Fraxel Laser Therapy
Fraxel is a leader in the technology of fractional photothermolysis (FP). With fractional photothermolysis a collection of small laser beam columns create many microscopic treatment zones on the skin. While fractional photothermolysis destroys the epidermis and dermis within these microscopic treatment zones, the damage heals quickly and, typically, with few side effects. The idea is that the skin is resurfaced from the inside out by the stimulation of new, healthy skin cells. Fraxel has established itself as a viable alternative treatment option to the conventional ablative and non-ablative laser therapy.
Does Fraxel Skin Treatment Hurt?
Prior to the treatment a numbing cream may be applied to the skin and during the treatment a cool air machine may be employed to lessen any potential discomfort to the patient. During the treatment itself patients typically report the sensation of increased heat.
Side Effects
Usually the side effects include redness and swelling. For a short time you will feel like you were in the sun a bit too long. One advantage of this treatment over other methods of reducing lines and scars is that recovery time is typically fast and side effects are uncommon. Still, there are occasions when the client experiences more than the usual amount of redness and puffiness.
It is possible for areas of skin to stay red for a long time. Infection can occur, or swelling might be extreme. Sometimes scarring or pigmentation will become worse rather than better. As unfortunate as it would be to have something like this happen, it is very unusual. For one thing, being non-invasive, the risk of infection is considered very low.
Side effects and discomfort are typically functions of the depth of treatment and the patient’s own healing characteristics. The physician may choose a deeper, more aggressive course of treatment that may impact the potential severity of any side effects as well as make the treatment itself more painful. A more aggressive course of treatment may also lengthen the recovery time.
Results
Seeing results can take less than a month, while some people notice a difference in their skin tone and texture right away. Most people need more than one laser session to see the desired results, maybe as many as five, all of these lasting less than an hour or as little as fifteen minutes.
Benefits
The following is a short list of benefits that a patient can typically expect from a series of Fraxel treatments:
Better skin texture and tone Brown spot removal Fewer wrinkles and fine lines Fresher-looking skin
Aftercare
After your treatment it is very important to be vigilant about protecting yourself from the sun. Avoid direct sun exposure and use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
