Years of exposure to the elements, hormonal changes, smoking, and illness can leave their mark on your skin. Sun damage, dark spots, and areas of hyperpigmentation will eventually take away from a smooth, youthful complexion. These changes to the skin can ultimately add unwanted and unwarranted years onto your appearance. Although there are no at-home remedies to turn back the hands of time, Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique has an innovative tool to help the fight against these early signs of aging: the Fraxel Laser.
The Fraxel Laser Treatment
The Fraxel Laser provides patients with a non-ablative, light based treatment that does not leave any visible wounds on the skin’s surface. The procedure can significantly improve the appearance by erasing sun damage, dark spots, fine lines/wrinkles, and areas of hyperpigmentation. Since the Fraxel uses a low level of energy, there is less risk for burning and scarring. The treatment can be used on almost any area of skin, including the face, neck, arms, and hands. Even delicate areas, such as around the eyes, can be safely and effectively treated with the Fraxel Laser.
A Fraxel Laser treatment will improve the look of:
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Areas of uneven pigmentation (such as sunspots)
- Melasma (the ‘Mask of Pregnancy’)
- Acne and surgical scars
- Stretch marks
The Fraxel Laser works by intermittently emitting concentrated bursts of energy, deep into the skin. This creates very small micro-injuries in the tissue, each around a tenth of the diameter of a normal hair shaft. The body’s natural healing response is then activated, increasing the production of collagen and elastin; two of the most vital elements in healthy tissue. The Fraxel procedure will result in fresh, glowing skin that is firmer and stronger than before. Over the following three to six months, the benefits of a Fraxel treatment will continue to improve; the results can last over a year. *
The Fraxel Procedure
The Fraxel procedure is performed in one of the comfortable, private Mirror Mirror treatment rooms, taking between 30 and 60 minutes to complete. While treatments with the Fraxel Laser are not considered painful, patients often report a warm, prickling sensation. To increase patient comfort, a topical anesthetic will be applied to the skin prior to the Fraxel procedure. Next, the esthetician will smooth a thin layer of gel over the targeted area. Finally, she will gently guide the Fraxel hand-piece across the skin, delivering quick bursts of laser energy to the tissue.
For optimal results, patients will require more than one treatment with the Fraxel Laser. Depending on the condition of the skin and level of correction required, between three and six treatments are recommended, spaced four to eight weeks apart. During the consultation appointment at Mirror Mirror, the exact number of Fraxel treatments will be determined. *
The Ideal Candidate for Fraxel Treatment
Both men and women can benefit from the Fraxel procedure. The ideal candidate will be in overall good health, understand the Fraxel procedure, and hold reasonable expectations for their results. Patients with an active skin infection, sunburn, dermatitis, or cold sores may be advised to postpone their Fraxel procedure.
Prior to receiving a treatment with the Fraxel Laser, a consultation appointment will be scheduled with one of the expert estheticians at Mirror Mirror. A quick skin assessment will be performed, medical history will be reviewed, and the laser procedure will be explained in full. At this time, it will be determined if the Fraxel Laser is right for the individual patient’s unique set of needs. *
The Recovery and Results from a Fraxel Treatment
Patients should expect their recovery, after a Fraxel Laser treatment, to take about a week. Immediately after the procedure, a mild sunburn sensation may be experienced, although this should resolve in just a few hours. For the following five to seven days, the skin may be mildly swollen and red. Depending on the level of treatment, tissues may also take on a ‘bronze’ appearance for the first couple of weeks. As the old skin is sloughed away, making way for fresh, new tissue, the treated area may become dry and flaky.
In just a few days, patients can expect to see healthier skin appear. Over the following three to six months, as the deep dermal tissues heal and the body’s production of collagen increases, the appearance will continue to improve. Dark areas will fade, tissues will become firmer, and the overall appearance will look younger and increasingly refreshed. The results from a Fraxel treatment can last for up to 12 months or longer. To protect the tissue, it is important that a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher is worn daily. *
Potential Risks from the Fraxel Laser
When performed by an experienced, skilled provider, the Fraxel Laser is both safe and effective. To protect the skin from unnecessary damage, it is vital that patients understand the procedure and only place their trust in a reputable practice like Houston’s top aesthetic provider, Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique.
Side-effects from the Fraxel Laser include redness, swelling, and dry or itchy skin. These are to be expected and will resolve on their own over the first week to ten days. More serious complications are rare, but can include infection and scarring. *
Fraxel Laser Treatment FAQs
What is a Fraxel Laser Treatment?
Fraxel is a noninvasive procedure utilizing concentrated laser energy to reduce areas of hyperpigmentation, fine lines/wrinkles, and acne scars. *
How does Fraxel work?
The Fraxel Laser creates tiny, intermittent (fractional) micro-injuries to the deepest layers of the skin. The body’s natural healing process will remove the old, damaged tissue, allowing healthy, radiant skin to take its place. *
Who is a good candidate for Fraxel?
Men and women, looking to improve the early signs of aging, or reduce fine lines/wrinkles, scarring, and hyperpigmentation, can benefit from the Fraxel procedure. The ideal candidate will be in generally good health, understand the Fraxel procedure, and hold reasonable expectations for their results. *
Once a topical anesthetic has been applied, a thin layer of gel will be smoothed over the treatment area. The esthetician will then gently glide the Fraxel hand-piece across the skin, delivering tiny bursts of fractional laser energy to the tissues. *
Most Fraxel treatments at Mirror Mirror will take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete. This can vary according to the area being treated and the desired level of correction. *
The Fraxel procedure is performed in one of Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique’s private treatment rooms.
Will my Fraxel treatment be painful?
No, the Fraxel treatment is not considered painful. Patients generally report feeling a warm, pricking sensation during the laser pulses. To make the procedure more comfortable, a topical numbing cream will be applied prior to treatment. *
Will anesthesia be used during my Fraxel procedure at Mirror Mirror?
A topical anesthetic is normally all that is needed during a Fraxel procedure.
What is the recovery like after the Fraxel procedure?
The recovery process, after a Fraxel procedure, will take from five to seven days. Immediately after treatment, the skin will be red and slightly swollen. These will normally diminish over the following week. As the old tissue is sloughed away, flaking (similar to peeling after a sunburn) will occur, as well. *
When will I be able to return to work after my Fraxel procedure at Mirror Mirror?
Most patients feel well enough and are comfortable to return to work less than a week after their Fraxel procedure. *
How many Fraxel treatments will I need?
For optimal results, most patients will require between three and six Fraxel treatments, spaced between four and eight weeks apart. At the consultation appointment, the exact number of Fraxel treatments will be discussed in detail. *
How long can I expect my Fraxel results to last?
The skin’s tone and texture will continue to improve over several months, following a Fraxel treatment. These results can be expected to last up to a year, sometimes longer. *
What are the risks or possible complications of Fraxel?
The Fraxel treatment at Mirror Mirror is considered safe and effective for all skin types and ethnicities. Serious complications are rare, but can include excessive bleeding, infection, or scarring. *
How much will my Fraxel procedure cost?
The price of a Fraxel treatment at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique will vary according to the treatment area and the level of correction desired. On average, Fraxel procedures will range in price from $900 to $1500.
Can I finance my Fraxel procedure?
Mirror Mirror accepts cash, all major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit. Contact our Houston office for more information on payment options.