Fall is the best season to carry out Fraxel treatment. Research indicates that this treatment is more effective when the patient stays away from damaging sun rays a month before and after. It’s the best season because it’s followed by winter, which allows the patients to heal completely. However, Fall is also a peak season since most people are either at work or school. Sparing some time off during this season can be hard, especially for hefty procedures. Luckily, a single Fraxel session takes 30 to 60 minutes which anyone can easily dedicate. In this article, we will look at five reasons why Fraxel is the best Fall Treatment.
What is Fraxel Treatment?
Fraxel is a laser skin resurfacing treatment that is carried out using a spectrum device. This device emits non-ablative lasers such as Pulsed dye (PDL) and intense pulsed light (IPL). They help to get rid of old and regenerate new skin hence improving texture and repairing sun damage. Fraxel treatment is a non-ablative FDA treatment carried out by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or esthetician.
How does Fraxel Treatment work?
The Fraxel laser penetrates the skin to cause micro-injuries to the dermis. This stimulates connective tissue cells to produce collagen, which is a vital protein for resurfacing the skin. Collagen is a structural protein that improves skin texture and boosts skin firmness. Additionally, it supports rapid healing, gets rid of brown spots, wrinkles, and smooth lines.
Fraxel Treatment Skin Benefits
Remove sun damage
The main target of Fraxel treatment is to get rid of sun damage. According to Mayo Clinic, the sun can cause the following damage to your skin:
- Uneven Pigmentation
- Solar lentigines on the back and forehead
- Labial lentigo
- Damage to darker skin
- Melasma
- Lentigo Maligna
- Poikiloderma
- Actinic keratoses
- Solar elastosis
The skin has its protective mechanism from strong sunlight. It involves the production of extra melanin. This melanin can be unevenly distributed hence causing pigmentation. Besides, the extra melanin causes the skin to look darker or tanned. Besides, exposure to damaging sun rays can give you a reddish appearance due to the stretching of blood vessels. The Fraxel treatment initiates a natural counter mechanism in your body to get rid of these adverse effects.
Reduces Brown spots
Many factors can cause brown spots. Fraxel treatment helps to reduce these spots and make the skin appear healthy again. Whether the spots are caused by using corrosive beauty products or exposure to the damaging sun, Fraxel treatment can be very helpful. If you are tired of trying different beauty products without significant results, you need to get the Fraxel treatment.
Improves Texture and Scarring
Skin scarring can be very disappointing. Lack of exfoliation, skin damage, dry skin, or aging are the major causes of poor skin texture and scarring. This becomes common as you age because your body produces less collagen. A Fraxel treatment triggers the natural production of collagen hence improving your skin texture and scarring.
Smoothes Wrinkles and Fine lines
Exposure to skin-damaging sunlight over the years is the main culprit of early aging. UV light speeds up the aging process, which results in wrinkles and fine lines. Wrinkles are a result of less structural support. The sun slows down the production of collagen, which is responsible for firming the skin. Once collagen production is stimulated, your skin gains structural support, and the wrinkles fade away.
Reduce pore size
Large pore sizes on the skin can be very stubborn. They are caused by sun damage, vitamin A deficiency, hormonal differences, and chronic acne. Fraxel treatment can reduce pore sizes significantly. This is because collagen helps to repair the broken tissues in the skin. However, it will take 2-3 Fraxel treatments to reduce pore sizes up to 70%.
5 Reasons why Fraxel is the best Fall treatment
Fraxel utilizes natural body healing process
Fraxel is one of the best treatments for skin restructuring because it relies on the body’s natural healing process. Most people prefer this treatment since it does not involve injecting any substance. The device instead projects bursts of laser energy to the skin. This energy causes micro-injuries in the dermis, which triggers the production of collagen. When the collagen is released, it starts repairing the tissues hence helping skin resurfacing.
Quick Treatment
Fraxel treatment takes between 30 to 60 minutes. Most people can manage to spare an hour to get the treatment done. If you want to get rid of sun damage and you don’t have a lot of time to spare, Fraxel might be your best option. The ablative procedures can consume a lot of time.
Unlike invasive treatments, Fraxel treatment takes a short time.
Less down Time
The best thing about this treatment is that it has less downtime. This means you can continue working or going to school as usual. However, you need to avoid exposure to strong sunlight. Exposing the skin to strong sunlight can delay the results.
Fraxel has little or no side effects, so it does not affect how you carry out your normal routine. Patients only experience a small prickling sensation during treatment. This is why doctors may apply a topical anesthetic. However, after the treatment, you may need someone to drive you home if you feel any discomfort.
It’s non Ablative
If you are afraid of getting surgery, then this might be your best treatment. It is carried out using a small handheld device that is placed directly on the target area. No step of the process requires intrusion. Most people prefer this method because it’s non-intrusive and very effective. Although the results are not equally the same as with a surgical procedure, they are very close.
The results can last for years. You can take follow-up treatments to extend their effectiveness for several more years. Fraxel is the best skin care treatment for people afraid or who don’t want to undergo surgeries.
