Rejuvenate Your Skin With Fraxel® DUAL Laser Treatment: Process, Benefits, and Commonly Asked Questions
Smooth. Firm. Wrinkle-free. Who among us doesn’t long for skin that’s free from sun damage and the seemingly inevitable signs of aging?
It’s long been thought that the Fountain of Youth holds the secret to maintaining that youthful glow — but we’ve found another, far more accessible solution to getting the healthiest-looking skin possible.
Introducing Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment.
In this article, you’ll discover the skin-healing benefits of this revolutionary, non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment and how Goodskin Dermatology can help you put your best skin forward.
What Is Fraxel® DUAL Laser Treatment?
Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment is a revolutionary take on non-ablative photorejuvenation. This skin resurfacing treatment utilizes two lasers at once to neutralize uneven pigment near the surface of the skin, while at the same time smoothing deeply rooted sun damage and acne scarring on the face, neck, forearms, and hands.
Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment is “non-ablative.” It uses less energy than ablative lasers, which notably have a considerably longer recovery time since they completely remove the skin’s outer layer.
The Fraxel® DUAL laser offers two modes of treatment. Each mode works at different wavelengths:
- The 1550nm mode targets deep lines and scarring, including acne scars.
- The 1927nm mode focuses on correcting your skin’s texture and tone. While the number is larger, the 1927nm doesn’t penetrate as deeply into the skin as the 1550nm and is a great option for managing sun damage.
How Fraxel® DUAL Laser Treatment Works
Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment restructures the surface of your skin by stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells — from the inside out.
The first laser of the Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment can easily target sun damage while softening out scar tissue.
The Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment is a pioneering method of “fractional photothermolysis.” Differing from the “selective photothermolysis” found in a regular photorejuvenation program, fractional technology produces thousands of microscopic columns of laser stimulation that extend deep into your damaged skin.
Each of these micro-columns is only one-tenth the diameter of an average human hair and covers a “fraction” of your skin at a time, leaving the surrounding areas unaffected to lower the risks of the treatment and lessen recovery time.
The first laser’s columns stimulate the replacement and smoothing of damaged tissue.
The second laser is a pioneering new Thulium wavelength that specifically targets uneven pigmentation, such as melasma and other brown spots that lie close to the skin’s surface.
Ideal Candidates for Fraxel® DUAL Laser Treatment
Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment is a great option for anyone who has issues with:
- Skin that has lost its elasticity
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sun damage
- Scarring, including acne scars
- Lines and wrinkles
Areas Where Fraxel® DUAL Laser Treatment Can Be Used
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Fraxel® DUAL laser for treatment of the following areas on the face, neck, forearms, or hands:
- Periorbital (around the eyes) wrinkles
- Acne scarring
- Surgical scarring
- Age spots
- Photodamage (sunspots)
- Actinic Keratoses (precancerous lesions)
- Skin resurfacing
- Melasma (irregular patches of brown skin on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, and nose)
Goodskin Dermatology offers Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment at our Clackamas and Troutdale locations. Contact us today to schedule your appointment or to learn more about this revolutionary skin treatment.
What To Expect During Your Fraxel® DUAL Laser Treatment
First, you will have a private consultation with the doctor, where we’ll discuss your desired outcomes and any questions you may have.
At the treatment session, your skin will be cleansed, and a topical anesthetic ointment will be applied to the target area about an hour before the treatment begins. The ointment is then removed, and the laser does its work while applying cool air to quench the residual laser sting.
At Goodskin Dermatology we take pride in being a practice our patients can truly rely on. Not only do we strive to provide top-quality medical care, we seek to ensure that every patient feels respected, heard, and understood each time they walk through our door.
We aim to inspire trust through warm connections with our patients and productive, stress-free experiences. That is our definition of quality care.
How Long Does Fraxel® DUAL Laser Treatment Take?
At Goodskin Dermatology, our Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment generally takes about 20-30 minutes, and patients rarely report feeling any discomfort.
How Long Does Fraxel® DUAL Last?
Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment results generally last at least one year for hyperpigmentation or sun spots.
However, if you use a proper skin regime and avoid the sun, the positive effect of Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment can last for years.
Please note that treatments may vary depending on the condition and individual patient. Always consult with your healthcare provider to see which treatment is recommended.
FAQs About Fraxel® DUAL Laser Treatment
What Is the Difference Between Fraxel and Fraxel DUAL?
The key difference between Fraxel® and Fraxel® DUAL laser treatments is that the basic Fraxel® only uses one laser wavelength, while the Fraxel® DUAL uses two.
