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Fraxel Laser Resurfacing: Everything You Need to Know
Information About Fraxel Laser Resurfacing Treatments in NYC with Dr. Jacono.
What Is Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Fraxel laser resurfacing is a breakthrough in cosmetic laser technology. During this innovative treatment, laser energy is divided into near-microscopic patterns on the skin. After years of study about Fraxel’s efficacy, the FDA has cleared it to treat the following conditions:
Laser Skin Resurfacing One of Dr. Jacono’s CO2 laser resurfacing patients discusses her skin resurfacing procedure and results.
- Facial wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Age spots/brown spots
- Melasma (mask of pregnancy)
The Fraxel laser resurfacing treatment aims to give the skin a fresh glow that lasts for anywhere between 6 months and a year.
What Types of Fraxel Laser Resurfacing Does Dr. Jacono Use?
Until recently, only two kinds of laser treatment were available for cosmetic enhancement: ablative and non-ablative.
Ablative lasers are intense, high-temperature lasers that destroy and remove unwanted tissue. Although they provide excellent, long-lasting results, they can have side effects with a long recovery time.
Non-ablative lasers are gentler lasers. They have fewer side effects and require no downtime but require a number of treatments over the course of a few months. Their results are not as dramatic as those of ablative lasers.
- Ablative – literally means to vaporize at a very high temperature, is very effective at destroying unwanted tissue but has potential side effects and may require a lengthier healing period.
- Non-ablative – on the other hand, have very few side effects and requires almost no healing time, but involves numerous treatments over many months to achieve only modest results.
Dual Board Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Jacono uses the most current laser resurfacing machines available. These include the Fraxel Erbium laser and CO2 laser resurfacing. These combine ablative and non-ablative technology for the best results.
What is Fraxel Erbium Laser Resurfacing?
The Fraxel Erbium laser restores damaged skin. It creates microscopic “wounds” within the targeted areas, as well as beneath the skin’s outermost layer. This triggers the body’s natural production of collagen and healthy skin cells.
The Fraxel® Erbium laser combines the impact of ablative lasers with the gentleness of non-ablative lasers. This allows healing to occur so quickly that downtime only lasts a day or two.
This particular treatment may need to be repeated 3 to 6 times depending on the degree of skin damage. However, because it is not as aggressive as the Fractional CO2 laser, recovery is not as time-consuming.
What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing requires one treatment to achieve the results of 3 to 5 Fraxel Erbium treatments. However, the Fractional CO2 laser requires 5 to 7 days of recovery. Patients must also consistently apply ointment and take time off from work.
The modern Fractional CO2 laser is a better option than its predecessors. Fully ablative CO2 lasers of the past had a high rate of scarring, and sometimes caused loss of natural skin color. Another drawback was their recovery time of 6 weeks to 3 months.
What Is Fraxel Laser Good For?
The Fraxel laser is an excellent choice for patients who have folds, spots, wrinkles, or acne scars. It is also a strong option for those who are not yet ready for surgery but want to improve their appearance.
How Long Does It Take CO2 Laser Resurfacing to Heal?
CO2 laser resurfacing takes considerable time to heal. Patients usually take 5 to 7 days to recover, though some may need as long as 10 days to heal. Most people can expect to see results within a few weeks following treatment.
During this recovery period, patients may experience redness, swelling, and irritation, though these symptoms will subside within a few days. Patients may experience some skin peeling which is also normal.
Am I a Candidate for This Treatment?
If you have lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and skin discoloration, you may be a candidate for laser resurfacing. Older and younger patients are welcome to undergo treatment if they are unhappy with their appearance. All patients should be in good health and have realistic expectations.
To learn more about laser facial rejuvenation and skin resurfacing, contact Dr. Jacono’s New York City office at 212-570-2500, or call his Long Island office at 516-773-4646. If you would like to ask a question or use our online consultation form, one of our patient care coordinators would be glad to assist you.
Fraxel Laser Before and After Photos
Fractional Laser – Patient 1:
This woman wanted to refresh her skin, smooth her wrinkles, and reduce her large pores. She underwent a single fractional laser CO2 treatment, now her skin looks much smoother with a youthful glow.
Before
After
Fraxel Laser Acne Scar – Patient 2:
This woman was unhappy with her acne scars and decided to undergo 3 sessions of Fraxel Erbium laser resurfacing. Thanks to the Fraxel Erbium laser, this patient did not have to opt for a more ablative laser that would have required weeks of recovery.
Before
After
Fraxel Laser Acne Scar – Patient 3:
This patient wanted to treat her visible acne scars. Thanks to the Fraxel laser, this patient did not have to undergo a more aggressive ablative treatment that would have required weeks of recovery.
Before
After
