Fraxel Dual
What is Fraxel laser?
Fraxel is a revolutionary laser treatment that helps you to remove years from your appearance. Fraxel is the pioneer of "fractional photothermolysis", a technology in which thousands of microscopic laser columns - each just one-tenth the diameter of a hair follicle - treat a fraction of the skin at a time without affecting the surrounding tissue. These laser columns stimulate the production of younger, smoother, healthier skin to replace damaged tissue.
What’s new about the Fraxel DUAL procedure?
The new non-ablative Fraxel DUAL system takes the industry leading Fraxel technology to the highest level of effectiveness by adding a new laser wavelength that is optimized to treat pigment and other surface skin imperfection. The new wavelength (1927) is more comfortable, and now for the first time Fraxel can be used on larger treatment areas and multiple body areas at the same time.
How does the Fraxel DUAL procedure work?
Fraxel DUAL laser is a non-ablative treatment which targets aging and sun-damaged skin with microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into your skin to expedite your body’s remodeling of collagen. And since the laser treats only a fraction of tissue at a time, it leaves the surrounding tissue intact, which promotes rapid healing. Fraxel DUAL treatment resurfaces your skin by stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells from the inside out.
What does Fraxel DUAL procedure feel like?
Most patients describe an increased sensation of heat during the treatment. To minimize discomfort, topical anesthesia is applied before the procedure and cooling is built directly into the new hand piece for improved patient comfort. After the treatment, most patients feel like they have a sunburn, which usually diminishes in 1 to 3 hours.
What kind of results can I expect from Fraxel DUAL treatments?
Visible improvement from Fraxel DUAL treatments may vary from subtle to dramatic depending on the level and number of treatments received. Patients may experience:
• Smoother, fresher, younger looking skin
• Improved tone and texture
• Erasing of unwanted brown spots
• Reduced fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
• Improved appearance of acne scars and surgical scars
How long does the Fraxel DUAL procedure take?
The treatment takes just 30 minutes for a full face with additional time for anaesthetic application.
What will my skin feel like after the procedure?
After the procedure, you will have some degree of redness, swelling or a sunburn sensation, which are signs that your body's natural healing process is building new skin from the inside out. The redness and crusting will usually peak at day 3 to 4 following the procedure and resolve after one week.
We would normally recommend that patients plan on taking 2 to 3 days off work after the procedure.
Photographs courtesy of Solta Medical Aesthetic Centre
How long will the results last?
It depends on your particular condition and how you care for your skin. Once your skin is treated, continue to
protect the surface as directed. For conditions such as melasma, it is very important to avoid direct sun exposure. Your physician will give you specific advice based on your individual needs.
Is the Fraxel DUAL procedure safe?
Swelling and redness are the most common side effects from a Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatment. Any swelling is typically minimal and subsides within a day or two, and any redness typically fades within a few days. Other temporary side effects may include minor itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking, and a bronzed skin appearance. There is a limited risk of infection, hyperpigmentation, or scarring.
The intensity and duration of side effects depend on the aggressiveness of a treatment and on your particular healing characteristics. Your physician will provide specific instructions about what to expect and how to minimize any side effects.
Specialist perspective on the Fraxel DUAL:
Dr Hugh Roberts, Consultant Dermatologist
"The Fraxel DUAL is an incredibly versatile laser platform. It has been clinically proven to treat a wide range of conditions such as fine wrinkles, acne scarring, pigmentation and sun damage. The addition of the more superficial 1927nm wavelength has enabled us to treat more superficial skin conditions with less downtime and with only a few treatment sessions. I continue to be amazed at the results we see with this laser. "