Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser treatment

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We’ve heard all the wonderful things of what Fraxel can do for our skin, from erasing pigmentation to plumping and firming up skin. But we’ve also heard about how it can be expensive and very painful. So what’s to be believed and what’s not? We give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about Fraxel laser treatment.

What is Fraxel?

Fraxel is a microlaser that penetrates your skin to encourage new collagen and elastin growth. In other words, it smooths wrinkles and scars, fades brown spots, and resurfaces your entire skin tone. As a fractional skin resurfacing treatment, it only targets a fraction of the skin at a time.

What does Fraxel do?

The Fraxel Dual laser uses two wavelengths, 1550nm and 1927nm to address different skin concerns. When using the 1927 wavelength, you can erase discoloration caused by hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun damage and pre-cancer spots.  The 1550 wavelength on the other hands targets and smooths your skin’s texture, think fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring.

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Is Fraxel Laser safe?

Fraxel Laser is generally safe for all skin tones but not be the best choice for anyone with melasma, a more complex form of hyperpigmentation, as melasma can worsen under the effects of a Fraxel laser. It’s best to get a professional consultation with a qualified aesthetic doctor to know if Fraxel Laser is suitable for your skin’s concerns.

How should you prepare for Fraxel Laser treatment?

A week before Fraxel Laser treatment, it’s recommended that you stop using any retinoids, peels, acids or products that can cause skin sensitivity.

Is Fraxel Laser expensive?

The cost varies depending on your skin condition. In SW1 Clinic, Fraxel starts from $1000 (before GST).

How long is a session of Fraxel laser treatment?

The laser treatment itself is quick and doesn’t take more than 25 minutes. But for most who choose to undergo Fraxel, they would usually opt to have a layer of numbing cream applied and this takes approximately 30 – 45 minutes.

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Is Fraxel Laser painful?

Fraxel on its own can be intense and painful but with numbing cream, the sensation is very much lessened and the entire treatment is very comfortable.

How long does it take for the skin to heal after Fraxel Laser?

The downtime to Fraxel is typically a week. On the day of the treatment, you can expect redness, throbbing, and swelling, almost like a sunburn but this goes away by the next day. For the next 3-5 days, your skin will start to feel rough and peel. While it may seem tempting to pick at the flakes, do resist the urge to do so and allow your skin to heal naturally.

Are there any side effects from Fraxel Laser?

Fraxel Dual laser is a very safe treatment and has minimal to no side effects.

How long do the results last?

Overall the results of Fraxel Laser treatment last at least a year but it varies from patient to patient.

What’s the after-care required of Fraxel Laser treatment?

Immediately after the treatment, your face might feel hot or inflamed. This is not a good time to work out as it might further aggravate this sensation.  which means working out would only make that worse.

As with all laser treatments, it’s important to avoid the sun as much as possible. Always wear broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 at the very least. Taking such precautions will help to keep pigmentation away.

Also avoid using products containing harsh ingredients such as retinol and fruit acids (AHAs/BHAs) while the skin is healing. Do keep skin well hydrated with a good moisturiser at all times.

How many sessions do I need?

If you’re after smoother skin and a reduction in prominence of wrinkles and scars, clinical studies suggest 3 to 5 sessions done regularly at 4 to 6 weeks’ intervals.