Fraxel Dual™ is a non-ablative fractionated laser that stimulates collagen growth in the skin resulting in a healthy glow, smoother texture and improved appearance. The laser energy produces a wound healing response without injuring the skin surface, allowing for a faster recovery time, typically 1-3 days. A series of non-ablative laser treatments can improve fine lines, mottled pigmentation, melasma, acne scars, surgical scars, stretch marks and enlarged pores.

 

Fraxel Dual skin resurfacing is performed on patients from 16 to 60 years old and it is used to treat a number of skin conditions including:

• acne scars

• "crepey" skin texture

• fine lines and wrinkles

• loss of skin elasticity

• melasma

• skin discolorations

• stretch marks

• sun damaged skin

• surgical or traumatic scars

 

 

What is the Fraxel Dual 1550 nm laser treatment?

 

Fraxel is a non-ablative fractional laser treatment that is often used in the treatment of acne scarring. It is named the “Fraxel” since it only treats a small fraction of the skin each visit, leaving healthy skin between the treatment areas in order to decrease healing time.

 

How does the Fraxel Dual 1550 nm work for acne scarring?

 

The Fraxel laser uses microscopic columns of laser energy to penetrate into the skin’s deeper layers in order to stimulate your body’s own healing process. This stimulates the body to produce healthy collagen in order to repair the damaged skin. The Fraxel treatment can smooth out acne scars, in addition to treating the red and brown marks often left behind after acne lesions.

 

What type of scarring can the Fraxel Dual 1550 nm treat?

 

The Fraxel laser is used for many types of scars, though it is particularly effective in the treatment of acne scarring. Atrophic (“pitted”) scars, red scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (“brown”) scars all respond very well to the Fraxel laser treatment. The Fraxel treatment is safe for all skin types, even darker skin types such as African American, Asian and Indian skin, as it does not target melanin (the pigmented cell found in the skin.) Patients of all skin types with many different types of acne scarring can benefit from the Fraxel non-ablative resurfacing treatment.

 

What can I expect during the Fraxel Dual 1550 nm treatment?

 

Upon arriving in the office, we will clean your skin thoroughly and then apply a numbing cream to the surface of your skin. The numbing cream will remain on your skin for approximately one hour. The cream will be removed immediately prior to the treatment. The Fraxel laser treatment of the face takes approximately 30 minutes. You may feel a warm sensation, but you should feel more than very minimal discomfort. We will review post-treatment skin care instructions before you leave the office.

 

Is there any downtime after the Fraxel Dual 1550 nm laser treatment?

 

After the treatment, you may experience mild swelling and redness for 2-3 days. This is similar to very severe sunburn. Most patients feel comfortable leaving the house, but may not want to have the treatment performed immediately prior to any social engagements. After 2-3 days, your skin will look okay and you may resume normal work and social engagements.

 

How many Fraxel Dual 1550 nm treatments are required for acne scars?

 

Most patients require 3-4 treatments of the Fraxel laser in order to treat acne scars.