Disclaimer: Content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not replace formal medical advice. This content does not represent treatments offered to you or treatments offered by Sozo Aesthetic Clinic. Sozo Aesthetic Clinic only offers non-surgical facelifts.
Do you sometimes catch yourself examining your face for fine lines, wrinkles, scars and uneven skin tone? Do you often wonder whether it’s time to do something about them? Ageing is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do something about it.
Laser treatments have taken the aesthetic world by storm because of their non-invasive nature and effectiveness. One of the most popular options for treating different skin conditions associated with ageing is fractional laser treatment. Lasers are often used to treat acne scars, but they can also be used to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
One type of laser treatment that is fast gaining popularity is Fraxel. In this article, we’ll discuss what Fraxel Laser treatment is, how it works and its benefits. This article will also help you determine your suitability for the treatment, its risks and side effects, and much more. Let’s begin.
What is Fraxel Laser?
Fraxel Laser is a non-ablative fractional laser treatment designed to resurface the skin and repair it at a deeper level. By targeting a fraction of the skin with laser energy, Fraxel stimulates the natural healing process without damaging the surrounding tissues. It rejuvenates the skin by promoting collagen and elastin production. This machine is designed to address various skin concerns, delivering noticeable and long-lasting results.
How Does Fraxel Laser Work?
Fraxel helps stimulate elastin fibres and collagen in your skin, which leads to a fresher and tighter skin helping you attain that younger-looking skin. This happens because Fraxel delivers microscopic laser columns deep into the dermis, which then creates tiny wounds that trigger the natural response system of your body to heal those wounds. Fraxel is well known for its skin repair treatment. Here are the skin defects that Fraxel treat:
Fine lines and wrinkles – crow’s feet and brow lines
Surface scarring – improving the results of acne and other scarring
Pigmentation – minimising the visibility of age spots
Sun damage – helping repair the harmful effects of the sun’s UV
What Does Fraxel Laser Treat?
Fraxel is a device that delivers microscopic laser columns that penetrate the skin and create tiny micro-injuries underneath. This procedure delivers heat to the epidermis and dermis, allowing a superficial and deep treatment for fine lines, scars, and other skin conditions. With this done, new and healthy skin cells are developed to replace the old and damaged ones.
Who is Suitable for Fraxel Laser?
Fraxel Laser is suitable for people with mild to moderate skin concerns, such as early signs of ageing, uneven skin texture, and pigmentation issues. It is ideal for individuals over 20 who wish to address skin imperfections or maintain skin rejuvenation. While Fraxel works on most skin tones, patients with very dark skin should consult a doctor to assess the potential risks of hyperpigmentation.
However, it is important to consider any existing medical or skin conditions before proceeding with the treatment. Below is a detailed list of conditions not suitable for Fraxel treatment:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Individuals with active skin Infections, including cold sores, acne, etc.
- Patients with autoimmune or connective tissue disorders
- People taking photosensitising medications, blood thinners and steroids
- People with a history of keloid scars
- People with eczema, rosacea and psoriasis
Fraxel Laser Reviews
Although Fraxel is the right choice for many, it may not be ideal for everyone. Consider the pros and cons of this laser treatment to see if it’s a good option for you.
Pros
Less Recovery Time
Ablative laser treatments take almost a month to heal because of removing the top layer of the skin. Fraxel is a non-ablative laser that treats fine lines and other skin issues while requiring only minimal recovery time. It uses laser beams to penetrate deeply into the skin without damaging its surface.
Quick Treatment
The procedure’s duration may vary depending on the size of the treatment area and the condition, but it is usually pretty quick. Treating fine lines may be faster than targeting deep acne scars. However, if you decide to apply numbing cream beforehand, it typically takes 45 minutes before it works and numbs the area.
Little Preparation
Other procedures require extensive preparation, and patients must change certain habits and stop taking some medications before undergoing treatment. On the other hand, Fraxel Dual may only require patients to stop using certain skin products.
