Fraxel repair is a cosmetic laser treatment that can rejuvenate skin and can erase scars or sun spots. The fraxel repair is an ablative procedure that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers, and the results will be visible after a single treatment.
Myth: Fraxel Repair Is Painful
Fact: Even if it is an aggressive cosmetic treatment, fraxel repair will not be painful. The areas that will be treated will be anesthetized either by injection or with a topical cream that will numb the skin.
The plastic surgeon may also choose to use 1 or 2 Zimmer coolers, which will be kept to cool your skin so you feel comfortable. After the procedure, you may experience pain for a few hours, but you will most likely get some pain medication.
Myth: Fraxel Repair Has Severe Side Effects
Fact: Being the most aggressive treatment of all the fraxel treatments, fraxel repair is believed to have more severe side effects. In fact, if performed correctly, fraxel repair involves minimal risks or side effects.
There may be minimal bleeding after the procedure, but only during the first 48 hours after the treatment and only if the treatment is very aggressive. The swelling may last for up to 1 week, just like in the other fraxel procedures.
The redness may persist for up to 1 month, while in the other treatments the redness disappears after a 3 to 5 days. However, you should also consider the fact that fraxel repair requires only one appointment, while the other fraxel treatments require 3 to 5 appointments. The skin may also be flaky or crusty.
In rare cases, patients may get infected or present hyper pigmentation. However, fraxel is safer than other ablative procedures (i.e. treatments that use carbon dioxide CO2 laser).
Myth: Fraxel Repair Doesn't Have FDA Approval
Fact: The fraxel repair has FDA approval for the following uses:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dilated pores and irregular skin texture
- Age spots
- Vascular dyschromia (persistent redness caused by sun)
Myth: Fraxel Repair May Give Disappointing Results
Fact: Not all people respond the same to the fraxel repair treatment, but the results should be satisfactory.
You must remember that the fraxel repair necessitates a longer down time (i.e. up to 1 month for the redness to go away), but after this period, you should see gradual progress and the skin’s texture will be improved, as the collagen is released and acts rejuvenating the skin. The healing time can be reduced if you use a LED lamp therapy a few minutes after applying the laser treatment.
Myth: Fraxel Repair Is Not Effective on All Types of Skin
Fact: Fraxel repair can be applied to all types of skin and all types of pigmentation.
The best effects will be noticed if the treatment is applied on a cleansed skin that has no tan. You may want to avoid the sun by using sunscreen or stay away from artificial tanning for at least 1 month before the treatment.
Myth: Fraxel Repair Is a Facial Treatment
Fact: Fraxel repair is not solely a facial treatment. It may be applied on other parts of the body including the neck, back, chest, hands or legs, if these have unaesthetic wrinkles, scars or sun spots.
