The Third Wonder May Surprise You!
Fraxel® laser treatment can improve your skin’s radiance, tone, and texture if you are experiencing signs of aging or have scars or sun damage. Sometimes called skin resurfacing, this FDA-approved laser treatment delivers results without surgery or injections.
If you are wondering what happens during the skin resurfacing process and what kind of results you can expect, our experts at Cosmetic Laser Centers℠ in the Pittsburgh area can explain the wonders of Fraxel® laser treatment.
Skin Resurfacing with Fraxel® Laser
Laser devices like Fraxel® DUAL direct short, concentrated beams of light at targeted areas of your skin. The laser removes skin cells layer-by-layer and stimulates the production of new collagen. The result is firmer, smoother skin with a more even tone.
Wonder #1: Fraxel® Laser Helps With a Variety Of Skin Concerns
Fraxel® laser treatments may help you meet your skin goals and feel like the best version of yourself if you’re experiencing:
- Scars from acne or chickenpox.
- Age spots, liver spots, or other uneven skin pigmentation like melasma.
- Sun-damaged skin, including age spots.
- Fine lines and wrinkles, especially around your mouth and eyes or on your forehead.
- Enlarged oil glands on your nose.
Unfortunately, if you have active acne, deep wrinkles, extremely saggy skin, or very dark skin, Fraxel may not be right for you. However, another treatment may be, so schedule a consultation at Cosmetic Laser Centers in Pittsburgh or Warrendale to learn more.
Wonder #2: Preparing For Treatment Is Easy
Results of Fraxel® laser treatments can be wonderful – Fraxel® helps you reach your skin goals and gives you younger-looking skin. But before you can achieve those results, you have to prepare for your skin resurfacing treatment.
Follow this timeline to prepare for your laser treatment:
- Four weeks before treatment: Avoid suntanning, heavy sun exposure, and deep facial peel procedures.
- One week before treatment: Stop applying topical retinoids and glycolic acid cleansers.
- 72 hours before treatment: Don’t take medications that can cause photosensitivity. Talk to your medical provider about what medications you take for advice on what to temporarily discontinue before your treatment.
- Two days before treatment: If you have a history of herpes or shingles in the treatment area, including oral cold sores, start your antiviral medication as directed and continue it for three days after treatment.
Wonder #3: You Only Need 4 to 6 Sessions
Clinical studies show that an effective regimen is usually four to six sessions, with four weeks between treatments. Your medical provider at Cosmetic Laser Centers may space your treatments further apart based on your skin’s response to the Fraxel® laser.
Wonder #4: Fraxel Requires Only a Short Recovery Time
Immediately after your laser session, the treated skin will feel like you have a sunburn and will be red. You may experience swelling, itching, or stinging that lasts a few days, but these are nothing to worry about.
Five to seven days after your Fraxel® laser treatment, your skin will become dry and peel, revealing new pink skin. At this point, you may begin seeing results. Within 21 days, your skin will be healed. Over the next two to three months following your last session, the collagen remodeling process will start to make your skin look smoother, and the sun damage spots will lighten up.
Most patients report returning to their regular activities in about a week after treatment. Your medical provider at Cosmetic Laser Centers may also recommend that you:
- Avoid the sun as much as possible.
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher everyday and wear protective clothing if you must be in the sun.
- For the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment, apply a cool compress to your face for 10 minutes, every one or two hours.
- For the first four days after your treatment, sleep on an extra pillow at night to help reduce swelling.
- Avoid activities that can cause flushing, such as intense workouts, for one week after treatment.
- Avoid facial treatments like glycolic acid or tretinoin for a minimum of two weeks or until your skin has completely healed.
Wonder #5: Results May Last Several Years After Your Fraxel® Laser Treatment
Your skin may continue to improve for up to a year after your laser treatment. These positive changes can last for several years, making Fraxel® a worthwhile investment in yourself. Years after your treatment, you can be treated again to address any newly developed wrinkles or signs of photoaging.
Our medical providers recommend continuing to apply daily sunscreen and moisturizer to your face every day, even after you’re fully healed.
Find Out If Fraxel® Laser Treatment Is Right For You
There’s a Fraxel® laser near you at Cosmetic Laser Centers, where medical professionals will evaluate your skin and perform your treatment. Find out if Fraxel could help you by scheduling a consultation at one of our locations by calling (724) 935-4200:
6507 Robinson Centre Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205
16000 Perry Highway, Suite 2, Warrendale, PA 15086