If your skin needs a textural improvement, or you would like to reduce some wrinkles or fine lines, you can benefit of one of the fraxel treatments. The fraxel procedures include the fraxel refine, restore and repair treatments and these have different degrees of aggressiveness. The second generation of fraxel treatments has been recently launched and these use mid-infrared 1550 nm lasers.
Myth: Fraxel Is a Painful Procedure
Fact: Fraxel employs laser beams that will be applied on your skin. However, you won’t feel any discomfort or pain during the procedure, as a topical ointment with anesthetic properties will be applied 1 hour before the treatment. In addition, the plastic surgeon will also use a Zimmer hose, which is a hollow tube that blows cold air, minimizing the discomfort.
Myth: Fraxel Won’t Give You Promised Results
Fact: The results of a fraxel laser treatment depend on each individual in part. However, all fraxel treatments are FDA approved and are safe and efficient.
Immediately after the treatment, you won’t be able to see flattering results, as your skin may be pink, flaky and swollen for up to 1 week after the procedure. Your skin may also have a bronzed appearance up to 2 weeks after the treatment.
However, after the healing time, your skin’s appearance and texture will be improved. The collagen production is a gradual process, so it will take up to 6 months for the results to show. However, your skin will gradually get tighter and have a younger aspect.
Also, note that most fraxel treatments require 3 to 5 appointments for a full treatment.
Myth: Fraxel Can Damage Skin
Fact: The fraxel treatments employ laser which will make millions of microscopical holes on the skin that will heal within 48 hours after the procedure. The skin will not suffer any damage.
To speed up the recovery time, some plastic surgeons opt for a LED light therapy after the treatment. However, you must pay special attention to avoid sun and use sunblock to protect your skin after the procedure, as it will be sensitive.
Myth: Fraxel Cannot Be Applied on Darker or Yellow Skin Tones
Fact: The fraxel laser treatment can be successfully applied on all skin types and colors, including darker skin tones or Asian or Polynesian skin.
However, it is important that you don’t have a tan before the procedure. Avoid sun and tanning saloons at least 1 month prior to the procedure.
Myth: A Fraxel Treatment Can Replace a Face Lift
Fact: This is true to some extent; if you have deep wrinkles and extremely loose skin, fraxel will not give outstanding results, so you should probably opt for a face lift instead.
However, fraxel reduces wrinkles and fine lines and will also stimulate the skin cells to regenerate and produce collagen, so the skin will tighten.
Myth: Fraxel Can Only Be Used for Facial Treatment
Fact: The fraxel laser treatments are predominantly used to rejuvenate the facial skin, but may also be applied to other regions of the body such as neck, chest, hands or legs to remove age spots, wrinkles or scars.
