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“I have had Fraxel on my face and neck with Dr. Rakus at her prestigious Knightsbridge clinic. I have never had so many compliments about my skin in my life.”*
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Fraxel Laser Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit our Fraxel & Fraxel After-Care pages
Combine with Thermage for best results
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers relating to Fraxel Laser treatment
What is Fraxel laser treatment?
Fraxel™ laser treatment is a revolutionary concept in laser resurfacing of the skin. It was devised as a direct result of physicians (and their patients) wanting the benefits of laser skin resurfacing without the downtime side effects and lengthy recovery period associated with traditional invasive lasers.
How does Fraxel laser treatment work?
Fraxel laser treatment produces thousands of tiny microscopic laser spots which produce deep columns of treatment in your skin (known as microthermal zones), carefully eliminating old epidermal pigmented cells deep within the dermis.
However, for every microthermal zone the laser targets and treats intensively, Fraxel laser treatment leaves the surrounding tissue unaffected and intact. This unique “fractional” (or pixel-by-pixel) process allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area were treated at once, utilising the body’s natural healing process to create new, healthy and tighter tissue to replace skin imperfections.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure (including the application of topical anaesthetic for an hour pre-treatment) typically takes between 2 hours. There is no prolonged recuperation, no risk of general anaesthesia and Fraxel sessions are generally well tolerated.
What does the Fraxel laser treat?
Fraxel laser treatment is currently FDA cleared to treat wrinkles and pigmented lesions including age spots, sun spots, stretch marks and dyschromia.
What areas of skin can be treated with the Fraxel laser treatment?
Because of the unique Fraxel™ laser delivery system it is effective on delicate skin and is approved for use on the neck, chest and hand areas. Your practitioner will discuss which area(s) of your skin are appropriate for treatment and decide your programme of care.
What has been the acceptance of the Fraxel Laser?
Leading researchers and clinicians have been testing the Fraxel laser for nearly 2 years. It was initially cleared by the FDA in 2003 and is now available to a small group of specially trained doctors. Results are comparable to other treatment modalities that are associated with far more significant side affects. Patients are seeing rapid, significant change in their skin quality without the risks or prolonged healing time of other old lasers.
How many Fraxel laser treatments will I need?
Depending upon your specific needs most treatment regimes require three to five sessions to achieve the maximum result. Each treatment session targets between 15-20% of the skin’s surface and results are immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement is usually visible in about two to three months.
Treatment sessions are spaced at least two weeks apart, but this is very flexible and sessions can be organised to suit your needs, weeks or months apart, with no detrimental effect to the final result.
What does the Fraxel laser procedure involve?
A topical local anaesthetic is applied to the area(s) of treatment prior to the session for your comfort. The Fraxel laser treatment area will then be thoroughly cleansed.
The Fraxel laser treatment will take approximately 30 minutes (or more depending upon the extent of area to be treated). Additional time will be required for pre treatment photographs so please allow a total time of several hours at the clinic.
What will my skin look like after the Fraxel laser procedure?
Most patients report a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour after the Fraxel laser treatment. The skin will have a pinkish tone for five to seven days – this is a normal sign that your skin is healing deeply. Swelling is minimal and generally resolves in two to three days.
New epidermal skin develops immediately and this process of skin repair involves:
- Bronzing – your skin will develop a bronze appearance that lasts anywhere from 3 to 14 days.
- Dryness – your skin will micro-exfoliate naturally as the reorganised epidermal skin replaces dead tissue.
- Sunscreen – you will need to apply a sunscreen twice a day for several months after the treatment.
When will I see results from the Fraxel laser treatment?
After your very first Fraxel laser treatment session you will begin to feel the difference in our skin as it gradually becomes softer, smoother, tighter and fresher. Fine lines around your eyes, uneven colouring and the bronze spots caused by ageing and sun exposure will gradually fade.
After several treatments, your skin will have a much more youthful and healthy glow with results that you can really see and feel.
How long before I can return to my normal activities after the Fraxel laser treatment ?
You may apply make-up or shave soon after your Fraxel laser treatment. Most patients find that they can return to work within 24 hours following the treatment.
Is the Fraxel laser procedure safe?
Due to the unique delivery of the Fraxel laser system there are very few risks associated with the treatment. However, the skin can be highly sensitive and care must be taken to minimise any adverse reactions. Please ensure that you complete your medical and skin history forms in full and discuss any skin problems you may have with your practitioner.
The most frequently associated risks are as follows and normally disappear within a few days or weeks of treatment:
- Swelling/redness/blanching/burns/blisters/scabbing/hyper or hypo-pigmentation changes/bruising/mild to moderate discomfort/itching/cold sores/infection/keloid formation/punctuate bleeding/skin textural changes/milia/acne eruption/permanent scarring.
- In the unlikely event of an adverse reaction permanent scarring may occur.
Please note that the following have NOT been reported after Fraxel®, but could occur as a totally unrelated clinical incidence – skin cancers (including melanoma).
Are there any negative side effects?
To date we have not experienced any significant or long lasting adverse effects nor have we seen any evidence of post-inflammatory hyper or hypopigmentation (lighting or darkening of the skin), but these are always considered risks.
The clinical end point we look for with Fraxel is cell turnover and peeling. After treatment your skin tends to be pinkish red for a few days. This is normal and signifies that the dermal tissue is being repaired and there is good blood circulation. The repair process typically entails a faint “bronzing” tan like appearance that lasts anywhere from 3 to 14 days after treatment followed by a flaking process of exfoliation as the reorganised epidermal skin gradually replaces dead tissue.
Does Fraxel laser treatment hurt?
Although there is some moderate stinging during the therapy the treatment is well tolerated and a topical anaesthetic cream used to alleviate discomfort. Many patients also take Ibuprofen prior to the procedure to reduce the stinging. Patients can apply make-up or shave after treatment and most return to their routine activities the same day or the next.
Is there an ideal candidate for treatment?
Our typical patient is someone in their 30’s or older who has photo damaged skin, lines, wrinkles, skin discolouration, dull or rough texture, age spots etc. Fraxel laser treatment especially appeals to those patients who want the positive results of traditional resurfacing methods without the downtime or risks. It also appeals to those who are looking for a more dramatic result than might be achieved with non ablative techniques.
Can Fraxel be used with wrinkle fillers, muscle inhibitors or other non-invasive treatments?
A: Absolutely. There is no evidence of any cross reactions between these treatment modalities.
Visit our Fraxel page & Fraxel Aftercare Advice pages
For optimum results combine Fraxel with
Thermage treatment
Call +44 (0) 20 7460 7324 for your FREE FRAXEL CONSULTATION
or contact
Dr Rita Rakus
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“I had developed a very sun-damaged décolletage and, having had three treatments of Fraxel, I have been very pleased with the results. I now have a much smoother, younger-looking chest area and the Fraxel has really regenerated my skin. The results are truly noticeable”*
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