What comes to mind when you think of “skin rejuvenation”? Chances are you think of topical products like creams and serums. However, an entire array of laser treatments can transform your look without needing a regular cream application. Fraxel® laser treatments are an optimal way of transforming the look of your skin using light-based technology. These treatments are non-invasive, effective, and deliver gorgeous results. Schedule a consultation in McLean or Potomac to learn more today.
What is a Fraxel® Laser?
Fractional, also known as Fraxel®, non-ablative laser treatments resurface the skin to minimize the appearance of surgical scars, acne scars, fine lines, stretch marks, sun spots, and melasma. This device uses light-based technology to improve select regions of your skin without harming surrounding areas. This pinpoint precision makes the laser an excellent choice if you’re looking for transformative results.
How Do Fraxel® Laser Treatments Work?
Fraxel® laser treatments use the principle of selective photothermolysis. This process is light-based and targets different aspects of the skin, reducing the appearance of scars and pigmentation without harming surrounding areas. In just a few fast, easy treatment sessions, scars, lines, and discolored skin are much less visible, leaving behind smoother, more attractive skin. The damaged pigmented lesions slough off over the course of approximately one week.
What to Expect
During the treatment, a handpiece will be applied to your skin. This handpiece will create very small microthermal zones that penetrate your skin deeply. In response, your skin will repair itself by pushing out the old damaged skin and replacing it with new skin. Sessions take 20-25 minutes to perform. A series of 3-5 sessions spaced about 2-4 weeks apart are typically needed.
Fractional Laser Treatment Results
The results of a Fraxel® laser treatment are both immediate and progressive. After your visit, you may notice mild side effects such as itching, dryness, peeling, and skin bronzing. However, these concerns will resolve quickly, leaving your skin feeling radiant. In most cases, visible improvements in skin texture are seen around 2-3 months after completing your treatment course. Be sure to discuss the treatment and aftercare procedures during your consultation.
How does Fraxel® compare to Moxi® and Halo®?
Fraxel® is one of our most beloved tools at McLean & Potomac Dermatology for skin renewal. We selected it for our practice because of its long, well-established track record, its dual-wavelength versatility that allows us to thoughtfully customize each treatment from a gentle refresh to a deeper resurfacing, and the broad range of concerns it addresses, from fine lines and sun damage to acne scars, melasma, and uneven pigment. Your provider will help you decide whether Fraxel® is the right approach for your skin and your goals during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Fraxel® laser, and how does it improve the skin?
Fraxel® is a non-ablative fractional laser that utilizes light-based technology to resurface the skin. It uses the principle of selective photothermolysis, meaning it creates pinpoint microthermal zones deep within the dermis with extreme precision. This process damages targeted problem areas to trigger natural cellular repair without harming any of the surrounding healthy skin tissue.
What should I expect during a Fraxel® treatment session and the week following it?
Each in-office treatment takes roughly 15 minutes to perform. While the procedure itself is non-invasive, you will experience temporary side effects during the first week as your skin actively repairs itself. It is completely normal for damaged, pigmented lesions to slough off, leaving the skin feeling temporarily dry, itchy, peeling, or bronzed.
How many sessions will I need, and when will I see visible results?
For optimal structural improvement, a series of sessions spaced is typically recommended. While initial surface improvements are progressive, the most dramatic and visible advancements in skin texture, scar reduction, and overall radiance typically manifest around 2 to 3 months after completing your full treatment course.
Schedule Fraxel® Treatments in McLean, VA, or Potomac, MD
Fraxel® laser treatments are a non-invasive means of getting the skin you deserve. These treatments can address a variety of aging signs and help you feel much younger. Get in touch with our team at McLean & Potomac Dermatology to learn more about this treatment.
Set up your consultation and try Fraxel® by calling us at (703) 356-5111 or texting (703) 215-2139.
