Fraxel laser

Fraxel is a fractional skin resurfacing laser. It produces thousands of tiny laser beams that penetrate deep into the dermis, removing damaged tissue in microscopic columns and prompting the body's own healing and collagen response.

Available at Me Clinic, Malvern East and me clinic, Sydney.

What "fractional" means, and why it matters

An older resurfacing laser treated the entire surface of the skin at once. Everything had to heal at once, which meant weeks of recovery and a higher risk of complications.

A fractional laser instead treats microscopic columns of skin, leaving untreated skin in between. Those untouched areas act as reservoirs of healthy tissue that drive healing across the treated columns.

The consequence is a genuine trade-off rather than a free lunch: recovery is much faster than full resurfacing, but each session treats a fraction of the skin, so a course of sessions is needed to cover the area.

Conditions it may help

Acne scars and other scars, including surgical scars
Deep lines and wrinkles and fine wrinkles
Hyperpigmentation, age spots, brown spots and freckles
Uneven skin colouring and uneven skin texture
Sun damage and solar keratosis
Open pores
Lax skin and skin ageing
Stretch marks

Results vary between individuals, and not everyone sees the same degree of change.

Dual and ablative options

Fraxel dual uses two different wavelengths, each with its own target depth: one addresses surface scarring and pigmentation, the other deeper scars and wrinkles. They can be used in the same session.

Ablative laser resurfacing goes further - it removes the outer layer of skin while heating the layer beneath to stimulate collagen. It produces more change than a non-ablative fractional treatment and correspondingly more downtime and more risk. See CO2 laser.

Preparing for treatment

Tell your doctor what you are putting on your skin. Retinoids, acids and other actives change how skin responds and may need to be stopped beforehand.
Discuss lifestyle factors, particularly smoking. Smoking impairs healing and lengthens recovery.
Give a full medical history, including any medications, cold sore history and previous skin treatments.
Stay out of the sun and do not tan. This is the most important preparation step - there is a substantially higher risk of hyperpigmentation when treating tanned skin. Fake tan counts.

Any suspicious lesion in the treatment area should be assessed before treatment, not resurfaced over.

The procedure

Treatment is performed under topical anaesthetic. There is a period of numbing first, then the laser pass itself. Total duration depends on the area and is discussed at consultation.

The treatment does not require surgery, but it is a genuine medical procedure that injures the skin in a controlled way - that injury is the mechanism. It should be treated with the same seriousness as any procedure.

Recovery

Recovery time varies between individuals, typically seven to ten days.

Expect redness and swelling, a sunburn-like sensation, and then a period of roughness, bronzing and flaking as treated skin sheds and is replaced. Follow the post-treatment instructions you are given closely - gentle cleansing, generous moisturising, no picking, and rigorous sun avoidance.

Sun protection after treatment is not optional. Newly resurfaced skin is highly vulnerable to ultraviolet damage, and sun exposure during healing is the most common cause of post-treatment pigmentation.

Risks and side effects

Redness, swelling, itching and discomfort - part of the healing process, but they should be monitored and reported if severe or worsening
A burning sensation after treatment
Blistering and burns
Infection - including bacterial infection and reactivation of cold sores. Antiviral prophylaxis is sometimes prescribed
Changes in pigmentation - darkening (particularly in darker skin types and tanned skin) or lightening, which may be temporary or persistent
Scarring
Prolonged redness
Acne flare or milia during healing
Eye injury without proper protective eyewear
Little or no response, or an uneven result

These risks apply across skin types, and are higher in darker and recently tanned skin.

Contact the clinic if you develop increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, fever or blistering during recovery.

Please read our information on the risks and complications of cosmetic surgery before proceeding.

Consultation and cost

Cost depends on the area treated, the depth of treatment and the number of sessions. A no-obligation consultation is required so your skin can be assessed for suitability.

As at September 2024 and including GST, a skin assessment with a nurse or aesthetician is $50 and is redeemable on products or services; a consultation with a Cosmetic Doctor is $150.

Me Clinic has been offering laser treatments for over 20 years, within more than 35 years in cosmetic medicine.

Me Clinic is at 4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145. Phone 1300 852 050.

See laser skin rejuvenation, CO2 laser, Laser Genesis, skin conditions, or all face procedures.

Individual results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.