Fraxel Dual Laser

Fraxel Dual is an advanced laser treatment that uses two different wavelengths to target various conditions in skin and at different depth. The name “Dual” refers to the two laser wavelengths used in the treatment: the 1550 nm wavelength and the 1927 nm wavelength. These wavelengths work together to provide optimal results, targeting both the surface and deeper layers of the skin for comprehensive skin rejuvenation. The 1550 nm wavelength is primarily used for deep skin resurfacing and addressing concerns like wrinkles, texture irregularities, and scarring. The 1927 nm wavelength focuses on treating surface-level skin issues like pigmentation, sun damage, and age spots. It’s particularly effective for rejuvenating the skin’s outermost layers, improving skin tone and reducing discoloration.

The Fraxel Dual laser is known for its ability to improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. Unlike traditional ablative lasers that remove entire layers of skin, the Fraxel treatment performed by board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Thomas Knackstedt and his team works by creating micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process resulting in a faster recovery with less downtime. This leads to the production of new collagen and elastin, two essential components for maintaining youthful, vibrant skin.

Fraxel Dual treatment at Apex Skin Center is versatile and effective for a wide range of skin conditions, including:

• Sun Damage (Photoaging): Exposure to the sun can cause wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. Fraxel Dual helps to reverse these effects by stimulating collagen production and improving pigmentation.
• Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Fraxel Dual is an excellent treatment for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
• Acne Scars: The laser stimulates collagen production, which helps to smooth out the appearance of acne scars and restore skin texture.
• Age Spots and Pigmentation Issues: The 1927 nm wavelength effectively targets pigmentation irregularities, such as age spots, melasma, and sunspots.
• Uneven Skin Texture: Fraxel Dual is effective at improving overall skin texture, making the skin feel smoother and more even in tone.
• Stretch Marks: Although more commonly used for facial treatments, Fraxel Dual can also be used on certain body areas to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses): Fraxel Dual can be used to treat areas of advanced sun damage and fields of precancerous lesions.

Before the treatment, the aesthetic team at Apex Skin Center will consult with you to discuss your skin goals, medical history, and the specific concerns you’d like to address. A topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area to ensure maximum comfort during the procedure.

During the treatment, the Fraxel Dual laser is passed over the skin in a series of controlled pulses. The procedure typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated.

Most patients report feeling a sensation of heat or mild prickling during the treatment, but it is generally well-tolerated thanks to the numbing cream. After the procedure, you may experience some redness, swelling, and a sensation similar to a mild sunburn.

While some improvement can be seen immediately after a single treatment, optimal results are usually achieved after a series of treatments.

One of the major benefits of Fraxel Dual is the relatively quick recovery time. Since the laser creates fractional injuries to the skin, it does not disrupt the entire skin surface, allowing for faster healing and less downtime compared to traditional lasers.

After the treatment, it’s common for the skin to appear red and feel warm for a few hours. This usually subsides within one to two days. Some mild swelling may occur, particularly in areas with more sensitive skin. As the skin heals, you may experience peeling or flaking within three to five days post-treatment. This is a normal part of the skin renewal process and should not be a cause for concern. The skin will be more sensitive to the sun after Fraxel treatment. It’s crucial to apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect the skin from UV damage.