Fraxel technology is one of the world's most effective laser procedures for the treatment of many aesthetic defects.
The laser removes the upper layer of the epidermis, as a result of which the skin is rejuvenated and tightened, it becomes smooth and elastic. Activates regenerative processes, promoting tissue repair and wound healing. The beam affects the fibrous tissue, due to this, skin defects become almost invisible in just a few procedures.
The principle of this procedure is that under the action of the laser, old cells are removed and thereby the formation of new ones. Fractional (photo) thermolysis (another name for the method) helps to gain skin elasticity, firmness, healthy and fresh skin color, helps to cope with pigmentation, and effectively fights wrinkles. As a result, you get young and well-groomed skin.
The popularity of the procedure lies in the fact that Fraxel is absolutely safe for the skin. This device has passed numerous tests and scientists have been able to improve it to such an extent that it does not cause any harm to humans!
§one. What Problems Are Eliminated With Fractional Lasers?
Currently, there are two types of fractional lasers: these are carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers and non-ablative (or non-ablative) laser systems (such as Fraxel), which differ from each other in laser wavelength (i. e. , the depth of penetration of laser radiation).
Fraxel devices and similar lasers are designed for patients under fifty years of age with small and shallow wrinkles and moderate acne. Carbon dioxide lasers are aimed at older patients with deeper wrinkles and severe scars (including acne). Fractional CO2 systems affect not only the surface of the skin, but also its deeper layers, so the recovery period after such procedures lasts longer than after the procedure using Fraxel.
In this article, we will consider more gentle laser systems using the Fraxel laser as an example.
Fraxel procedure solves the following problems:
- Sunburn, wrinkles, age-related changes on the face, neck, décolleté, hands, as well as on the arms, legs and back;
- Some types of melasma;
- Some types of scars after acne and surgical operations;
- sagging of the upper eyelids;
It also reduces the risk of skin cancer (by restoring skin damaged by ultraviolet radiation).
Fractional lasers are not designed to combat redness, but they can be used to correct brown pigment spots quite well.
To get rid of a particular problem, as a rule, three to five sessions are required, which are carried out at intervals of 3-8 weeks. The main advantages of using fractional laser systems are minimal risk and almost no discomfort.
What is the difference between Fraxel and Fraxel Dual?
The Fraxel Dual laser is a more advanced machine, so it is more effective (than conventional Fraxel) in the fight against age spots and sunburn. It is best to use this device on large areas - such as the décolleté, arms, legs and back. But if melasma is your main problem, then talk to your dermatologist about the possibility of using alternative devices and procedures.
How does the fraxel laser machine work?
The Fraxel laser creates a beam that is divided into a large number of microscopic beams, so during the procedure, not the entire surface of the skin is irradiated, but its individual sections - microzones. Approximately 1000-2000 such microzones are created on one square centimeter of skin. Penetrating into the skin, laser radiation destroys old cells and stimulates the formation of new cells and new collagen. During one session, up to 15-20% of sunburned, scarred or wrinkled skin is replaced.
Can Fraxel Rejuvenation be combined with other cosmetic procedures?
Yes. But only injections with permanent or temporary fillers should be done at least one week after the Fraxel procedure. If you prefer injections, then you need to do the fractional photothermolysis procedure first; if you first want to do injections, then you will need to wait three months, and even then the fraxel procedure. As for thermage, it can be done one week before the fraxel procedure or one week after the fraxel rejuvenation.
How long does the effect last after the Fraxel procedure?
It depends on two factors: the characteristics of your body and how well you protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation. Your skin will stay youthful for much longer if you use sunscreen and wear clothes that completely hide your body. If you visit a solarium or walk a lot of time under the scorching sun, the skin will return to its original state in a few months. But if you take care of your skin and do maintenance procedures once a year, then you will delay aging for several years, and you will look young and irresistible for many years to come!
When are the first results visible after the procedure? How long does it take to reach the final result?
Many patients notice improvement just one week after the first session. The skin becomes more even and smooth, the natural color returns.
The result of the procedure largely depends on your goals. If you are doing a series of procedures, then the final result can be obtained only 5-6 months after the start of treatment, that is, when the last session is done. But even after the end of the procedures, the action of laser radiation will work wonders - for another 3-6 months the process of formation of new collagen will last, which means that the restoration and renewal of the skin will continue.
How much do fraxel procedures cost?
Prices for fraxel rejuvenation procedures depend on the country, the clinic you applied to, and the area of the treated area.
§2. Carrying out the procedure
What does Fraxel Skin Rejuvenation look like?
You will need to arrive at the clinic an hour and a half before the start of the procedure, in total you will need to stay there a little more than two and a half hours. You will be asked to remove your makeup and an anesthetic cream will be applied to your skin. While the cream begins to work, you can read or listen to music, after an hour the cream will be removed and you will be taken to the treatment room. There you will sit comfortably, and a thin layer of gel will be applied to your skin, with the help of which the roller of the laser machine will glide a little better. The Fraxel Dual laser does not require any gel.
One session lasts approximately an hour, and a slight tingling sensation may be felt during the procedure. Most patients drive themselves after the procedure is over.
What is Fraxel Eyelid Rejuvenation?
Prior to the procedure, patients remove all cosmetics from their eyes, and if they have had a permanent tattoo, they inform the doctor about it. Special protective lenses are inserted into the eyes.
