Fraxel laser treatment is just one of the many therapies we offer at Bala Aesthetics & Medispa in Bel Air, MD. It deserves particular attention, however, because it is a non-surgical option for total skin rejuvenation. Its resurfacing properties allow us to address one or multiple concerns in a very targeted manner, and at the end of your treatment plan, your skin will glow with health and radiance.
How Many Fraxel Laser Treatments Are Needed for Skin Resurfacing?
The answer to this question depends on a few different factors. The size, location, and condition of your concerns must all be considered. We’ll also factor into your treatment plan the goals and constraints we face. For instance, we regard each patient individually and try to balance aggressive action with the associated downtime. On average, however, patients need between two and four treatments to achieve the desired results.
Three treatments are generally recommended to address scars, while deep wrinkles may require more sessions. Around 15 to 20% of damaged skin is replaced with each treatment, which explains the need for a series of sessions. We’ll space these appointments according to your skin’s response to treatment, but for the most part, monthly sessions are ideal.
The Importance of Deep Healing
Our office uses the Alma Pixel CO2 Laser system that, after just one session, creates a smoother and tighter skin texture. It emits light energy to create thermal microchannels under the skin. Between these channels, the surrounding tissue is left intact to promote healing.
Why do we target the skin’s underlying tissues? In a nutshell, this is where deep healing occurs. The surface of your skin is in a constant state of exfoliation wherein dead cells flake, slough off, and are replaced by new cells. But deep, supportive tissues remain fairly consistent, meaning scars and wrinkles require a treatment that penetrates below the surface.
Laser Is the Answer
The laser works by causing pixel-sized injuries – known as imprints – in dermal tissues. These injuries are around one-tenth the diameter of a hair shaft. Thousands of microscopic treatment zones are created by the laser, forcing the body to respond with its own series of healing mechanisms. Included among these is collagen synthesis, which provides two-fold results: it strengthens existing collagen fibers and also generates new collagen to lift and plump the skin.
Fraxel laser is a proven way to treat a variety of concerns, including:
- Areas of hyperpigmentation, such as sun damage
- Severe lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Skin tags
- Highly-visible pores
- Uneven tone
- Rough patches
Consistently Great Results
We’re able to deliver consistently great results because of the laser’s advanced technology. Specifically, it allows for very controlled, precise imprints that prompt damaged cells to immediately start regenerating. This pushes degraded skin out so fresh, undamaged tissues can rise to the surface. But to achieve the best results, we’ll need your help.
For instance, we’ll provide you with guidelines that will help you prepare for treatment. These will be simple in nature and are likely to include such suggestions as:
- Avoiding waxing and laser hair removal on the treatment site
- Staying out of the sun
- Avoiding abrasive skin products like Retinols and exfoliating scrubs
- Using only gentle cleansers and moisturizers to keep your skin in the best health possible
- Eating a nutritious diet to feed your skin the vitamins and minerals it needs
The Day of Your Appointment
We always tell patients to arrive on time so we can first apply a numbing cream – it ensures a more comfortable treatment. This, then, is one of the first recommendations we’ll make for your session. You should additionally come in with a clean face free of cosmetics, serums, and lotions. And dress in loose, easy clothing that won’t irritate or rub during treatment.
You can expect your appointment to last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the treatment area. To illustrate, scars may only require 15 to 20 minutes to treat, whereas your entire face will likely need a full hour. You’ll also need to wear protective eye equipment, which we’ll provide, and at the end of treatment, you’ll be free to return home and begin your recovery.
Caring For Your Skin After Treatment
Just as we’ll ask you to avoid certain activities before treatment, we’ll do the same after. Instructions specific to your skincare needs will be provided on the day of your session, but some of the suggestions you can expect to see include:
- Steering clear of sun exposure
- Wearing full-spectrum sunscreen every day
- Keeping your hands off your face
- Avoiding direct hot water spray on your face, such as when showering
- Using only clean linens and towels so bacteria can’t irritate your skin
- Avoiding exercise for at least a week
- Keeping your body cool for a week so you don’t sweat
- Skipping alcohol for two to three days
Following our suggestions will help the healing process. The goal of the Fraxel laser treatment is to produce new, healthy skin cells. Anything you do to your skin that’s not on the guidelines we provide may interfere with your body’s natural healing processes.