Cons
Slightly Uncomfortable
Fraxel may be uncomfortable for some, especially those with low pain tolerance. People usually describe the sensation during treatments as stinging. However, a numbing cream can be applied to the skin before the procedure to lessen the discomfort.
Careful After Treatment
Like any other laser procedure, you should be diligent with your aftercare treatment, especially regarding sun damage. Skin tends to be more sensitive to sunlight after a laser treatment. You will want to protect it to avoid damage and pigmentation. Shield your skin from the sun by slathering on some sunblock, wearing a hat, and simply staying away from the sun as much as possible.
What to Expect During the Treatment?
Step-by-Step Guide to the Fraxel Treatment Process
- Initial consultation. The first step is to schedule a consultation with Sozo Clinic’s Dr Justin Boey to determine if Fraxel laser suits your skin type and can help address your concerns. He will assess your skin condition, discuss your goals and outline the expected results. Any necessary pre-treatment steps will also be covered during the discussion.
- Skin preparation and numbing. On the day of the procedure, your skin will be cleansed thoroughly. A numbing cream is applied to the treatment area to minimise discomfort during the procedure.
- Laser session. The machine is equipped with a handpiece that will be used to deliver the beams on your face. The session usually lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Patients often describe the sensation as a stinging warmth, but it is generally manageable with the help of a numbing cream.
- Post-treatment guidance. After the procedure, your skin may appear red and sensitive, resembling a mild sunburn. Dr Boey will provide detailed aftercare instructions to protect your skin and promote optimal healing.
Risks and Side Effects of Fraxel Laser
While Fraxel laser treatment is generally considered safe, there are potential side effects that patients should be aware of. Common side effects include redness, swelling and mild discomfort in the treated area. These effects are temporary and typically subside within a few days. Your skin may also feel dry or flaky as it begins to heal, a normal part of the recovery process.
Rare complications, such as hyperpigmentation, can occur, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones or those who do not adhere strictly to aftercare guidelines. In some cases, there is also a minimal risk of infection, scarring or prolonged redness.
To mitigate side effects and promote proper healing, following the aftercare instructions provided by your aesthetic practitioner is crucial.
Downtime and Recovery
Most patients experience a downtime period of 3–5 days following the procedure, depending on the treatment’s intensity and individual healing responses. During this time, it is normal to notice redness, scabbing, peeling, or sensitivity in the treated area.
To support recovery after the procedure, maintain a simple and gentle skincare routine. Wash your face gently with a mild cleanser and apply a hydrating, fragrance-free moisturiser. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even when indoors, as this protects healing skin from damage. Avoid exfoliants, retinoids, or any products that could irritate the skin.
Lifestyle adjustments are equally important. Refrain from strenuous exercise, saunas or activities that cause excessive sweating during the first few days, as these can exacerbate irritation. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet and getting enough rest can further aid healing.
How Long Does Fraxel Laser Take to Show Results?
Patients may notice subtle skin texture and tone improvements within the first few weeks after the procedure as the initial healing process unfolds. Redness typically subsides, and the skin may appear more even. However, the most significant changes occur over time.
Fraxel laser treatment stimulates collagen production, which develops gradually over the next 2–3 months. This ongoing process improves fine lines, wrinkles and overall skin elasticity. Multiple sessions may be recommended for optimal results, with the full effect becoming evident several months after the final treatment.
Fraxel vs Other Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatments: Which Delivers Better Results?
Fraxel is one of many effective and reliable brands of laser treatments being offered in aesthetic clinics. But does the brand matter? Some laser procedures may be cheap because of their barely effective devices. In contrast, specialists want to provide their customers with quality care, which explains the investment in more pricey, advanced technology. Choosing a quality laser treatment is important to eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and other skin conditions.
When choosing what treatment to undergo, you must consider what you want to achieve and how much recovery time you will accept. Some may require few treatments but come with more extended downtime, while others require added treatment sessions but may only require 2-3 days of recovery time. Other important factors, such as lifestyle, skin colour, and condition, must be considered.