Fraxel® DUAL’s 1927nm wavelength is used to treat numerous pigmentation issues. Its 1550nm wavelength focuses on improving the skin’s textural issues, like wrinkles, lines, and acne scars.
Are There Any Side Effects to Fraxel® DUAL Laser Treatment?
Immediately after the treatment session, the treated areas of your skin will look and feel like they have windburn or sunburn.
This sensation can last up to 24 hours, and the redness can last for a few days. Over the following week or two the skin will bronze, flake, and peel, much like a sunburn.
Using moisturizers and makeup is perfectly safe after treatment. Other temporary side effects include some swelling, minimal itching, dryness, and a bronze appearance to the skin.
The risk of infection, hyperpigmentation, and scarring is low due to the special measures we take to ensure maximum safety during the treatment.
Does Fraxel® DUAL Laser Treatment Hurt?
Since a topical anesthetic and cool air are applied during the Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment, our clients generally report the procedure to be a comfortable experience. When asked to describe what the process feels like, they often describe it as a “prickling” sensation.
Is There Any Downtime for Fraxel® DUAL Laser Treatment?
The downtime for Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment is generally one week. For the first two days, you may likely experience sunburn-like symptoms, like:
- Redness
- Throbbing
- Swelling
Then, around days three to five, your skin will begin to roughen up and peel.
How Many Fraxel® DUAL Treatments Are Needed?
The number of Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment sessions required for optimum results depends on the condition being treated and your desired outcome.
Highly effective treatments require 3–6 sessions on average at about 3 to 5-week intervals, however, treatment of brown spots may only take 2–3 sessions.
Are Fraxel® DUAL Laser Treatment Results Permanent?
While some Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment results are immediate, others can take 3–6 months to appear due to collagen and elastin regeneration.
For the longest-lasting results, sun protection is key for at least three months after treatment. Avoid direct sun exposure, apply broad-spectrum 30+ SPF sunscreen, and wear protective clothing when you are outdoors. During your consultation, you may also be given a suggested maintenance and skincare routine to help prolong your results. With careful sun protection and a proper skin care regimen, the benefits of Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment can last for years.
How Much Does Fraxel® DUAL Laser Treatment Cost?
The cost of Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment provided and factors such as:
- The severity of the condition
- The area being treated
- The number of sessions required
- Where you choose to go for treatment
Is Fraxel® DUAL Worth It?
Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment delivers high-quality skin rejuvenation results for individuals of all ages.
Whether you’re experiencing acne scarring, redness, swelling, forehead lines, or any other skin concerns, the Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment provides superior results without needing to spend thousands of dollars on cosmetic surgery or expensive alternatives.
What Are the Benefits of Fraxel® DUAL Laser Treatment?
The benefits of the Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment are numerous and include:
- Noninvasive
- Smoother, younger-looking, more radiant skin
- Quick-healing
- Minimal downtime compared to some other skin treatment options
- Lowered risk of side effects when compared to an ablative laser
Are There Any Aftercare Instructions I Need to Follow?
While your aftercare instructions following Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment will be customized to you, you’ll generally need to adhere to the following skin care regimen:
- Immediately after treatment
- Ice packs should be used to help alleviate the sensation of heat.
- Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Use a neutral moisturizer such as Cetaphil cream or a thin layer of a petrolatum ointment like Aquaphor.
- The first few days
- Continue the cleansing and moisturizing regime.
- To avoid irritation, keep the area free from clothing as much as possible.
- Once the skin begins sloughing away, do not scrub or use exfoliants to give the skin the space to heal.
- The first week of healing
- Keep the treated area clean.
- Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive exercise, sweating, swimming, or exposing the affected skin to heat and sun.
Please note that treatments may vary depending on the condition and individual patient. Always consult with your healthcare provider to see which treatment is recommended.
Contact Goodskin Dermatology for Your Fraxel® DUAL Laser Treatment Needs
Begin your journey to the skin of your dreams with Fraxel® DUAL laser treatment at Goodskin. Cosmetic services are offered at both our Clackamas and Troutdale locations.
At Goodskin Dermatology, we understand the importance of healthy skin, which is why we strive to provide the highest-quality clinical, surgical, and cosmetic skin care for each and every patient we serve.
Our use of the latest dermatological technologies, combined with our commitment to excellent and individualized care, helps us ensure our patients receive effective treatments with outstanding results.
For all of your dermatology needs, you can trust the professional team at Goodskin Dermatology to have the ideal solutions to keep your skin looking its best.
Contact us for more information or schedule an appointment online today.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.