The Fraxel DUAL 1550nm/1927nm laser is a fractional, non-ablative device that features two lasers with different wavelengths. Fraxel DUAL addresses tone, texture, and radiance for aging or sun damaged skin on the face, neck, chest, or hands. A fractional laser treats a portion of the skin’s surface (like a grid), leaving surrounding tissue intact. One wavelength treats the superficial layer of skin to target pigmentation and fine wrinkling due to sun damage. The other wavelength treats deeper to target wrinkles, uneven texture, pore size, and acne scarring. We can use one or both wavelengths according to your specific skin concerns.
The procedure is fairly quick and takes approximately 20 minutes for treatment on the face.
Prior to the treatment, numbing cream is applied to treated area for 45 minutes. Your skin is cleansed and you will wear protective eyewear. You will feel some heat and a prickly sensation, but cool air is applied to help minimize any discomfort.
Immediately after treatment, the skin will be red, warm, and mildly swollen. To help soothe the skin and promote healing, platelet rich plasma (PRP), a component of your blood, is applied after the Fraxel treatment. The nurse will draw a small amount of blood and spin it in a centrifuge causing the blood components to separate. The platelet rich plasma is collected and applied to the top of your skin.
Our staff will recommend specific products to use until the skin is healed. The healing process generally takes about 3-5 days. Mild to moderate swelling may last for several days. After several days, the treated area may feel like sandpaper with mild flaking. The healing process after fractional laser resurfacing is rapid, and results in stimulation of collagen and elastin production, adding firmness and resilience to skin. Makeup may be worn after 24 hours.
As only a fraction of the skin’s surface is treated with each Fraxel treatment, several sessions are needed for optimal results. The majority of our patients see improvement after each treatment session. We offer consultations to determine if you are a good candidate for Fraxel DUAL and create a plan specific to your skin’s needs.
Fraxel: A New Way to Lower Your Skin Cancer Risk
A study by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that patients who received Fraxel treatments had a lower risk of developing facial nonmelanoma skin cancers (basal cell or squamous cell). With minimal downtime, a Fraxel treatment may be ideal for patients prone to skin cancers or with significant sun damage and precancerous spots.