FRAXEL LASER TREATMENTS
Fraxel, a groundbreaking innovation in the realm of dermatology and skincare, encompasses a range of advanced laser treatments designed to rejuvenate and revitalize your skin. At PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank we are proud to offer Fraxel Restore Dual, Fraxel Repair, and Fraxel Thulium as powerful solutions tailored to address various skin concerns. These treatments harness the precision of fractional laser technology to combat issues such as scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven skin texture, leaving you with a refreshed, youthful glow. Finally, patients can achieve the results of true laser resurfacing without the discomfort and risk of older, traditional CO2 or Erbium lasers.
How Do Fraxel® Lasers Work?
Fraxel Thulium®: Fraxel Thulium is specifically designed to target pigmentation issues and improve skin tone. It is an excellent choice for those dealing with uneven skin coloration, age spots, and melasma. By delivering fractional laser energy in a precise manner, it helps to break down excess pigmentation and stimulate collagen production for a more even complexion.
Fraxel Restore Dual®: The Fraxel Restore Dual® is the first non-ablative laser to have the impact of an ablative laser. This treatment is known for its versatility in addressing a wide range of skin concerns. With the Dual we are targeting two different wavelengths to correct finelines, build collagen, treat conditions such as stretch marks and scars. The other wavelength is targeting the superficial layer to address sun damage and pigment It operates on the principle of fractional laser technology, creating numerous microscopic treatment zones within the skin. These zones stimulate collagen and elastin production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars. One of its significant advantages is its customizability, allowing dermatologists to tailor the treatment depth and intensity to the patient’s specific needs.
Fraxel Repair®: The Fraxel Repair® is now the standard of care for fractionated ablative laser resurfacing. It is ideal for individuals seeking dramatic improvement in skin texture, particularly for deep wrinkles, pronounced sun damage, and severe acne scarring. Don’t be convinced into copycat technologies such as Pixel, Affirm, Matrix, Mixto, eCO2, Active/Deep FX, Accupulse, Pearl, Dot Xide and Palomar fractionated hand-pieces when you can have the original and more powerful gold standard technology. While it offers impressive results, it may involve a longer recovery period compared to other Fraxel treatments.
All three Fraxel treatments share the common thread of fractional laser technology that promotes gradual but noticeable improvements in the skin. They harness the body’s natural healing process to rejuvenate the skin, resulting in a fresher, more youthful appearance over time.
The choice among Fraxel Restore Dual, Fraxel Repair, or Fraxel Thulium will depend on your specific needs and desired outcomes. During your consultation, Dr. Frank will assess your unique skin concerns and recommend the most appropriate option.
Dr. Frank featured on CBS Discussing Laser Resurfacing Treatments
What Conditions Can Fraxel® Lasers Treat?
Fraxel® laser treatments are effective for addressing a variety of skin conditions and concerns. Some of the common skin issues and conditions that can be treated with Fraxel® include:
Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Fraxel can significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly those caused by sun damage and aging.
Sun Damage: Fraxel® is excellent for treating sun-damaged skin, including sunspots, age spots, and uneven skin tone caused by prolonged sun exposure.
Acne Scars: Fraxel® is a popular choice for improving the appearance of acne scars, including both atrophic (indented) and hypertrophic (raised) scars.
Surgical Scars: It can also help reduce the visibility of surgical scars, making them less noticeable.
Melasma: Fraxel Thulium, in particular, is effective in addressing melasma, a common skin condition characterized by hyperpigmentation.
Uneven Skin Texture: Fraxel treatments can smooth out the skin’s texture, reducing the appearance of rough or bumpy skin.
Enlarged Pores: Fraxel can help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, resulting in a smoother complexion.
Stretch Marks: Fraxel is used to diminish the appearance of stretch marks, particularly those caused by pregnancy or rapid weight changes.
Skin Laxity: While not a replacement for surgical procedures like facelifts, Fraxel can improve mild to moderate skin laxity and provide a subtle tightening effect.
Overall Skin Rejuvenation: Many people use Fraxel as a comprehensive skin rejuvenation treatment to achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
It’s important to note that the type of Fraxel treatment (Restore Dual, Repair, Thulium) and the specific settings used will vary depending on the condition being treated.
Laser For Acne Scars
Fraxel Restore and Fraxel Repair for Acne Scars
Ideal Candidates for Fraxel Laser Treatments
Ideal candidates for Fraxel Restore Dual, Fraxel Repair, or Fraxel Thulium laser treatments are individuals seeking non-surgical solutions to improve the appearance and texture of their skin. Fraxel Restore Dual is a versatile option suitable for a broad range of skin types and concerns, making it ideal for those with fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and uneven skin texture. Fraxel Repair, on the other hand, is better suited for individuals with more severe skin issues, such as deep wrinkles and pronounced sun damage, who are willing to accept a longer recovery period for dramatic results. Fraxel Thulium specifically targets pigmentation issues and is perfect for those with uneven skin tone, age spots, or melasma. It’s essential for candidates to have realistic expectations, be in generally good health, and consult with a qualified dermatologist or skincare professional to determine the most suitable Fraxel treatment based on their specific skin concerns and desired outcomes.
