With so many lasers available, how can you choose the right one for your skin and goals? Start with a complimentary consultation at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care. We offer the latest and best technology along with highly-skilled experts to ensure you have an optimal treatment no matter which laser (or lasers) you choose. The Fraxel Dual is one of the most-requested lasers because it works on a number of the most common skin concerns including fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and skin laxity.
The Fraxel Dual is a non-invasive laser that works at the microscopic level to penetrate the skin and kick-start collagen production. Collagen is what helps our skin look so young and dewy, but we create less of it as we age. The Fraxel Dual encourages the body to start producing collagen exactly where it’s desired, practically resurfacing the skin. It’s also gentler than many other lasers because it only targets a “fraction” (Fraxel) of the skin at a time.
Fraxel Dual Details
The Fraxel Dual is available in 1550 and 1927 wavelengths, which allows it to treat different issues on the face, neck, chest, limbs, and just about anywhere else. The 1927 wavelength is great for treating hyperpigmentation, age spots, and sun damage. The 1550 wavelength is reserved for smoothing the skin’s texture and minimizing wrinkles, lines, and acne scars.
Unlike some other lasers, the Fraxel Dual is safe and approved for all skin tones. There are some lasers that are not recommended for those with more melanin, but the Fraxel Dual does not fall into this category. However, if one of your top concerns is melasma (an especially stubborn form of hyperpigmentation), we may recommend a different laser for you such as Clear + Brilliant. It’s common to use a combination of lasers to treat different areas and skin issues, so you might be a great match for Fraxel Dual on the chest (for example), but if you have melasma on the face then a Clear + Brilliant laser might be used on this area.
Getting Ready for a Fraxel Dual Treatment
There’s not much you have to do to prepare for your Fraxel Dual treatment. However, clients who use retinoids or peels that make skin sensitive will likely have to stop for at least one week prior to their treatment. You’ll find out if you have to make any changes to your cosmetic skin care regimen during your complimentary consultation. Those who are in the midst of an acne breakout may need to postpone their Fraxel Dual appointment until a later date (this can be true of many laser treatments).
Maximizing the results of Fraxel Dual will require re-addressing your daily skin care routine. It’s always a good idea to work with skin care experts to design a regimen that works for you, and bear in mind that your skin (and its needs) changes throughout the seasons. Medical-grade skin care products available from our online store and reassessing your sunscreen and sun protection practices are great ways to make sure your Fraxel Dual treatment results lasts as long as possible.
Getting Gorgeous Results with Fraxel Dual
Most Fraxel Dual treatments are only 15 – 30 minutes long depending on how many areas are being treated. An additional 15 – 20 minutes are necessary for a topical anesthetic to make its effect and ensure optimal comfort. Most clients describe Fraxel Dual as feeling like a light stinging sensation.
The recovery period from a Fraxel Dual treatment is about one week, with the first two days being the most intense in terms of redness and swelling. It can feel quite a bit like a sunburn. Days 3 – 5 are when the skin starts to peel, and it’s critical not to pick during this period as you can cause scarring. Overall, the chest often heals a little slower than the rest of the body.
Ready for Fraxel?
Side effects are minimal and rare beyond the expected redness, swelling, and peeling during the first week after the treatment. Average results last one year, but you can help to extend those results with at-home care and complementary in-office treatments. Just one treatment can decrease hyperpigmentation by 80 percent, and most clients need just a single treatment per year.
Are you ready to learn more about the Fraxel Dual and the many other lasers and treatments available at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care? Call the office at (650) 565-8683 or complete the online form now.