Fraxel® Laser Treatment

Reveal Beautiful Skin with Fraxel® Laser Treatment in Austin, TX


Fraxel® laser treatment is a type of unique laser therapy that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and more while also improving the texture and pigmentation of the skin. The treatment is safe and proven to address skin imperfections caused by sun damage, injury, and aging. Fraxel® earns its name from the terms, “fraction” and “pixel,” which reference the method in which the treatment repairs skin. The treatment resurfaces the skin fractionally, using pinpoint laser columns know as pixels. Because the procedure targets columns of the skin and leaves some adjacent columns untreated, the skin can heal faster. The untreated skin assists the treated surface in healing, while the treated columns produce more collagen, eventually improving the appearance of the skin.

What are the benefits of a Fraxel laser treatment?

  • Resurfaces skin and promotes collagen production
  • Reduces wrinkles and fine lines on face, neck, chest, arms, and hands
  • Targets uneven pigmentation like age spots and sun spots
  • Improves appearance of acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks
  • Minimizes redness on the face or neck

Who is a good candidate for Fraxel treatments?

  • Ideal candidates for laser skin treatments include both men and women.
  • Patients undergoing Fraxel treatment must be in good overall health.
  • Candidates should have concerns such as discoloration, scars, or skin imperfections.
  • Those with active skin infections, sunburn, dermatitis, or cold sores should postpone treatment.

How should I prepare for my Fraxel treatment?

Before undergoing a Fraxel treatment, there are a few things you can do to help ensure your procedure is a success. Taking these steps will ensure the investment you make in this treatment is well worth it. We’ll go over each pre-treatment tip in detail during your consultation appointment, but here are the main things you’ll want to do:
  • Stop smoking: Smoking interferes with blood flow, which could hinder your healing following the procedure. In addition, smoking can also cause the very signs of aging you’re attempting to fight with this treatment, so continuing to do so will only hurt your progress.
  • Reduce sun exposure: Tanned skin is more challenging to treat, so it’s important to stay out of the sun as much as possible before your treatment. Stop any tanning you do at salons and use SPF if you plan to be outside.
  • Cut down on the number of skin products you use: Certain skin products may increase your risk for irritation following your procedure. We usually recommend that patients stop using any products that contain retinoids, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid.
  • Don’t wax: If you usually wax any portion of your face, we recommend you skip this before your Fraxel treatment. Because waxing pulls the entire hair from the skin, it often leaves small abrasions in your skin, which could get irritated when you undergo your treatment.

What to expect during the Fraxel laser treatment?

Fraxel treatments are relatively simple and can be completed right at your local dermatologist. While the procedure is not considered painful, it’s also not totally without sensation. Many patients describe the treatment as creating a warm, prickling sensation.

A topical anesthetic will be applied to increase comfort during the procedure. After this, our practitioner will apply a layer of gel over the treatment area and then proceed to complete the process using a handheld device that administers light pulses.

Though you’ll notice a difference after one session, we usually recommend up to six sessions to achieve optimal results.

What to expect after the Fraxel laser treatment?

After treatment, you can expect your full recovery to take about a week. Your skin may feel tender, similar to a sunburn, for the first few hours. The treated area may also be dry and flaky as the old skin is sloughed away, making way for new, healthier skin.

You’ll notice healthier tissue beginning to appear after just a few days. Be sure to protect this new skin by applying sunscreen daily. Please contact our team if you have any questions about caring for your skin post-treatment or if you would like to schedule a consultation.

FAQs for Fraxel Laser Treatment

Fraxel laser treatment is considered safe when performed by a trained and experienced healthcare provider. Like any cosmetic procedure, it carries potential risks and side effects, such as temporary redness, swelling, and mild discomfort during and after the treatment. These effects typically subside within a few days to a week. It's important to follow post-treatment care instructions provided by your provider to minimize any risks and maximize results.

The number of Fraxel laser treatments needed varies depending on the individual's skin condition and treatment goals. In general, a series of three to five sessions spaced about four weeks apart is recommended for optimal results. Patients often notice improvements in skin texture, tone, and overall appearance after each treatment session, with continued enhancement over the following months as collagen remodeling continues. Regular maintenance treatments may be advised to sustain results.

The downtime after Fraxel laser treatment can vary depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment and individual skin sensitivity. Typically, patients experience redness and swelling immediately after the procedure, which may last for a few days to a week. Some mild peeling or flaking of the skin may occur as well. Most patients feel comfortable returning to normal activities within a few days with proper skincare post-treatment.

Fraxel laser treatment is typically well-tolerated by most patients. Before the procedure, a topical numbing cream is applied to minimize discomfort. During the treatment, patients may experience a sensation of heat or prickling, but it is generally manageable. Afterward, any discomfort usually resolves quickly and can be alleviated with cold compresses and gentle skincare products.

Yes, Fraxel laser treatment can often be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as injectables (like Botox or dermal fillers) or other laser treatments (like IPL or Vbeam). Combining treatments may enhance overall results by addressing multiple skin concerns simultaneously. Your dermatologist can recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.

While Fraxel® laser treatment can deliver significant improvements in skin appearance, the results are not considered permanent. The longevity of results depends on factors such as skincare maintenance, sun protection habits, and individual skin aging processes. Regular maintenance treatments may be recommended to sustain and maximize the benefits of Fraxel laser treatment over time.

Watch: Cosmetic Dermatology at Tru-Skin Dermatology

How Tru-Skin Dermatology Can Help

We all want to look and feel our best, and that starts with feeling confident in our own skin. The team at Tru-Skin Dermatology is here to help you enhance your appearance with our cosmetic dermatology treatments. At our Texas offices, we perform a variety of procedures, all designed to help your skin appear younger, smoother, and more evenly toned.

One such treatment, the Fraxel® laser treatment, uses powerful non-ablative laser energy to rejuvenate and improve the skin’s appearance. You’ll achieve younger-looking skin over a series of sessions, helping you feel more confident. Please contact us today if you’d like to learn more about this treatment or to schedule a consultation.