Fraxel Dual LaserThe Gold Standard Treatment for Laser Resurfacing

Fraxel laser is a safe and gradual laser procedure that stimulates the body to replace aged and photo-damaged skin. It resurfaces the skin to reduce wrinkles, acne scarring, pigmentation and to improve skin quality and texture. It penetrates deep into the dermal layer to stimulate new collagen formation which firms the skin and reduces lines and scars.

Fraxel can be as effective as ablative lasers but with much less down time, less side effects and a shorter recovery period. It is safe on the entire body and face, and most skin types although very dark skin is not treatable.

Fraxel uses a laser beam to create microscopic holes (not visible to the eye) in the skin. This stimulates your body to create new collagen and skin cells to repair sun damage and scarring. Approximately 20 – 25% % of the skin is treated at each appointment, which allows your skin time to heal with minimal downtime.

It is much less invasive than other lasers such as the CO2 and the Erbium which remove the entire outer layer of the skin and require a significant healing period

The Fraxel laser can tighten the skin; improve the texture, (wrinkles, scars, enlarged pores) and discolouration due to sun damage and melasma (hormonal pigmentation). We have achieved excellent results for acne scarring. It is the best treatment for areas with fine aging skin such as the eyes, cheeks, neck, décolletage and hands. The results will last for many years if protected from further sun exposure.

On arrival, we will take photographs for your medical record. A topical anaesthetic (numbing cream) is applied 45 minutes before the treatment commences. The treatment time depends on the area, but on average it takes about 30minutes. We also allow a recovery period after the treatment to cool the skin and have a cup of tea. This means that you should plan to be at the clinic for roughly 2 hours.

Clients generally experience mild to moderate discomfort during Fraxel treatment. This is often described as a prickling sensation and in bony areas the discomfort may be more intense. The topical anaesthetic reduces the sensation of the laser, but we also use a cryo cooling system which blows very cold air onto the face very cold air to cool the skin.

After treatment, your skin will feel quite hot, tight and sunburnt. If you are uncomfortable you may take your usual pain relief such as Panadol but we also apply soothing cream and ice packs to alleviate this.

Depending on the condition of your skin and your treatment concerns you will need 1-3 treatments to attain the best results. Severe scarring may require three or more treatments.

Yes. We consider Fraxel to be the gold standard treatment for acne scarring. If you still have active acne, you may have a breakout after treatment but will advise you on how to manage this.

After the treatment, you will not feel unwell but you will be red and swollen. A pink tone of the skin can remain for 5 to 7 days and occasionally longer. A bronze or tan red appearance will occur from three to fourteen days. Flaking of the skin (and associated dry feeling) from 4 to14 days is normal. Moisturiser can be applied as often as is comfortable. We recommend that clients allow at least 3-4 days downtime. Shaving can be tolerated soon after the procedure.

It is safe to shower and gently wash your face and hair when you go home. Use a cleanser after treatment and avoid hot water as this will increase swelling. We recommend that clients do not return to work immediately after the procedure although the only limiting factor is the swollen appearance.

We stress the need to apply sunscreen during the healing phase and strongly recommend daily application of a 30+ sunscreen to prevent sun damage. We recommend this irrespective of the Fraxel treatment.

Rejuvenation treatments: There is sometimes the possibility of transient (temporary) increase in pigmentation in the skin. If you have a darker skin type, the risk is reduced by liberal use of the Balense anti-pigmentation range.

Pigmentation treatments: You will see crusting and darkening of the pigmentation as it rises to the surface. This normally sheds within 5-10 days

All Treatments:

• Possible blisters or pinpoint bleeding.

• If you are prone to cold-sores may experience an outbreak.

• Temporary acne in oily skin types.

Aftercare is essential. Your therapist will prescribe you a home treatment regimen to ensure you get the best from your treatment.