The procedure can be performed both on the upper and lower eyelids, and fraxel eyelid rejuvenation can be combined with facial photothermage. Slight swelling and redness for two to three days after the procedure is considered normal.
Is special training required?
For 1-2 weeks:
- Start making ice
- Purchase any gentle facial cleanser
- If possible, stop taking Aspirin and its derivatives
- Stop taking retinols
- Avoid anti-aging drugs
- Suspend procedures that require the use of any glycolic acids
- Don't sunbathe
- Stop taking minocyclines, doxycyclines and tetracyclines
- Do not wax
- Do not wash your face with scrubs, do not do microdermabrasion
- If you often get cold sores on your face, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
On the day of the procedure:
- Be sure to arrive at the clinic at the agreed time so that the doctor can take a picture of you and apply an anesthetic cream
- Have lunch 1-2 hours before the procedure
- If you drink coffee, at least four hours should elapse from the last cup before the procedure.
- Dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable
- If possible, do not wear make-up and insert contact lenses
- Take a wide-brimmed hat with you to the clinic so that you can later use it to hide your face from the sun
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding? So this procedure is not for you.
Is your skin prone to hyperpigmentation? Tell your doctor about this, and he will prescribe skin whitening procedures for you.
§3. After the procedure
How will I look immediately after the procedure is over? How long will the recovery period last?
For the first 24 hours after the procedure, your skin will look as if it had received a severe sunburn. For the first 5-6 hours after the session, every hour for 5-10 minutes, apply something cold to the treated area (for example, ice from the freezer).
Immediately after the end of the procedure, the skin will turn red sharply, the redness will disappear gradually, and it will take three days. As a rule, patients return to their usual way of life and go to work on the day of the session, but many prefer to sit at home for one or two days. But it may also happen that the redness remains on the face a little longer. Redness can be masked with cosmetics. It is also possible the appearance of bruises - they go off on their own within one to two weeks. Therefore, if you are planning some important event - a wedding, an anniversary - do the procedure two to three weeks before the planned event.
After each session, the skin acquires a bronze tint (as if after sunburn), which can last up to one to two weeks. The skin can peel and peel, so be sure to use moisturizers.
Remember that in order to achieve a good result, you will have to be patient and go through several sessions.
Instructions for skin care after Fraxel rejuvenation:
- It is possible to remove swelling after fraxel, if for the first 5-6 hours after the procedure every hour for 10 minutes apply cold to the treated area. Wrap the ice in a clean cotton cloth or towel
- Protect the skin from any mechanical impact, if the procedure was done on the body, wear loose clothing
- Men can shave only on the second or third day, and this should be done as carefully as possible.
- Refuse for some time from visiting the bath and sauna. You can take a shower, but for the first three days the pressure should not be strong, the water should be slightly warm
- Avoid sports and yoga for the first 48-72 hours
- Do not drink alcohol for the first two days
- Place one or two extra pillows under your head at night
- Avoid sunbathing for at least four weeks and apply protective sunscreen to your skin. If you need to be outdoors for a long time during the daytime, apply sunscreen every 2-4 hours, wear a wide-brimmed hat
- One to two weeks after the procedure, do not use retinoids and any products that have glycolic acid in their composition. Before you start using any new cream, be sure to check with your doctor.
- In the first month after the procedure, do not do chemical peels and microdermabrasion
Will I be able to return to my normal lifestyle immediately after the procedure is over?
No. Fraxel rejuvenation procedure requires rehabilitation – stay at home for at least one day, apply cold to the treated skin. You can return to your usual way of life, start playing sports in one to seven days. Swimming in pools with chlorinated water is not recommended for 1-3 weeks. Before going outside, treat your skin with sunscreen (your doctor will recommend it), and be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat.
How many sessions will I need?
Three to five. The interval between sessions should be three to eight weeks. The number of sessions depends on the severity of the problem that concerns you. The effect will increase gradually with each session.
§4. Frequently asked Questions
Does laser fraxel have any contraindications?
Yes, fraxel rejuvenation is contraindicated for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Also, do not do this procedure for people taking anticoagulants and drugs that increase photosensitivity.
Does the procedure have side effects?
The most serious side effects are temporary swelling, redness, bruising, blisters, and crusting.
Is there an alternative to Fraxel lasers?
Yes, in addition to gentle lasers like Fraxel, there are more powerful ablative (ablative) fractional carbon dioxide laser systems - DOT, Active Fx and Affirm. CO2 lasers affect the deeper layers of the epidermis, but require a longer recovery period.
Fraxel devices are among the first non-ablative (non-ablative) fractional lasers, so they are most often used. Many dermatologists prefer Fraxel lasers as they provide more reliable and predictable results.
Is it possible to get rid of acne scars with fraxel laser facial resurfacing?
Yes, Fraxel lasers have proven themselves very well in the fight against small and shallow acne scars. With deep scars after acne, it is easier and more effective to fight with CO2 lasers. If you choose Fraxel to treat deep scars, you will need a little more treatments than if you choose a carbon dioxide laser.
Can fraxel tighten saggy skin?
No.
Is it possible to get rid of wrinkles with Fraxel?
Fraxel rejuvenation procedure can significantly correct small and shallow wrinkles. In the fight against deep wrinkles and furrows, Fraxel devices are ineffective. These lasers work best on the skin of 30-50-year-old patients with slightly saggy skin and shallow wrinkles. And the most striking effect can be seen in people who have received a severe sunburn - it takes from three to five procedures to completely restore the skin.