Fraxel laser is an FDA approved method of skin resurfacing. It uses the fractional laser to restore skin to its original, flawless texture. As a result, it improves the skin tone and smoothness.
Furthermore, it is great for getting rid of acne scarring, sun and age spots. It can also fix shrinking pores and minimize the appearance of fine lines.
That being said, there are some misconceptions about the treatment. Below are some of the most common myths about Fraxel laser treatment.
Myth 1:
Fraxel and laser polishings are one and the same. This is not entirely true as the methods and tools differ. Polishing typically employs the use of a CO2 laser. This burns off the top layer of skin and the epidermis and requires a much longer recovery time. Fraxel uses a non-ablative erbium laser, which is much gentler. This way, it only targets micro portions of the skin. However, it still penetrates the entire dermis. As a result, this procedure is not only leveling but restorative of the deep layers of the skin. Recovery takes usually two or three days.
Myth 2:
Fraxel causes burns and severe long-lasting redness. Fraxel laser treatment only targets the micro areas of the skin. Each micro are is very small in diameter. As a result, the opportunity for burning and redness is much less with this type of laser treatment. Although some redness may appear in treated micro areas, it typically does not last any longer than a few days.
Myth 3:
Fraxel needs to be a combination procedure. Many people believe that the efficacy of Fraxel laser treatment depends on other treatments. For instance, some people suggest hyaluronic acid or mesotherapy. However, specialists suggest this because it compounds the effects. Sometimes, it appears as greater results have been achieved in a shorter amount of time. As a matter of fact, these other treatments result in increased hydration of the skin. Actually, they have the effect of making the Fraxel treatment less effective.
Myth 4:
Fraxel lasers will not cause you to lose volume. Fraxel stimulates the production of collagen and thickens your skin. It is not penetrative enough to melt fat and cause the aforementioned volume loss. Neither will Fraxel have any negative effects on any filler that you may have in your cheeks to compensate for prior volume loss.
Myth 5:
Fraxel is a face-specific procedure. Fraxel is useful for many different areas of the body. From the face to the eyelids, upper neck, chest, hands and forearms. It can correct scars and abnormal pigmentation anywhere on the body. However, one thing to consider, is that the procedure is most effective on areas of the body that receive good blood supply.
Fraxel is a great option for people seeking to minimize the appearance of scars, fine lines, acne, sun or age spots, but who do not want to undergo more invasive and skin-irritating treatments that come with longer recovery times and increased redness and discomfort.
Mar 01st 2016