Fraxel® is an exciting technology which was patented at Harvard University in 2003. Fraxel® lasers use microscopically small beams of laser energy to precisely treat small sections of 15-50% of skin at a time. These “islands” of treated skin stimulate the body’s own natural healing process to replace the old, damaged skin cells and collagen with rejuvenated, fresh, healthy-looking skin.

The microscopic laser columns penetrate deep into the dermis to eliminate damaged cells and simultaneously heat the skin in specific places to stimulate your body's natural healing process (collagen synthesis). The laser treats only a fraction of tissue at a time, leaving the surrounding tissue intact which promotes very rapid healing.

These lasers destroy the epidermis, or the most outer layer of the skin, with micro-injuries. While this is happening, the second layer of the skin, the dermis, is also heated up, leading to increased collagen production. This treatment can last up to 2 hours depending on the size of the treatment area.

Fraxel Re:Store Dual is a fantastic treatment for resurfacing the skin, removing stubborn pigmentation, scarring and other marks. It can also be effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles in stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells with strong collagen fibres.

Pre treatment precautions: stop using any product that can cause skin sensitivities a full 10 days before your treatment, along with 10 days after (that includes retinol, exfoliants and acids like glycolic or salicylic acid).

Anaesthetic will be applied 60 minutes prior to treatment and the procedure will last 20-25 minutes for a full face.

Immediate side effects: During the first 24 hours or so following the procedure, your skin may feel as if it has a sunburn and will looks lightly pink. As well as pinkness there might be some swelling. This reaction is normally mild and should subside within a few days. Other short-term effects include minor itching in the treated area, dry skin, peeling and/or flaking.

Patients describe a sensation of increased heat and a prickling sensation during treatment. Fraxel Re:Store has two wavelengths. The non-ablative wavelength does not affect the epidermis and is therefore less painful. With the ablative wavelength, anaesthetic cream can be used but some patients can tolerate large areas being treated without it.

To minimise discomfort, numbing with local anaesthetic cream is applied approximately 60 minutes beforehand and cold air is blown onto the treatment area during the procedure.

Each person’s skin is unique, but clinical studies suggest that for most patients looking for improved texture and reduction of wrinkles and scars, maximum results can be attained in about three to five treatment sessions using the 1550nm (erbium glass) wavelength. For individuals looking for pigment improvement, the 1927nm (thulium) wavelength can give significant improvement in just one or two sessions. Treatments are usually scheduled every two to six weeks.

Your skin will heal more quickly and smoothly if you keep it well moisturised with a bland moisturiser for the first few days after treatment. You will also need to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30 protection) every day and avoid direct sun exposure for at least three months after the completion of the course of Fraxel treatment.

Patients can wash as normal immediately after the treatment and apply makeup. Recovery time should be around 10 days, however results will continuously improve over the next few weeks.

Downtime is very minimal with most patients able to return to work immediately after. Some redness, swelling or flaking may occur but it is unlikely. With ablative laser treatment these side effects are more likely than non ablative and may persist for a few days.