Fraxel

A fractional laser treatment that resurfaces the skin by creating thousands of microscopic treatment zones, stimulating significant collagen remodelling while leaving surrounding tissue intact. It addresses sun damage, pigmentation, acne scarring, fine lines, and textural concerns, with a recovery of around a week for most patients.

Years of sun exposure, acne, and the natural ageing process leave behind damage that accumulates in the deeper layers of the skin. Collagen breaks down, pigmentation becomes uneven, and scars from past breakouts persist in ways that surface-level treatments cannot fully reach.

Fraxel works by delivering laser energy in a fractional pattern, treating only a portion of the skin in each pass while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. Each treated zone triggers the body's healing response, stimulating the production of new collagen and replacing damaged cells with healthier tissue. The untreated tissue between zones accelerates recovery, allowing for meaningful improvement without the extended downtime of fully ablative resurfacing. Over a series of sessions, the cumulative collagen remodelling produces progressively better results.

At-home care:

• SPF 50 or higher daily. UV exposure is the primary risk factor for post-treatment pigmentation issues.
• Keep the skin consistently moisturised with a gentle, fragrance-free product throughout the healing phase
• Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, and active ingredients for 7 to 10 days post-treatment
• Avoid heat, saunas, and strenuous exercise for the first 3 days
• Do not pick at or peel the skin as it sheds. Let it clear naturally.

Before treatment:

• Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for 4 weeks before treatment
• Stop retinoids and exfoliating acids 5 to 7 days before your appointment
• Arrive with clean, product-free skin
• If you have a history of cold sores, discuss antiviral medication with your provider beforehand

Sun damage and age spots

Acne scarring

Uneven skin texture and tone

Fine lines and wrinkles

Enlarged pores

Pigmentation

Precancerous skin changes

Stretch marks

During treatment

A topical numbing cream is applied beforehand. During the session, most patients feel a warm, prickling sensation as the laser passes across the skin. Sessions run 30 to 60 minutes depending on the area and settings. A slightly darkened, warm appearance to the skin immediately after is normal and expected.

After treatment

Days 1 to 3 bring redness, warmth, and swelling similar to a sunburn. From days 3 to 5, the skin takes on a slightly darker, rough texture as the treated surface cells shed and fresh skin underneath begins to emerge. By day 7, most of the shedding has resolved and the improvement in tone and texture becomes visible. Plan for 3 to 7 days of social downtime for standard settings, and up to 14 days for more aggressive treatment.

Results timeline

Improvement in texture, tone, and clarity becomes visible once the initial healing is complete. Results build progressively over 3 to 6 months as new collagen matures. Most patients see the best outcome after 3 to 5 sessions, with each session building on the last.