When it comes to transforming your skin into a younger, healthier version of you, there’s not much better than a resurfacing treatment with the Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 laser. This is a highly effective, safe way to achieve smoother, younger, healthier skin with minimal downtime.
This innovative method of improving your skin is what we’re loving right now, and we have Elisabeth Tracey, MD, to explain exactly why.
How does Fraxel DUAL laser work?
“The Fraxel DUAL laser creates microscopic columns of damage deep in the skin, without damaging the skin’s surface,” Dr. Tracey explains.
Remember, “damaged” in this situation is not a bad thing, as this gives the skin the opportunity to heal and cultivate something healthier and new.
“The tiny areas of damage stimulate the body’s wound healing response, leading to collagen remodeling and growth of new, healthy skin from the inside out.”
What does Fraxel DUAL laser treat?
When it comes to having healthy, clear, glowing skin, the Fraxel DUAL laser is exactly what you want.
Dr. Tracey lists the following as the skin conditions this laser treats.
Fraxel® DUAL is FDA approved to treat:
- Wrinkles around the eyes
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Age spots/sunspots
- Melasma (brown patches on the face)
- Actinic keratoses
- Skin resurfacing
What can I expect during a Fraxel DUAL laser treatment?
Like with many treatments designed to first “damage” your skin in order to boost your body’s healing mechanisms, this laser may cause temporary discomfort for long-term satisfaction.
Dr. Tracey says, “The procedure causes a mild burning sensation, which is minimized with topical anesthetic and cool air during the treatment. A full-face treatment takes about 20 minutes.”
What can I expect after a Fraxel DUAL laser treatment?
Most patients feel like they have a sunburn after the treatment.
“Discomfort subsides over the following few days. You may look pink and swollen, or even crusty and scabby, which improves over a week, but you can apply makeup to the treated area if needed.”
When do I see results after a Fraxel DUAL laser treatment?
This is not necessarily a treatment you will see immediate results with. Remember, the Fraxel DUAL laser is meant to stimulate your body’s natural healing, and healing can take some time.
“Collagen remodeling and resurfacing occurs over 2-3 months after Fraxel® DUAL treatment. During this time, you should notice increasingly younger-looking skin, improved texture and tone, softening of fine lines, lightening of brown spots, and fading of any acne scars or other scars in the treated area.”
How many treatments will I need?
As with many skin treatments like this laser, multiple treatments over a long period of time (provided your dermatologist deems this the best method) will be most effective.
However, Dr. Tracey explains, “You will see improvement in skin quality after one treatment. Optimal results may be seen after about 3 treatments, depending on your skin condition and individual response to treatment.”
If you think the Fraxel DUAL laser treatment is the best match for your skincare needs, make sure to book your appointment to get started toward a healthier, happy YOU!
Dr. Elisabeth Tracey is a board-certified dermatologist who has been practicing at the Apex Skin Westlake office since 2020. Her dermatology residency at the Cleveland Clinic provided premier training in medical, pediatric, surgical, cosmetic, and laser dermatology.
She grew up in New York and Connecticut and then obtained her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley. She majored in Art, and her aesthetic sense and technical training enhanced her interest and expertise in procedural and cosmetic dermatology.
She completed both her premedical courses and medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, where she did research on skin findings in cancer patients. During residency, she researched high-risk skin cancer, authored a book chapter on melanoma, and led the department’s free clinic and community outreach.
