Fraxel is a revolutionary laser treatment that helps you to remove years from your appearance. Fraxel is the pioneer of “fractional photo thermolysis”, a technology in which thousands of microscopic laser columns – each just one-tenth the diameter of a hair follicle – treat a fraction of the skin at a time without affecting the surrounding tissue. These laser columns stimulate the production of younger, smoother, healthier skin to replace damaged tissue.

Traditionally, two kinds of laser treatment have been available for cosmetic skin treatment: ablative and non-ablative. Typical ablative treatments, which use a high temperature to vaporize unwanted tissue, can be effective—but with significant side effects and several weeks of recovery time. Non-ablative treatments, meanwhile, have very few side effects and low downtime, but they commonly require numerous treatments to produce more modest results.

Fraxel laser treatment delivers the potency of ablative treatments with the faster recovery time of non-ablative laser. So you get the best of both worlds: dramatic results and less downtime.

The Fraxel family of products has three treatments, all delivering remarkable results with fast recovery. The three Fraxel treatments fall into two categories:

• NON-ABLATIVE

• Fraxel re:fine® treatment—for prevention and maintenance

• Fraxel 1550 treatment—for mild to severe skin damage

• Fraxel 1927 treatment—for mild to severe skin damage

As non-ablative laser treatments, Fraxel non-ablative treatments can improve mild to moderate skin damage with little to no downtime.

• ABLATIVE

• Fraxel re:pair® treatment—for the correction of moderate-severe photoaging, usually in a single treatment

Fraxel re:pair treatment is a revolutionary new way to address the most severe signs of skin damage—without the degree of risks, complications and prolonged downtime of other ablative laser procedures. Fraxel re:pair treatment uses a high-intensity carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to vaporize unwanted tissue, but thanks to pioneered fractional technology, the treatment delivers dramatic results with faster recovery time than non-fractional treatments—all in 1-2 treatments.

Both Fraxel re:pair treatment and Fraxel 1550/1927 treatment use fractional technology, but in different ways. As an ablative procedure, Fraxel re:pair treatment uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to vaporize microscopic columns of tissue deep within the skin. Fraxel re:pair treatment is a more aggressive procedure and is used to treat the most severe signs of skin damage. Results are achieved in 1-2 treatments and wound care recovery time (usually 24-72 hours) is generally longer than other Fraxel treatments. Fraxel 1550/1927 treatment, on the other hand, is a non-ablative technique that intensively treats older skin cells while leaving the skin’s protective barrier intact. This results in less downtime and need for post-treatment wound care.

The results of Fraxel re:pair treatment are both immediate and progressive. Soon after the treatment, the surface of your skin will feel softer, look brighter and show more even tone. The next 3 to 6 months will bring more improvement as the deeper layers of the skin continue to heal.

Depending on the aggressiveness of your treatment, there might be some pinpoint bleeding following the procedure, as well as some oozing for up to 48 hours until the wounds close. The most common side effects are oedema (swelling), which usually subsides after a week, and erythema (redness), which may last up to a month, depending on the aggressiveness of treatment. Other temporary side effects may include minor itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking, oozing and crusting. As with all ablative laser procedures, there is a risk of delayed wound healing, infection, pigmentary changes (hyperpigmentation) and/or scarring.

First, your skin will be cleansed. Then, 60 to 90 minutes prior to treatment, a topical numbing agent will be applied to the treatment area. Your practitioner may also choose to give you another medication to relax you. Most patients describe an increased sensation of heat during the treatment, and there may be some discomfort. However, unlike the experience in traditional CO2 treatments, you will feel quite comfortable immediately after a Fraxel re:pair treatment. The procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes for a full face.

• Noticeable results in a single treatment
• Smoother, more even skin tone and texture
• Softening of deep frown lines and wrinkles
• Improved appearance of redness caused by sun damage

Fraxel 1550/1927 laser treatment targets ageing and sun-damaged skin with microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into your skin to expedite your body’s remodelling of collagen. And since the laser treats only a fraction of tissue at a time, it leaves the surrounding tissue intact, which promotes very rapid healing. Fraxel 1550/1927 treatment resurfaces your skin by stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells from the inside out.

Wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, avoid direct sun exposure for at least 3 months after your last treatment, and wear a wide-brimmed hat when you’re in the sun.

It depends on your particular condition and how you care for your skin. Once your skin is treated, continue to protect it as described above. Your practitioner will give you specific advice based on your individual needs.

Swelling and redness are the most common side effects from a Fraxel 1550/1927 treatment. Any swelling is typically minimal and subsides within a day or two, and any redness typically fades within a few days. Other temporary side effects may include minor itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking, and a bronzed skin appearance. There is a risk of infection, hyperpigmentation, or scarring. The intensity and duration of side effects depend on the aggressiveness of a treatment and on your particular healing characteristics. Your practitioner will provide specific instructions about what to expect and how to minimise any side effects.

During the first 24 hours after a treatment, your skin may feel as though it is sunburned, and it will appear pink or red. You can wear make-up to reduce the sunburned appearance. Your skin will naturally bronze over the next week or two, and as you continue treatment, the sunburned-to-bronzed appearance will repeat. As with a sunburn, your skin will flake and exfoliate normally. Use a moisturiser to reduce the appearance of dry flakes.

Most patients describe an increased sensation of heat during the treatment. To minimise discomfort, a topical numbing agent is applied before the procedure and cold air is used on the treatment area during the procedure. After the treatment, most patients feel like they have a sunburn, which usually diminishes in 1 to 3 hours.

On average, an effective treatment regimen is 3 to 5 sessions spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart. Depending on your condition and schedule, you and the practitioner may choose to space treatment sessions further apart. Results are immediate and progressive, with optimal improvement usually visible in 2 to 3 months. This time frame and treatment structure allow for complete healing and the production of new collagen and elastin to replace damaged tissue.

First, your skin will be cleansed. Then, about 60 minutes prior to treatment, a topical numbing agent will be applied to the treatment area. The Fraxel 1550/1927 procedure takes 20 to 25 minutes for a full face.

• Wrinkles around the eyes (periorbital wrinkles)
• Acne scars Surgical scars
• Age spots/sunspots (pigmented lesions)
• Melasma (irregular patches of brown skin on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip and nose)
• Actinic Keratoses (precancerous lesions)
• Skin resurfacing

• Smoother, fresher, younger-looking looking skin
• Improved tone and texture
• Erasing of unwanted brown spots
• Reduced fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
• Improved appearance of acne scars and surgical scars

To become more informed about our Laser Systems Clear & Brilliant and Fraxel Resurfacing, we recommend you book a skin consultation or contact our No. 1 Skin - Bookings Team on (03) 9132 9655 for more information on treatment options and prices.