Fraxel is a brand of fractional lasers used to treat an array of skin conditions. After just one treatment, skin becomes softer and smoother. Additionally, Fraxel laser treatments repair aging skin and sun damage, eradicate fine lines and wrinkles, and improve uneven complexions.
An important factor is that they target only problems areas and leave surrounding skin unaffected. All fractional photothermolysis treatments, which Fraxel pioneered in 2001, treat microscopic volumes of skin with each pulse. Due to the fractional treatment, downtime is shorter for healing.
TREATMENTS WITH FRAXEL
The are three Fraxel laser treatment options: re:fine, re:store DUAL and re:pair. Each one targets different skin issues dependent on severity and a patient’s skin tone. All laser treatments stimulate new collagen production to alleviate unevenness, dark spots, acne scars and more.
This Los Angeles Fraxel Dual patient experienced improvements with age spots, skin texture and pores*
Fraxel lasers are either fractional ablative (re:pair) or non-ablative (re:fine, re:store DUAL). The lasers’ light energy heats the skin surface and/or the deeper skin layers. The re:pair ablates (vaporizes) tissue on the deer epidermis layer, while the re:fine and re:store DUAL aggravate the surface and slightly below. Areas treated begin the wound healing process to improve or eradicate imperfections.
Fractional non-ablative treatments are safe on all skin tones, Fitzpatrick scale I to VI. The fractional ablative treatment is safe on light to medium skin types, I to III.
FRAXEL RE:FINE
This is the gentlest Fraxel laser. It works best on superficial treatments with its 1,410 nanometer laser. It’s effective for minor skin issues, skin rejuvenation and resurfacing. Fraxel re:fine works on all skin types and areas of the body. It targets water rather than melanin. To achieve the best results, treatments are four to six session with two to four week intervals.
FDA Clearances:
- Soft tissue coagulation
- Skin resurfacing
- Melasma
- Pigmented lesions
- Periorbital fine lines
FRAXEL RE:STORE DUAL 1550/1927
This is the most popular Fraxel laser. Its dual lasers address mild to moderate skin concerns. The Erbium fiber laser penetrates deeper layers of the skin (1,550 nanometer). The Thulium fiber laser is more superficial (1,927 nanometer). Fraxel re:store Dual may be used on all skin tones and on the entire body. To achieve the best results, treatments are three to five session with two to four week intervals.
FDA clearances:
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Melasma
- Actinic Keratosis
- Photodamage
- Mild to moderate periorbital wrinkles
FRAXEL RE:PAIR
This is the most intense Fraxel laser, but it offers results after just one treatment. It a fractional CO2 treatment that vaporized dermis skin for significant resurfacing and skin improvement. Immediate benefits include skin tightening and tissue shrinkage.
Unlike traditional ablative treatments, re:pair promotes skin healing vertically rather than horizontally for better results. However, this laser treatment is safe for only light to medium skin types.
FDA Clearances:
- Fine lines
- Textural irregularities
- Rhytides
- Pigmented lesions
- Moderate to severe wrinkles and furrows
- Vascular dyschromia
- Acne scars and atrophic scars (in progress)
As with any laser treatment or cosmetic procedure, consult with a board certified dermatologist to determine the best course of action.