Highly effective compared to other non-ablative treatments
There are many non-ablative treatments in the market today. The fact remains that Fraxel is more effective than most of them because it takes advantage of the body’s natural healing process. All treatments work uniquely with the same goal.
If you are looking for a more stable treatment, then Fraxel is the best. It has been carried for decades. This treatment has been advancing ever since it was introduced two decades ago. For instance, the procedure was known to be painful before. But new advanced devices were created with an inbuilt nerve soothing mechanism that prevents the patients from feeling much pain.
What to do before and after treatment
Schedule a consultation
It’s always good to know what to expect during the treatment. For this reason, it is important to visit your schedule for a consultation before booking a treatment. The doctor will explain everything you need for a successful treatment. Besides, the esthetician will take the opportunity to study your skin needs. In case of any concerns, then the doctor will advise you on what to do. This is because not everyone is an ideal candidate for a Fraxel treatment.
If you have any medical history that you think the doctor should know, then don’t hesitate. For example, cold sores and the doctor will know what to do.
Stay away from the sun
During Fall, the sun starts to fade away, and we stop using sunscreen. The temperature begins to cool as we edge towards winter. You can go for a Fraxel treatment this season without having to worry much. But if you are getting it done during summer, you need to protect the skin from the sun. You can use a strong sunscreen to protect the target area. According to EWG, sunscreens with an SPF of 10 to 15 are the best for protecting the skin against UVB rays. These are the most damaging rays compared to UVA.
It is important to stay away from the sun because it causes sunburns and reduces elasticity, causing premature aging. Additionally, strong sun rays trigger the production of excess melanin that leads to skin tanning. Exposing the target areas to the sun before and after Fraxel can slow down the whole process. Stay away from the sun at least four weeks before and after the treatment.
Stop smoking
Smoking can affect Fraxel laser treatment results negatively. The doctor will recommend you stop smoking for a while for the treatment to work. Nicotine affects blood flow throughout the body. This can lead to complications during the treatment period. Additionally, cigarettes contain nicotine which is one of the main catalysts of premature aging. If you want your skin to look firm and healthy, you need to get rid of smoking.
Avoid using exfoliants
Many skin products contain exfoliants. The doctor will advise you to stop using this product shortly before and after the treatment. Exfoliants can accelerate irritation or interfere with treatment negatively. Avoid using skincare products with exfoliant ingredients such as Retinol, Salicylic, and glycolic acid. Additionally, you should avoid any other corrosive skin products that might react with the treatment negatively.
Post-Fraxel treatment care
Before you go for the treatment, it’s important to prepare for the post-treatment period. While Fraxel has less downtime, you need some time for the micro-injuries to heal. The first thing to do is to finish your chores before the treatment. This will give you a humble time to relax once you come from the hospital. Alternatively, you can arrange for a friend or relative to help you get home after treatment. Lastly, always have some pain relievers nearby until the discomfort from the treatment is gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will one Fraxel treatment do anything?
One Fraxel treatment can improve your skin and last for more than a year. The stronger the wavelength is, the more it will last. For example, wavelength 1927, which is used for fading pigmentation, can last for one year. But for 1550 wavelength for smooth skin texture will require 3-5 sessions spaced one month apart.
How long does it take for Fraxel to heal?
It takes 5-7 days for a Fraxel-treated face to heal. On the other hand, it can take up to two weeks because healing is slower. The healing process differs from person to person depending on their post-treatment activities. It is highly encouraged to follow the doctor’s instructions to get the best results.
Is a Fraxel laser worth the money?
Fraxel laser treatment is worth the money because it’s highly effective and has minimal side effects. Besides, the treatment results are long-lasting. If you are looking for an easy and non-painful process to get rid of sun damage, wrinkles, acne scars, and fine lines, then the Fraxel laser is worth the money.
Do Fraxel results last?
Fraxel results will last, but they are not permanent. This is a powerful treatment that boosts the appearance of the skin by triggering collagen production. As time passes, collagen production will decrease hence causing your skin to continue aging. Fraxel treatment can last for several years, but you might need a follow-up session spaced in 3-7 years for a more long-lasting result.
How painful is Fraxel Laser?
Fraxel laser treatment is not painful but only causes a mild prickling sensation. The Fraxel laser machines are fitted with a Zimmer device that distracts nerve endings by blowing chilled air. Additionally, the doctors apply topical anesthetic cream on the target areas before treatment to ensure the patients are comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Fall is the best season to have a Fraxel treatment. Doctors advise the candidates to stay out of the sun a few weeks before and after the treatment. During Fall, the weather starts to get cool, and the sun rays get weaker. At this time, people go out without applying sunscreen. Since it is followed by winter, your skin will have plenty of time to recover.
Fraxel is the best skincare treatment compared to all other non-ablative methods. It is recommended to visit a certified facility such as Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique for the procedure. Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique is overseen by Paul Vitenas, Jr., M.D., FACS, a top certified plastic surgeon in Houston. You can book your session by filling this form or by calling on 281-810-9083.