How does Fraxel laser resurfacing work?

Unlike microdermabrasion or chemical peels, these lasers only treat specific areas (‘fractions’) of damaged skin and leave the surrounding zone intact. We have three fractional lasers at Pacific Derm, and we’ll choose the best one for your treatment depending on the severity and extent of your skin concerns.

Fraxel Re:Pair

This treatment combines fractional technology with a safe and effective CO₂ laser to heal very aged and damaged skin. It’s especially successful in tightening loose or wrinkled areas around the eyes. Because it’s so precise, Fraxel Re:Pair can be used on the face as well as delicate areas like the neck, chest and hands.

To prepare for treatment, we’ll numb the area with a topical cream, adding local anaesthetic to sensitive areas if necessary. You might feel heat on your skin during the procedure, which takes an average of 30-45 minutes.

If you had serious skin damage needing a powerful treatment, you might notice some pinpoint bleeding and oozing for up to 48 hours after your appointment. Like a sunburn, the most common side effects are swelling and redness. You might also temporarily experience itchy, dry or peeling skin.

You should notice some immediate results. Soon after the treatment, the surface will feel softer, look brighter and show more even tone. As the deeper layers continue to heal over the next 3-6 months, you’ll see further improvement.

Fraxel Dual

With two laser wavelengths, this technology can target deep or superficial issues like sun spots, age spots, wrinkles and scars.

Before the procedure, we’ll apply a topical anaesthetic to reduce any discomfort. You’ll feel warm as the laser passes over you. Afterwards, your skin will look sunburnt with slight swelling and redness. This will take 1-48 hours to go away depending on your skin type and degree of treatment.

Most people see results within a week. Use a good moisturizer and stay protected with SPF 30+ sunscreen. Within a few months, the skin will produce new collagen, healing from the inside out. The effect is a much healthier, rested, and younger appearance.

Some people may need multiple sessions for best results. If so, we space them 4-6 weeks apart. Fraxel Dual treatments have limited downtime and very few side effects, making this an ideal solution for those with busy schedules or a low pain tolerance.