The Fraxel Laser Procedure
The procedures for Fraxel Restore Dual, Fraxel Repair, and Fraxel Thulium share a common framework, as they all rely on fractional laser technology to rejuvenate the skin. On the day of the procedure, your skin is cleansed, and if necessary, a topical numbing cream or local anesthesia is applied to enhance comfort. During the treatment session, the specialized Fraxel laser is employed to create thousands of microscopic treatment zones within the skin. This fractional approach allows for targeted improvement while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. The depth and intensity of the treatment are adjusted to address specific concerns, and cooling measures are often incorporated to enhance comfort. Fraxel does require several treatments, anywhere from 3-5 depending on the patient.
Recovery and Results
The Fraxel Repair® is a fractional technology that utilizes the ablative CO2 laser wavelength of light. It is more aggressive than the Fraxel Restore® (non-ablative) in that it leaves the skin with small open wounds which create a healing period of approximately 5-7 days. Some level of sedation is essential for pain control during the treatment and minor wound care and oral medications are essential for recovery. Makeup can be applied 5-7 days after the treatment with the potential for minor coverable redness for 1-2 weeks afterward. The Fraxel Repair® is for the patient that requires the most aggressive treatment for deep scars, deep wrinkles, particularly around the eyes and mouth, and skin looseness. Fraxel Repair® patients want dramatic results in as little treatment sessions as possible. This technology has been coined the “microscopic facelift.” Because Fraxel Restore® Dual leaves no open wounds, treatment and recovery is very easy. Makeup is applied the next day without any aftercare.
Co2 Fraxel Laser Resurfacing Healing Process
Combining Fraxel Treatments
Combining the power of Fraxel and PICO Genesis™ lasers, PFRANKMD’s signature treatment, Pigment Protocol, is an advanced non-invasive skin treatment developed by Dr. Frank. Designed to break up pigmented areas and improve the overall texture of the skin at every skin layer, this photorejuvenation treatment Is safe for all skin colors, delivers laser energy powerful to treat superficial and deeply pigmented areas and delivers impressive results in fewer treatments.
Before & Afters
In the Press
FAQs
How many treatments will I need?
A common treatment regimen is 3 to 5 sessions, spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart for Fraxel Restore®*. Most patients get 4 treatments. Fraxel Repair® is usually a one-time treatment, but some patients may request more*. Optimal improvement occurs for 6 months after the series of treatments*. This time frame and structure allows for treatment of damaged tissue with new collagen and elastin, and viable healthy skin cell growth.
How are Fraxel® Laser Treatments performed?
A topical anesthetic ointment is applied to the treatment areas approximately 60 minutes prior to treatment in order for the anesthetic to take full effect. For Fraxel Restore Dual® treatments, topical anesthesia is used. For Fraxel Repair® treatments, patients get topical anesthesia, shots of local anesthesia and sedation with low dose Demerol and Valium. IV sedation is optional in our out-patient surgical facility. Both procedures take between 20-25 minutes for the full face*.
Is Fraxel® Laser Treatment painful?
Most patients describe the treatment as having an intense “prickling” sensation. The anesthetic protocol that Dr. Frank uses and air cooling alleviates most discomfort. For those that are sensitive, Dr. Frank offers whatever additional pain relief. if necessary.
Which Fraxel® Laser is best for me?
Upon consultation, Dr. Frank can assess the quality and severity of the skin problem. After a thorough history and interview, he can help patients make a decision that will suite both the condition that needs treatment and the lifestyle issues regarding downtime and risks that patients needs to make an educated choice.
How much do Fraxel® Lasers treatments cost?
Total price for a series of Fraxel Restore® treatments ($800- $2,000 each) is approximately equivalent to one Fraxel Repair® treatment ($2,500- $7,500). Range of prices depends on partial or full-face treatments, severity of condition, and the relative inclusion of other body parts such as neck and chest.
Can Fraxel® treatments be performed on the body?
Yes, both Fraxel Restore Dual® and Fraxel Repair® are excellent treatments for scars and sun damage throughout the body. Great for stretch marks, too!
What are the benefits of Fraxel® Laser Treatments?
With fractionated lasers, healing time is significantly accelerated so there is minimal downtime and risk. With Fraxel Restore Dual®, make-up can be worn following the procedure. Some patients are able to return to routine activities, including work and social obligations, the same day of treatment. Generally, there is redness and minor puffiness for 1-3 days*. Fraxel Repair® patients require up to one week off, depending upon their skin condition and treatment level.
What are the risks of Fraxel® Laser Treatments?
Swelling and redness are the most common side effects of treatment. If swelling and redness does occur, it is minimal and will subside within a day or two for Fraxel Restore Dual® and 5-10 days for Fraxel Repair®*. There is a very limited risk of infection or scarring and there is no pain during recovery with either treatment. We have never seen any significant complications.