Q. WHAT IS FRAXEL® DUAL LASER TREATMENT?
Fraxel® laser is a safe and gradual laser procedure. The Fraxel laser energy penetrates deep into the dermal layer to stimulate new collagen formation which firms the skin and reduces lines and scars. The laser does this by creating controlled trauma in the skin which in turn stimulates the body to replace aged and photo-damaged skin, by creating new collagen and elastin.
Fraxel® also resurfaces the skin to reduce wrinkles, acne scarring, pigmentation and to improve skin quality and texture, but unlike ablative laser treatments the down time is more managable.
Q. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FRAXEL®??
Fraxel® Laser 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 it is not recommended for African/very dark skin which is prone to scarring.
The results are outstanding - its "you" but "better".
Q. WHAT DOES FRAXEL® LASER TREAT?
Fraxel® laser can tighten the skin; improve the texture, (wrinkles, scars, enlarged pores), and reduce pigmentation (discolouration) caused by sun damage.
A special handpiece also specifically treats melasma (hormonal pigmentation sometimes known as Pregnancy Mask) with ease. Melasma is notoriously hard to treat but with Fraxel we are confident of the results.
We also achieve excellent results for scarring, including ice pick scarring (acne scarring).
It is one of the best treatments 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 excess sun exposure.
Q. HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
On arrival, we will take photographs for your medical record.
A topical anaesthetic (numbing cream) is applied 45-60 minutes before the treatment commences.
The treatment time depends on the area, but on average it takes about 30 minutes. We also allow a recovery period after the treatment to cool the skin before you leave. This means that you should plan to be at the clinic for roughly 2 hours.
Q. IS FRAXEL® LASER PAINFUL?
Clients generally experience mild to moderate discomfort during Fraxel® treatment. This is often described as a prickling sensation and on bony areas the discomfort may be more intense.
Our topical anaesthetic reduces the sensation of the laser, but we also use a cryo cooling system which blows very cold air onto the treatment area 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.
Q. HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Depending on the condition of your skin and your treatment concerns you will need 1-5 treatments to attain the best results.
Typically :
- General rejuvenation 1-3 treatments
- Pigmentation 1-3 treatments
- Ice pick scarring and extensive sun damage 3-5 treatments
Q. WILL FRAXEL® ADDRESS ACNE SCARRING?
Yes. We consider Fraxel® to be the gold standard treatment for acne scarring.
If you still have active acne, you may experience a breakout after treatment but we will advise you on how to manage this.
Q. WHAT IS THE DOWNTIME
After the treatment, you will not feel unwell, but you will be red and swollen.
The skin may be pink for 5 to 7 days and occasionally longer. A bronze or tan red appearance will occur from three to fourteen days. Commonly you will look "sunburnt".
Peeling or flaking of the skin (with the associated feeling of the skin being "dry") is normal from 4 to 14 days.
Issada Recovery Complex or Issada Synbiotic Moisturiser are recommended 3-5 applications per day for 5 days.
We recommend that clients allow at least 3-4 days downtime. Shaving can be tolerated soon after the procedure using a gentle cleanser rather than a fragranced shaving foam or gel.
It is safe to have a cool shower and gently wash your face and hair when you go home but avoid heat, steam and sun exposure.
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 Issada Sheer Defence SPF 50+ sunscreen every day. This has been specifically formulated to wear under makeup.
Q. ARE THERE ANY NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS?
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 Issada Clinical Formula 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.