How can so many celebrities have glowing, youthful skin with apparently no downtime (as many of them are captured in photographs on a near-daily basis)? The answer may be Fraxel Dual, a relatively gentle laser with little to no downtime. Unlike its predecessor, Fraxel CO2, the new options is not nearly as aggressive which means you don’t need to take time off of work (or off social media) to recover. It is also one of the most-requested laser treatments at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, where every provider is trained by expert Zuzana Likar. As a medical day spa, we are equipped with the latest tools, technology—and experience—to help you achieve the results you want and deserve.
There are some key differences between Fraxel CO2 (or any CO2 laser) and Fraxel Dual. For starters, CO2 lasers are very aggressive and can broadly treat a wide range of skin problems. It can take up to three weeks to recover from a CO2 laser treatment, and many patients don’t feel comfortable in social settings during this time. On the other hand, Fraxel Dual is programmed to treat specific issues and targets on the skin. It’s a non-ablative laser that heats up the tissue below the skin’s surface in order to stimulate collagen production. The top layer of the skin is left intact. Your skin may be pink for up to two days after the treatment on average, but it looks like you spent a bit too much time in the sun rather than having “had something done.”
What is non-ablative? Let’s look at another Fraxel laser for comparison. Fraxel Repair is ablative, and works by removing the top layer of skin while also stimulating collagen synthesis below the surface. As you can imagine, this is going to call for a significant recovery period. Fraxel Dual is simply gentler, but you’re going to need multiple sessions to get and keep the results you want. That works well for many people, especially those who prefer lunchtime procedures that fit into their busy schedule. Also bear in mind that with an ablative laser, there is a risk of infection and/or scarring.
Benefits of Fraxel Dual
What exactly can Fraxel Dual treat? It is known for its ability to treat both superficial and deeper skin concerns. It is also the only laser on the market featuring dual fiber lasers. It works exceptionally well for treating hyperpigmentation of all kinds, from sun damage to unwanted freckles, thanks to its thulium wavelength. Already, Fraxel Dual is one of the most comfortable lasers on the market while still providing exceptional results, but it also has integrated cooling to help optimize patient comfort.
Fraxel Dual features a continuous-motion tracking system so that treatments—and results—are consistent time and time again. Plus, unlike many other lasers, Fraxel Dual is safe and effective on all skin tones and types and anywhere on the body. Some lasers may cause unwanted hypopigmentation (skin lightening) in those with darker skin tones, but not Fraxel Dual.
If you’re looking for an even gentler option, or for pre-juvenation rather than fixing a current issue, Clear + Brilliant may be for you. It’s the gentlest laser on the market and in our laser suite. It is also suitable for men and women of any skin tone and type, but is best for those in their 20s or early 30s who want to stave off skin issues rather than undo them. It’s never too early (or too late) for a laser to help you get skin that is clear, beautiful, and youthful.
Find out more about our laser options during a consultation, which is always complimentary for any procedure or treatment. It is often recommended to avoid laser treatments in the summer, but gentle lasers like Fraxel Dual and Clear + Brilliant work just fine during these warmer months. Make this summer the most beautiful one yet and get ready to show off glowing skin on those pool days, beach getaways, and vacations. Get in touch with Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today to schedule your consult by calling the office or completing the online contact form now.