Laser Resurfacing – Fraxel Laser

Fraxel Laser 11

Laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses laser methods to improve skin appearance or treat slight facial defects by removing layers of skin. 

How can laser resurfacing be performed?

Laser resurfacing can be performed with the following:

Nonablative laser

It is the gentler form of the two. It creates heat in the deep layers of your skin, leaving the outer layer undamaged.
This type of laser permits quick healing and little downtime.

This non-invasive procedure regenerates your skin by stimulating collagen and elastin growth under the skin surface, retrieving firmness and tone.

Ablative laser

The harsher treatment means more prolonged healing, potential side effects, and downtime, but it reaches more dramatic results.

There is another type of laser known as Fractional Laser (Fraxel). This type of laser damages only a fraction of your skin at a given time. This minimally invasive type promotes collagen growth in the skin and leaves behind healthy cells.

The result is faster healing, lower downtime, and fewer risks than traditional lasers. In addition, Fraxel is available in both nonablative and ablative forms. 

What is Fraxel Laser?

It is a non-invasive laser procedure that pierces deep into the skin to promote new collagen and elastin growth that causes skin resurfacing by encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin cells from the inside out.

This treatment aims to smooth wrinkles and scars, hide brown spots, and restore skin tone. 
Because Laser Resurfacing treats only a fraction of tissue at a time, the surrounding tissue remains intact, and as a result, it promotes very rapid healing. 

What are the available types of Fraxel Lasers?

What are the available types of Fraxel Lasers

There are two types:

  1. Fraxel Restore is a nonablative laser targeting pigmentation and sun damage.
  2. Fraxel Repair: An ablative fractionated laser uses carbon dioxide to treat more severe cases. This type goes deeper into the skin to target wrinkles, acne scarring, and texture. However, it requires more extensive downtime because it is the most powerful.

Your doctor will choose the appropriate type for you according to your skin’s needs. Click here to book your free appointment at HayatMed with one of the best dermatologists in Turkey. 

How does it work?

The treatment mechanism is the same regardless of the chosen method. The energy from the lasers creates mini columns of thermic destruction in the skin, encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin cells to replace the damaged cells. 

What are the reasons for using Fraxel lasers?

This procedure can treat several skin defects. The most common reasons for using it

include the following:

  • Hyperpigmentation. 
  • Sun damage.
  • Fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Age spots
  • Acne scars.

Most People commonly have lasers applied to their entire faces. However, the décolletage, neck, hands, and arms are also treated.

Regarding textured acne scars, lasers are more helpful than any topical treatment. The reason is that the laser permits it to go deep into the skin, which allows the break up of that scar tissue, while no cream would give similar results. 

Is the Fraxel laser safe?

Generally, the laser is safe for all skin tones. However, it might not be the right choice for some people. 
For example, this type of laser is not recommended for those with melasma because melasma can worsen under the effects of a Fraxel laser.

For these patients, doctors may recommend an even less aggressive laser. 
Your dermatologist will let you know whether your skin can handle the laser, so you should schedule a consultation.

Book a free appointment at HayatMed now and determine whether you are the right candidate for this treatment. 

How do you prepare for the Fractional Laser treatment?

How do you prepare for the Fractional Laser treatment

Before you have Fraxel laser resurfacing, you will meet your doctor, who will:
Check your medical history. The doctor will ask about your current and past medical conditions and any medicines you take.

Besides, any cosmetic procedures you’ve had in the past. Make a physical exam. The doctor will examine your skin and the area that will be treated to determine how your physical features might affect your results and what changes can be made.

Discuss your expectations and explain the potential risks and the expected results. At the end of the consultation, your doctor can determine whether you are a candidate for this treatment. If so, they will give you the pre-treatment instructions. Make sure to follow them carefully to avoid any complications. 

How is it done?

The procedure will differ according to the chosen type of Fraxel laser.

If you undergo Fraxel Repair Laser (Ablative laser resurfacing):

First, your doctor will numb your skin with local anesthetics. Then, they direct an intense beam of a laser at the skin. The light energy beam destroys the outer layer of the skin. Besides, the laser also heats the implied skin, which causes collagen fibers to contract. 

Once the wound heals, new skin forms that are tighter and smoother; this procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the size of the area treated and other factors.

If you undergo Fraxel Restore Laser (Nonablative laser resurfacing):

First, your doctor will numb your skin with a topical anesthetic 40 minutes before treatment. Furthermore, they will apply a water-based gel to protect the outer layer of your skin. 

The laser damages collagen under your skin and encourages new collagen growth, tightening underlying skin and improving skin tone and appearance. 

This procedure usually takes between 15 minutes and one hour, depending on the size of the area treated and other factors. 

How many sessions of Laser Resurfacing are needed?

The number of needed sessions depends on the laser used and the treated area.
You’ll typically need three to five sessions of nonablative fractional treatments every two to four weeks apart. Your skin’s appearance will gradually improve over one to two months.

While you’ll likely need only one session of fractional ablative treatment, your skin will look brighter, feel softer, and have more tone. Over the next three months, you’ll see more improvement as the deeper layers of the skin heal. 

What are the Fraxel laser side effects?

Your side effects depend on the treatment aggressiveness, which means if you are treated more aggressively, you will experience more intense side effects that last longer. 

However, this laser treatment generally has fewer side effects and downtime than other intense lasers. 
You should expect redness, swelling, and peeling afterward, but most of these problems settle in less than a week. 

What is the average Fraxel laser recovery time?

The expected Laser Resurfacing downtime is usually a week. However, like a sunburn, you can expect redness and swelling during the first two days after the session.

After that, your skin will start to peel. Avoid picking at the flakes and allow your skin to heal independently, or you’ll face scarring. 

Is it painful?

During the laser treatment, you often feel a little teeny prickling; however, because your face will be anesthetized it should not be uncomfortable d, it should not be uncomfortable.
It’s more painful, even with the numbing cream.

How much does a Fraxel laser cost?

The cost of a Fractional Laser varies. It is based on the geographic office location, the doctor’s experience, and the treatment area.
In Turkey, you can achieve stunning results and affordable prices for any cosmetic procedure.

It is the right destination to improve your appearance and enjoy the beauty of the place.
At HayatMed for cosmetic procedures in Istanbul, our dermatologists are highly experienced in performing laser treatment procedures with satisfactory results, according to our patients’ evaluations, in addition to the competitive costs.

Contact us immediately and get an attractive offer for the Fraxel Laser price. Click here for more information about Thermage treatment or return to the Laser Category.

About the author

Zeyna Aslan

Zeyna Aslan

Zeyna Aslan brings over 13 years of expertise to the HayatMed Clinic Blog. With a passion for healthcare communication, Zeyna has crafted insightful articles that demystify complex medical topics, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Her wealth of experience ensures that each blog post is a reliable source of knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of health and medical advancements.

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