Another Note On Sun Exposure
We’ve already mentioned the need to stay out of the sun before and after treatment, but we must reiterate this point. Sunlight can wreak havoc on your skin and interfere with your results. Long after you’ve completely healed from treatment, you’ll need to continue being diligent: UV rays are known to degrade collagen more quickly than time, meaning those wrinkles you sought to erase will re-develop if you aren’t careful.
In short, proactively shielding your skin from the sun is the best way to safeguard your appearance and extend your treatment results. Wear a wide-brim hat when you are going to be outside, and don sunscreen on even the cloudiest days. You’d be surprised at the UV rays that can reach your skin in overcast weather, and including this step in your daily routine will help establish a healthy habit.
Some Patience Will Be Required
If you don’t experience immediate results, don’t worry. Most patients see improvements to their skin tone and texture within a week, but full results take roughly three months to develop. The wait will be worthwhile; you can expect a fresher and younger-looking appearance as cells renew and collagen synthesis increases.
This brings us to our next discussion point, and that is the long list of benefits Fraxel laser treatment can yield. The most surprising for patients is the dewy glow that makes skin look lit from within. Your skin will also look and feel softer, lines and wrinkles will dissipate, and scars will give way to a smoother, clearer canvas. In all, you can expect a more refined complexion.
When to Schedule Your Laser Appointments
Many patients schedule their laser treatment to coincide with an important function, such as a family reunion, party, job interview, vacation, or wedding. With this in mind, you should schedule your first session at least three weeks before the event. This will ensure you get the glowy complexion we mentioned earlier without evidence of having had treatment.
If you don’t have a particular event on your calendar and simply want to refresh your appearance, anytime is the right time to schedule treatment. Because you will likely need several sessions, it’s important that you plan accordingly and start your first session when the time is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first question we usually hear is, “How long do results last?” While it’s hard to predict this on a per-patient basis, we can tell you the Fraxel laser Maryland is effective enough to keep your skin looking younger and healthier for several years. Much of this depends on how well you protect your skin from the sun (yes, we had to take one last opportunity to say it).
Although laser treatment cannot stop the aging process altogether, it can revive your appearance and slow the development of fine lines and wrinkles. As long as collagen levels remain high, your skin will not succumb to additional signs of aging. You can therefore think of treatment as working double-duty, simultaneously addressing current concerns and delaying the onset of future concerns.
Can’t My Anti-aging Products Produce the Same Results?
In a word, no. Laser encourages cellular renewal in the skin’s deepest layers. Topical products, on the other hand, are applied to the surface and don’t sink much further. You need to continue using such creams and serums to nourish and hydrate skin, but they can’t rejuvenate your appearance in the broad sense that laser can.
Can I Immediately Return to Work?
We’ll work with you throughout treatment, including during your initial consultation, to determine the best way to handle work and lifestyle constraints. Everyone responds to laser resurfacing a little differently. Rather than provide the same guidelines to each patient, we like to first review your skin and then see how you react to treatment.
Can I Choose Laser Instead of Facelift Surgery?
A growing trend in cosmetic treatments is to keep the skin as intact as possible; it allows for faster healing and more natural-looking results. In choosing between a laser treatment and a facelift, consider which is better suited to your goals. Fraxel laser treatment Maryland can resurface damaged skin and give you a much softer appearance without incisions, stitches, or scars. Conversely, a facelift aims to correct sagging skin.
Is It Possible To Have Laser Treatment If I’ve Had Other Therapies?
The laser is compatible with a number of other treatments, including neuromodulators like Botox and injectable dermal fillers. We’ll review any previous therapies you’ve had and determine how they will influence your laser results.
Likewise, if you would like to combine your laser treatment with other therapies – we’ll use dermal fillers again as an example – we can incorporate them into your treatment plan. It’s usually best to wait several weeks after your laser sessions are complete, but the point is that combining modalities can further enhance your results.
Is Laser Safe?
Laser treatments are predictable and safe for all skin tones. Extensive research confirms these statements, so you can rest assured laser therapy has withstood the test of time. We do not, however, recommend it for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who have melasma. Before we develop your treatment plan, we’ll ensure this is the right option for you.
Recharge Your Appearance
If you’ve been looking for a way to boost your appearance, laser is the answer. A short series of treatments can address a variety of concerns, including wrinkles, sun spots, and scars. Results are dependable, thanks to advanced technology, and long-lasting. Schedule your consultation today by calling Bala Aesthetics & Medispa in Bel Air, MD.
