience only a mild stinging sensation.
Clear + Brilliant® is one type of Fraxel® laser that we use in our practice. Read more about Clear + Brilliant®.
Recovering from Fraxel®
Most people return to work and other activities within a day or two of a Fraxel® treatment. In some cases, you might need as many as five days of downtime. During that recovery time, your skin will look as though it has a mild to moderate sunburn. Also like a sunburn, your skin may peel for a few days. Makeup usually covers these side effects.
After your skin has finished peeling, the new skin underneath will be softer, smoother, brighter, and with more even skin tone.
We will instruct you how to care for your skin after your treatment. Lasers make your skin more vulnerable to sunburn, so you must always wear sunscreen when outdoors.
Do you think Fraxel® might be right for you? Call us today for an appointment.