Fraxel is a laser treatment for various skin problems, including sun damage, wrinkles and acne scars. Three types are available, from gentle to more aggressive. The technology used is called fractional photothermolysis, which allows the plastic surgeon to treat microscopic volumes of skin and leave the surrounding area intact so you heal more quickly than with other forms of laser skin therapy.
Re:fine
Fraxel re:fine is the most gentle option for this type of laser treatment. The surgeon uses a fractional fiber laser to improve skin texture, tone, pigmentation and fine lines around the eyes. This method takes 20 minutes to 25 minutes for an entire face. Fraxel re:fine involves very little downtime or discomfort, although skin usually looks sunburned for about 24 hours and there may be some peeling. The official website recommends four to six treatment sessions spaced about two to four weeks apart. The site claims you'll see immediate improvements and optimal improvement within two to three months. Fraxel re:fine is less suitable than the other two treatments for acne scars unless you're primarily looking to remove blemishes, discoloration, or irregular skin texture and tone that resulted from acne.
Re:store
Fraxel re:store involves a dual fractional laser treatment for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. Like the re:fine procedure, Fraxel re:store usually takes up to 20 minutes to 25 minutes for an entire face and creates a sunburned effect for about 24 hours afterward. A recommended regimen is three to five sessions spaced two to four weeks apart. Fraxel re:store is the type of Fraxel laser treatment most commonly used for acne scarring.
Re:pair
Fraxel re:pair is the only ablative Fraxel treatment, meaning it removes all layers of skin in the treatment area. Re:pair is also a fractional laser treatment, providing faster healing and less risk of infection than traditional ablative skin resurfacing. You should take off work during the clinical downtime, which can last up to 48 hours. Social downtime may last up to one week. Only one treatment session is required for Fraxel re:pair.
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