Fraxel: Fraxel® for Smoother, Younger-Looking Skin

As seen on The View, the Fraxel® laser has won approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to treat a variety of important cosmetic conditions. Our Fraxel® Laser Treatment is designed to target aging and damaged skin by creating microscopic "wounds" within the targeted areas well beneath the skin's outermost layer. In this way, Fraxel® Laser treatments trigger the body's own natural production of new collagen and skin cells. And because Fraxel® Laser Treatment combines the impact of ablative lasers with the gentleness of non-ablative lasers, healing occurs so quickly that there is very little downtime for patients.

Fraxel® treatment safely and effectively treats:
Acne scars
Age spots and brown spots
Melasma (mask of pregnancy)
Wrinkles around the Eyes

What are the benefits of Fraxel® laser treatment?
How does the Fraxel® laser work?
How many Fraxel treatments will I need to have?
Can I see some before and after photos of people who have had Fraxel® treatments?
What should I do to prepare for my Fraxel® treatment?
What happens after my Fraxel® laser treatment?

What are the benefits of Fraxel® laser treatment?
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Improve texture tone and pore size
Erase unwanted brown spots
Smooth wrinkles around the eyes and acne scars
Rejuvenate your neck, chest and hands
Minimal downtime

How does the Fraxel® laser work?
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Fraxel® Laser Treatment produces thousands of tiny but deep columns of treatment in your skin, known as microthermal treatment zones. This treatment eliminates old epidermal pigmented cells. It also penetrates deep into the dermis. Just as important, though, are the areas of skin the Fraxel® laser leaves untouched. For every microthermal zone the laser targets and treats intensively, it leaves the surrounding tissue unaffected and intact. This "fractional" treatment allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area were treated at once, using the body's natural healing process to create new, healthy tighter tissue to replace skin imperfections.

How many Fraxel® treatments will I need to have?
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At your initial consultation, Dr. Ahdoot will determine the best treatment plan for your desired results. By design, each Fraxel® Laser Treatment targets between 20 and 25 percent of the skin's surface. Clinical studies suggest that on average, an effective treatment regimen is 4 to 5 sessions, spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart.

Depending upon your current condition and schedule, you and Dr. Ahdoot may choose to space treatment sessions even further apart. Results are immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement is usually visible in about 2 to 3 months. Because Fraxel Laser Treatment spares healthy tissue, it is effective even on delicate skin areas, such as the neck, chest and hands.

Can I see some before and after photos of people who have had Fraxel® treatments?
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Here is an example of a patient who used Fraxel® for acne scars:

 

Before

 

After 4 treatments

Courtesy of: Jill E. Lezaic, DO

Here is an example of a patient who used Fraxel® for skin resurfacing:

 

Before

 

After 3 treatments

Courtesy of: Faces Plus Laser & Skin, Inc.

Here is an example of a patient who used Fraxel® for melasma (mask of pregnancy) and pigmentation:

 

Before

 

After 5 treatments

Courtesy of: New York Aesthetic Center, NYC


Here is an example of a patient who used Fraxel® to treat wrinkles around the eyes:

 

Before

 

After 4 treatments/7 months

Courtesy of: Zakia Rahman, M.D.

 

What should I do to prepare for my Fraxel® treatment?
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Stay out of the sun as much as possible and do not use any Retin-A or Retinol-type products for at least a week prior to treatment with Fraxel.

Fraxel® Laser Treatment can be performed using only topical anesthesia in most cases. If you are having a significant area of your skin treated, Dr. Ahdoot will develop a pain management approach to maximize your comfort during the procedure.

The treatment area will be thoroughly washed prior to the procedure. Tracking Gel is applied to the treatment area to highlight the contours of the skin. This gel is washed off after treatment.

What happens after my Fraxel® laser treatment?
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You will experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour and then minimal discomfort. The skin will have a pinkish tone for 5 to 7 days. This is a normal sign that the skin is deeply healing. Swelling is minimal and generally resolves in 2 to 3 days.

You may apply make-up or shave soon after treatment. Some patients are able to return to routine activities, including work and social obligations, the same day of treatment. Others require a little more time, depending upon their skin condition and treatment. Please ask Dr. Ahdoot how Fraxel® Laser Treatment will fit into your schedule.

New epidermal skin develops within 24 hours. This process of skin repair involves:
Bronzing: Your skin will have a bronze appearance that lasts anywhere from 3 to 14 days, depending on your treatment level.

Flaking: Your skin will naturally and vigorously exfoliate as new skin replaces dead tissue. Flaking is similar to that of minor sunburn, but without the associated pain. Use of a moisturizer will mask the appearance of flaking.

Sunscreen: Be sure to use sunscreen at least twice daily to protect your skin from sun exposure during both the healing phase and for several months after treatment. Apply a moisturizing sun block with an SPF of at least 30-plus. For added protection, use wide-brimmed hats when in direct sunlight.

Over the following weeks and months, the body repairs the deeper dermal tissues that have been affected by the Fraxel® treatment, producing longer beneficial changes associated with a healthy, youthful appearance.