Fraxel Laser Treatment: The procedure that could reduce your fine lines with minimal recovery
Although the technology has been around for over a decade and is trusted by many, Fraxel Laser treatment is relatively new to many in the skincare industry looking to reduce the signs of skin ageing. The procedure is non-invasive and won a 2013 Elle Magazine Beauty Genius award for anti-ageing procedures. The following review is designed to help you decide if it’s time to ask your skin specialist about Fraxel.
What is Fraxel Laser Treatment:
Much like Microdermabrasion, Fraxel works by causing a micro-injury to the skin and when your body repairs the skin naturally, you’re left with new, healthier skin. A trained skin specialist is basically poking miniature, hot holes into your skin to create later improvement. The procedure is non-invasive and most skin specialists recommend 3-4 treatments for best results. The applicator used for the process has different settings depending on your skin type and concerns. The procedure takes about 10-20 minutes (more with recovery time) and each procedure is done about a month apart.
Positives of Fraxel Laser Treatment
Short Recovery Time:
Unlike chemical peels or face lifts, Fraxel procedures have relatively short recovery times. Depending on the intensity of the treatment, most reviewers indicated that the negative reactions subsided in days and that they felt comfortable continuing with their normal routine in just hours. Some users did indicate that they had longer recovery time after the first treatment and others felt as though the actual procedure was somewhat painful.
Fraxel Laser for fine lines:
If fine lines and wrinkles are your most significant ageing concern, this might be a great treatment for you. Patients hoping to see improvement in discolouration or scarring were less impressed, but those looking to see improvement in their wrinkles were mostly satisfied. Additionally, reviewers concerned about wrinkles around their mouth were the most impressed of all Fraxel users.
Negatives of Fraxel Laser Treatment
Initial Reaction:
Fraxel is often touted for the minimal recovery time. However, many Fraxel reviews indicated that their face was a bright pink colour and throbbed in pain for about a day. Most skincare users indicated that the redness and pain subsided in a couple of days and then they saw a few days of dryness, after which they have full improvement. Recovery time and adverse reactions differ for each person but most reviewers felt as though the procedure included some pain, discomfort and discolouration for a few days.
Cost:
As with most laser treatments, the Fraxel treatment doesn’t come cheap. The cost varied depending on the location and quality of your clinic, but most charge well over $3000 for a set of treatments. This is a large investment in your skincare and it takes a time and pain commitment. Before dolling out the cash, make sure that you’re a good candidate for the procedure and ready for a few days of adverse reactions.
More work than indicated:
While Fraxel procedures actually only take about 10-20 minutes, most reviewers indicated they spent about three hours at the clinic for the procedure. This was because they needed to prepare the skin and spend time with a cooling fan and ice packs after the procedure to recover. Additionally, most Fraxel patients had to purchase additional skin creams and cleansers because their usual regimen was too strong to be used alongside a Fraxel treatment.
Our Final Word on Fraxel Laser Treatment
Fraxel is less invasive and has higher satisfactory rating of many other anti-ageing treatments. That said, it also comes with procedural and after procedure pain, a hefty price tag and some mixed reviews. It’s also important to note that it is unlikely your skin will be able to handle the procedure and you’re normal skincare routine so plan to shell out for milder skincare products after treatment. It might be worth the investment for your winkles but we’re not convinced.
