Fraxel® in Dallas-Forth Worth, TX
Your skin needs to be treasured for all it deals with on a daily basis for you. Yet, aging skin can be tricky to deal with. You may notice an increase in fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. At times, even the best skincare regimen isn’t addressing these problems, yet they also aren’t severe enough to warrant a facelift. That “in-between” time is where skin resurfacing treatments like Fraxel® save the day.
At WOW Cosmetic Surgery, we use this non-surgical cosmetic treatment to treat issues associated with aging and sun damage so you can enjoy smoother, more even-toned skin. We want you to Look WOW, Feel WOW, and Be WOW!
What Is Fraxel®?
Fraxel® is a cosmetic treatment that uses penetrative laser wavelengths to treat several skin imperfections. It is a non-ablative laser treatment, meaning it can address skin discoloration and other aesthetic issues without damaging the outer layer of the skin. Fraxel® improves your skin’s overall tone and texture, reducing wrinkles and fine lines and giving you a refreshed, more youthful appearance.
After treatment, you can expect these benefits:
- Improved skin texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars
- Enhanced skin tone, reducing hyperpigmentation, age spots, and sun damage
- Increased collagen production, which helps to tighten the skin and improve its elasticity
- Minimal downtime, allowing you to return to your regular activities relatively quickly
- Long-lasting results, helping you maintain healthier, more youthful-looking skin
A non-invasive, non-surgical treatment used to treat skin irregularities on your face, neck, decolletage, and hands, Fraxel® uses laser energy to boost your body’s production of collagen. It offers an all-natural way to rejuvenate your skin. One of the biggest benefits of Fraxel® is that it is a quick, in-office treatment that requires minimal to no downtime for healing.
Fraxel® is a fractional laser, meaning that it targets small areas (or fractions) of your skin at a time. It uses two wavelengths of laser light energy: one that targets hyperpigmentation and superficial sun damage and one that penetrates deeper to address wrinkles and scars. The laser energy is sent under the skin’s surface in precise microbeams, which create narrow columns of microscopic tissue damage. Your body perceives the treatment as an injury to your skin, so it stimulates the production of collagen to repair the injury. This natural healing process results in the growth of new, healthy tissue, making your skin appear smoother, plumper, and more youthful.
Fraxel® is safe for use on all types of skin, though if you have an active acne flare-up, it’s best to wait until it clears before undergoing treatment. You may also not be a candidate if you have any skin infections or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. In addition, individuals with a history of keloid scarring or any immune-compromised medical conditions may need to avoid Fraxel treatment.
The treatment is ideal to deal with the specific issues of improving the appearance of the following:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Enlarged pores
- Stretch marks, as well as scars from acne or other injuries
- Sun and age spots
- Hyperpigmentation and melasma
- Uneven or dull skin tone and texture
When you come in for your Fraxel® treatment, a numbing cream is applied to your face to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Once the treatment begins, the Fraxel® handpiece is moved across your face multiple times, penetrating the skin in a consistent, grid-like pattern. The entire process typically takes less than an hour, depending on the size and number of areas being addressed.
The Fraxel® device is equipped with integrated cooling, which, combined with the topical anesthetic, makes your treatment comfortable with minimal to no pain.
What Is Fraxel® Recovery Like?
Little to no downtime is required after your Fraxel® treatment. Immediately following your session, your skin may feel warm, with some redness and swelling (as if you’d gotten a sunburn). This is normal and will disappear within a couple of days. Any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter medication and cool compresses on your skin.
Your skin may stay pink for up to five days after treatment, and you may also experience mild peeling. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer on your face, and don’t pick at or peel your skin. It is also vital that you avoid sun exposure as you heal, so use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
What are Some Frequently Asked Questions About Fraxel®?
Fraxel® is a completely customizable treatment, so the number of treatments you need depends on your particular skin condition. While one treatment will provide results, typically, three to six treatment sessions (spaced four to six weeks apart) are recommended to achieve the desired goals. During your consultation, Dr. Patel will evaluate your skin and talk with you about your specific concerns and desired results. From there, he will recommend a treatment plan.
It is likely you will see an immediate difference in your skin after your Fraxel® treatment, and your results will then continue to improve as your body’s collagen production increases. Your results depend on the skin condition you are treating—if you are undergoing several sessions to address deeper wrinkles or skin firming, it may take around three treatments to see results. Issues like hyperpigmentation and freckles are often greatly diminished after just one or two treatments.
At least a week before your Fraxel® treatment, you will need to stop using exfoliators (both chemical and physical) as well as retinoids and any other skin care products that cause skin sensitivity. You should also avoid these products for at least a week after your procedure.
Although Fraxel treatment can lead to temporary discomfort, numerous individuals consider the results highly beneficial compared to the minimal discomfort endured during the procedure. Reactions also depend on what area of the body is treated. A topical numbing cream is used during treatment, so generally, even minimal discomfort is alleviated.
Some patients find themselves more comfortable with non-prescription medication. Before undergoing Fraxel treatment, it’s crucial to discuss any concerns about pain or discomfort with the WOW team, who can offer personalized recommendations and alleviate any questions or anxieties you may have.
Why Should I Choose WOW Cosmetic Surgery For My Fraxel® Treatment?
At WOW Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that the Texas sun can wreak havoc on your complexion. Dr. Prem Patel is an expert in facial rejuvenation and will tailor a treatment plan addressing all of your skin concerns to provide the gorgeous results you envisioned. To schedule a consultation, call (833) DR WOW MD or complete the online contact form.
