Fraxel laser is a treatment used to minimize the appearance of aging. The treatment is administered by a technological procedure called "fractional photothermolysis," which is the process of applying hundreds of microscopic laser beams to damaged skin, melting away the top layer cells and allowing new cells with new collagen to develop. It is used to treat many skin conditions including acne scars, wrinkles, sun damage and brown spots. However, dermatology patients receiving this treatment can expect to experience a range of side effects.
Rough Textured Skin
Although Fraxel laser technology is considered to be gentle on the skin without the side effects of other treatments, many people complain of the skin having a rough texture. This can occur within a few days after the procedure is done. The rough texture can also be associated with flaking, making the skin appear dull and dry. According to Dermalase.net, the procedure is used to resurface skin that is already troubled by roughness. They also contend that the treatment not only improves texture, but the tone and pore size of the skin as well. Usually any rough, bumpy skin texture after Fraxel repair resolves with time.
Reddening of the Skin
Some patients may also experience reddening of the skin after treatment as a common side effect of Fraxel laser treatment. The reddening of the skin can appear in several areas or at the treatment site. It can also appear as bruising or scar marks left behind from the tiny beams of laser applied to the skin. According to Fraxel.com, the redness usually fades away in just a few days and the swelling usually takes one to two days to resolve. Fraxel claims that reddening is to be expected, but not to the extent of the side effects of other similar procedures.
Extended Healing Time
The length of healing time can vary from person to person. Depending on the Fraxel procedure, downtime is expected to be anywhere from a few days to a week. Patients should be able to wear make-up and even shave immediately after the procedure. However, according to WBZTV.com, a patient stated that her face looks 15 years older with acne scars after having the procedure. She also stated that her skin still had sores two years later. According to the same source, another patient recalls still having scars going down her face approximately two months after the procedure; however, according to Fraxel.com, there should be no long or extended healing time with this procedure.
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