Written By: Karen Albright
Fraxel is a powerhouse treatment that addresses multiple signs of aging. It’s a favorite with BodyLase clients and our team because of the amazing results it can deliver—from fresher, younger-looking skin and improved tone and texture to reducing brown spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, and improving the appearance of scars. We often get asked, “How does Fraxel work?” so let’s talk more about this multifaceted laser technology. Of course, the best way to learn more and to find out if Fraxel is right for you is to schedule a personalized consultation.
How Does Fraxel Work?
Fraxel is a skin resurfacing treatment for people who want to look younger without dramatic changes, like surgery. In technical terms, it is a premier non-ablative fractional skin resurfacing treatment. What that means for you is a completely non-invasive treatment that delivers outstanding results without extended downtime.
The Fraxel laser uses specific laser wavelengths to penetrate deep into the skin, stimulating the body to produce new collagen naturally. Because the laser works on a microscopic level, the surrounding tissues are left completely intact—promoting rapid healing. Think of it as driving the growth of brand-new, healthy skin cells from the inside out.
What Does Fraxel Treat?
Because Fraxel stimulates deep collagen production and cellular turnover, it is highly effective at treating:
- Fine lines and wrinkles: Including stubborn crow’s feet and brow lines.
- Surface scarring: Such as historic acne scars and surgical scars.
- Pigmentation: Significantly reducing the appearance of age spots and sun spots.
- Sun damage: Reversing UV damage and improving the overall look and feel of your skin.
- Actinic Keratosis (AK) and Melasma: Helping to manage and clear these common skin conditions.
Where Can You Use Fraxel?
Fraxel is incredibly versatile and can effectively treat multiple areas of the body, including the:
- Face
- Neck
- Chest / Décolleté
- Hands
- Arms
“Fraxel is one of my favorite treatments to perform,” says Kelly Smith, an aesthetician at BodyLase Med Spa in Raleigh. “It delivers such amazing results—it’s like erasing years of sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, and even scarring. My biggest advice? Don’t skip your neck and chest! The collagen boost will make you feel like a million bucks!”
What Can I Expect After a Fraxel Treatment?
For 3 to 5 days post-treatment, your skin will experience some redness and begin to peel or look scaly. This is a completely normal part of the process—your body is actively shedding old cells, producing new skin cells, and amping up collagen production! To ensure a seamless healing process, keep these post-care steps in mind:
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen: Always apply an SPF of 30 or higher daily to protect your fresh skin cells.
- Avoid direct sun exposure: Protect your face by wearing a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
- Stick to medical-grade skincare: Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer twice a day to support your skin’s barrier.
- Hands off: Don’t pick or scratch at your peeling skin, as this will extend your healing time and