Fraxel vs INFINI
INFINI RF Laser Treatment uses two of the most effective skin rejuvenating treatments: radiofrequency and microneedling. This treatment can use two techniques in one device. The insulated microneedles allow radiofrequency energy to penetrate deeper into the skin for better results. This procedure encourages collagen production from within the skin, giving it more elasticity, firmness, and youthfulness. This results in diminished fine lines and other skin ageing signs.
Both procedures deliver similar results. However, INFINI Laser Treatment may treat scars and fine lines better. The insulated needles allow a more targeted and low-risk procedure. INFINI has little to no recovery time at all. And with just a few treatments, your skin will regain its vibrancy.
INFINI is a 3-dimensional approach which uses RF energy to volumise scar tissue. This technique is useful for depressed acne scars, such as boxcar scars and rolling scars. The little needles deliver heat energy into the dermis to target the inner part of the scar – up to 3.5mm. Each of these needles breaks down the skin to produce more collagen.
This laser resurfacing treatment is also known for its precision. Depending on the patient’s needs, the depths are customisable from 0.25mm to 3.5mm. It delivers energy to the exact target location of the scars for acne scar remodelling.
Fraxel vs Edge One Fractional CO2
Edge One uses fractional CO2 laser technology that significantly reduces downtime. This treatment tightens the skin, lessens the appearance of scars, removes fine lines and wrinkles, smoothens skin, and treats other skin disorders. It produces very fine beams that cause minimal redness and barely noticeable scabs. The energy conveyed deep into the skin generates a narrow ablation zone, allowing the laser to effectively focus on a fraction of the skin area at a time.
Edge One solves many cosmetic problems because it effectively stimulates collagen production. What sets this treatment apart is its precision. Edge One can target very specific, small areas of skin using a concentrated beam of light.
After the treatments, your skin will only feel slightly red and warm – this will subside within 2-3 days, while Fraxel laser treatment may require a week or more of downtime.
Fraxel vs Picosure
Picosure is amongst the few true picosecond laser treatments being offered besides PicoWay, Discovery Pico, and Lutronic PicoPlus. This treatment is designed for scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It uses 755nm wavelength, which helps promote your body’s natural healing mechanism to rejuvenate the skin over time.
Picosure Laser Treatment uses a focus lens that allows a concentrated beam to allow multiple passes for better effect. This treatment gives promising results without the unwanted side effects of post-inflammatory hypo or hyperpigmentation and scarring.
The system converts laser energy into pressure to squeeze cells and initiate cell signalling. This cell communication triggers collagen and elastin production, replacing old and damaged skin cells for rejuvenation. The pressurised response ensures the surrounding skin is not damaged – you will not experience tissue damage or burning during the treatment.
Fraxel and Picosure are different, yet both effective laser treatments that work best based on your cosmetic goals. Fraxel Dual may benefit you if you have a tight schedule and need little recovery time. On the other hand, PicoSure is a gentle treatment that can effectively eliminate fine lines, wrinkles and acne scarring after only 3-4 treatment sessions.
Other Laser Skin Treatments Cost
The cost of these treatments may vary depending on the condition and area treated.
INFINI Treatment is priced from $850
Edge Fractional CO2 is priced from $450 with a Recovery Serum included
PicoPlus Treatment is priced from $150 with Brightening Peel included
Conclusion
Fraxel is an effective laser treatment for skin rejuvenation, offering ideal results for various skin concerns. Known for its ability to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and address discolouration, Fraxel is a common choice for those seeking noticeable, long-lasting results.
While other laser treatments like INFINI, Edge One Fractional CO2, and Picosure have their benefits, Fraxel’s unique precision makes it ideal for targeting specific problem areas. Consult a trusted aesthetic practitioner to see if Fraxel is right for your skin rejuvenation goals.
