What conditions is it used for?
FRAXEL laser is used for the treatment of the following skin conditions:
- Treatment of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Uneven skin colour and tone.
- Sun damage and sun spots.
- Melasma and hormonal pigmentation.
- Aktinic keratoses and pre-malignant skin lesions.
- Acne scarring and surgical scars.
- Skin resurfacing, reduction of enlarged pores, and improvement of skin texture.
A FRAXEL treatment is one of the most rewarding treatments one can have, improving so many different components that it leaves our patients feeling happier in their own skins! Many of our patients feel more comfortable going without make-up after a few FRAXEL treatments.
What does a treatment entail?
Your face will be cleansed and photographs will be taken. Depending on the strength of treatment you are having, a topical anaesthetic may be applied for 30-60 minutes prior to your treatment.
Cold air is blown onto the treatment area and the FRAXEL laser head is moved over your skin in a systemic fashion, feeling like tiny pin pricks. A number of passes are made, depending on your treatment prescription. Afterwards, your skin will feel warm and will throb as if you are sunburnt. You will be placed under an infra-red PDT (photo dynamic therapy) light for 20 minutes which accelerates healing and aids in the collagen stimulating process. A soothing serum and sunblock will be applied before you leave.
Is there pain and downtime?
Redness and mild swelling will occur and you will look like you have been sunburnt. This lasts for 1-4 days, according to the strength of treatment done. Thereafter, your skin will darken and will feel like sandpaper before gradually flaking off. This lasts for 5-10 days. Typically, most patients lie low for the first day or two. After that, the residual redness and dryness can be covered with a tinted sunblock.
Discomfort is mild and usually does not require analgesics. Paracetamol can be taken if required, but please avoid anti-inflammatories which may hamper the formation of new collagen. A complimentary microdermabrasion treatment is offered 7-10 days after your FRAXEL treatment to get rid of any residual dryness and flaking skin.
When can I expect to see results?
If a FRAXEL treatment is done for sun damage and pigmentation, you can expect to see results within a week or two after the treatment. The collagen building effects take 4-6 months to become evident and continue for up to a year.
How many treatments do I need and how often?
No one treatment regimen is suited to everyone and individual responses to treatments differ widely, depending on the strength of the treatment done, the condition being treated, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s specific skin type. Your treating practitioner will assess you and discuss the best treatment options for you personally. More than one FRAXEL treatment is usually needed for optimal results, with a minimum of 14 days between each treatment. Please ensure you protect your skin during and after treatments by applying sunscreen liberally and regularly, wearing a hat, and avoiding the sun.
FRAXEL facials are mini FRAXEL treatments which are ideal for improving skin with minimal sun damage, or as maintenance treatments after you have completed a course of full FRAXEL treatments. .
Recommended Supplements:
Taking an oral collagen supplement, eg Collagen Pro-Active may help you get better results.
