Fraxel® laser is a well-known fractional laser treatment that, on the appropriate individual, can offer effective results. It’s suitable for people who want to look a little younger without having a facelift — or for those who want skin improvements without succumbing to an invasive treatment that requires significant downtime.
Fraxel® can address common skin concerns due to ageing and sun damage in people of all skin tones and ethnic backgrounds. So if you’re looking for improvements in your skin quality (e.g. improved tone, texture and radiance for ageing, sun-damaged or scarred skin) Fraxel® may be a treatment worth considering.
Suits a wide variety of individuals
Fraxel® is suitable for people of all ages. It’s excellent for young people, especially those with acne scars or pigmentation issues who want real results. For older individuals who are toying with the idea of a facelift but are not quite ready, Fraxel® can also be an option — peeling back the layers of tired, damaged skin to reveal clearer, firmer skin — without having to go under the knife.
While Fraxel® differs from a facelift and is not a replacement, it offers the following advantages, such as:
No surgical procedure in hospital – Fraxel® is performed by a trained Registered Nurse in our rooms. There’s no cutting and no needles.
Minimal treatments – Fraxel® is designed to work effectively with one treatment; however, when treating more stubborn issues such as acne scarring or wrinkles, you may require 3 to 5 sessions.
Minimal downtime – Fraxel® requires only a few days of downtime, with most people returning to work after two to five days, depending on the treatment you have and how your body reacts.
Comfort – Fraxel® uses integrated cooling while operating, which helps to keep you comfortable.
Helps address five major skin concerns
Fraxel® can help address five common skin concerns:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Freckles and sunspots
- Actinic keratosis (precancerous skin lesions)
- Age spots and sun damage
- Acne scars and surgical scars
Additionally, Fraxel® can help with hyperpigmentation, melasma, stretchmarks, and uneven skin tone and texture.
All skin tones, all over the body
No matter what your skin colour, age or skin concern, Fraxel® can help (subject to clinical suitability). It can even be used in delicate areas like the neck, hands and decolletage. Most people request Fraxel® for their whole face, but other popular areas include the delicate areas listed above and the arms.
Customised for your needs
Your Fraxel® laser treatment can be customised for your needs. The device has two wavelengths—one is used to resurface the top layer of the skin, while the other penetrates deeper into the epidermal and dermal layers. The depth of treatment can be determined by the pulse energy setting.
One of the advantages of Fraxel® is that it only targets a fraction of the skin at a time. (Fraxel® is the brand name for a fractional laser treatment. And ‘fractional’ refers to the laser’s ability to treat only a fraction of the skin at a time, using controlled, microscopic treatment zones while the rest of the skin is left untouched.) As it only targets a fraction of the skin at a time, the rest of the tissue remains intact, which helps promote faster healing. Meanwhile, it stimulates new collagen, adding firmness and resilience to the skin.
How do Fraxel® lasers work?
The energy from the fractional laser creates tiny columns of thermal destruction in the skin that stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin cells and replace old, damaged cells. Essentially, it works from the inside out. All this new activity below the surface encourages skin turnover and collagen production, putting the body’s natural healing process into hyperdrive.
Your Initial Consultation
If you’re interested in Fraxel®, the first step is an Initial Consultation with one of our Registered Nurses at least a week before treatment. During your consultation, you’ll have time to discuss your skin concerns and goals with us, and you can ask any questions you have. Then, we’ll thoroughly assess your skin and review your medical history, current conditions, and any medications you’re taking. After your review, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan outlining the type and number of recommended Fraxel® sessions.
Our team will also outline the treatment process, including preparation, what to expect during treatment, your recovery process and any possible risks and complications.
By the end of your consultation, you should feel far more informed about the treatment and can take the time to consider whether Fraxel® is for you.
Post-treatment care
If you’re wondering how you feel (and what you’ll need to do) after your treatment, here’s what to expect.
When your treatment is completed, you won’t be red raw, but your skin will be red, scaly and peeling. You may also experience slight swelling in the treated area. You’ll be given post-treatment instructions from the clinic to follow, and you must adhere to them strictly.
You must avoid the sun as much as possible and wear a good SPF 50 sunscreen when stepping outdoors. It is also vital that you stay away from any active products. Only use a gentle cleanser and basic moisturiser twice daily and avoid exfoliation or scratching/picking the skin.
