The aging process is complex, affecting skin cells and connective tissues deep below the surface of the epidermis. As natural aging progresses, it becomes necessary to treat both dermal and subdermal tissues, speeding up the rate of cellular turnover to eliminate signs of damage. Technological advances have made laser skin treatments an effective, minimally invasive solution for patients with fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation problems, enlarged pores, stretch marks, acne scars, and other types of scars.
Laser skin rejuvenation procedures like the Fraxel Laser can treat many visible signs of aging on the skin’s surface, as well as some that develop beneath the skin. This is possible because the light emitted during Fraxel Laser skin resurfacing treatment is capable of penetrating the dermis without burning or damaging the skin. The gentle heat this medical laser creates can selectively dissolve aged and damaged cells while leaving the skin’s supportive matrix intact. This permits rapid, comfortable healing while facilitating deep collagen stimulation, leading to the formation of healthy skin cells.
Because laser skin treatments are capable of treating many different problems, they are often called laser skin resurfacing, laser skin tightening, acne laser treatment, acne scars treatment, and laser scar treatment.
At Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, our board-certified plastic surgeons use the Fraxel Laser for a variety of issues. See if the Fraxel Laser is right for you by reading on.
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Fraxel Laser Wrinkle Treatment
Laser skin resurfacing is highly effective in removing the top layers of the skin, evicting the fine lines and wrinkles that once lived there. Multiple sessions should be expected in order to stimulate new collagen production.
The new collagen created during Fraxel Laser laser skin resurfacing tightens and tones treated skin, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Though most people are happy with the firming effects of this treatment, resurfacing can’t always take the place of a facelift. If you have deep facial folds or many fine lines and wrinkles, pairing this treatment with a mini facelift or facelift may be your best option. Other complementary procedures may also amplify the results of your personalized treatment plan, such as blepharoplasty for the eyes and/or a neck lift for more extensive neck wrinkles. Alternately, if you don’t feel ready to try surgery, you can use dermal fillers to fill in distracting facial creases. Our doctors will thoroughly examine your anatomy and gauge the strength of your skin during your consultation, then they’ll help you review your options for rejuvenation.
If you’re between the ages of 35-55, trying the Fraxel® Laser procedure may be the best decision you have ever made. It has been proven to effectively treat mild to moderate signs of aging, such as lines and wrinkles on the face, chest, neck, and hands. The Fraxel Laser can also improve the tone and texture of your skin. Some evidence suggests that repeated laser treatments might even slow down the process of cosmetic aging. By frequently stimulating the production of fresh collagen, laser treatments mitigate many of the effects of age-related collagen loss, keeping the skin supple and wrinkle-resistant. Starting laser treatments in your early 30s or 40s can potentially delay the need for facelift surgery, especially if you’re willing to simultaneously make other lifestyle adjustments (e.g., avoiding sun exposure and tobacco use).
For optimal results, you may also consider Dermal Fillers for some wrinkles and folds.
Skin Discoloration
For people with lighter complexions, the Fraxel Laser procedure can lighten dark spots on the skin. This is possible because laser light targets melanin (the dark pigment in the skin) while leaving surrounding paler skin untouched. Sometimes when an age spot is treated with the Fraxel Laser, the darkened cells within it are dissolved; then, as the skin heals, a flat scab forms where the age spot used to be. Within a week or two, this scab naturally flakes off, revealing lighter, smoother new skin.
Besides being a highly effective way to eliminate wrinkles without surgery, the Fraxel Laser has been proven to effectively treat the following common skin problems:
- Melasma (dark skin discoloration)
- Skin pigmentation issues
- Sun-damaged skin
- Sunspots
- Age spots
Photodamage that’s occurred on the face or other areas of the body, including the neck, chest, and hands.
Scar Treatment, Enlarged Pores, and Stretch Mark Removal
Because the Fraxel Laser is a very versatile treatment that can alleviate a number of skin problems, it has also been proven effective in improving the appearance of the following skin concerns:
- Acne scars
- Enlarged pores
- Stretch marks
What You Need to Know About Fraxel Laser Treatment
Studies have shown that most people respond well to a series of three to five treatment sessions at three to six week intervals.
One of the advantages of the Fraxel Laser is that recovery is easy and fast for most people. You can expect some redness after your treatment, but most people experience little discomfort and almost no down time.
With any laser treatment, it’s best to avoid sun exposure two weeks prior to treatment, during the course of treatment, and for as long as your doctor recommends after treatment is complete. Lasers react to pigment, and if your skin has excess pigment, you risk the potential for burns. Laser treatments also make the skin temporarily more sensitive to the effects of UV radiation. Throughout the course of your treatment, make sure you use a medical-grade, high-SPF sunscreen whenever you go outside, even if it’s rainy or cloudy. You should also cover up as much as possible; we recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face on sunny days.
Read our Press Release on the Fraxel Laser
How Much does Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost?
To inquire about the cost of Fraxel Laser skin resurfacing at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, including discount pricing and promotions, visit our fees and financing page. We treat patients from throughout the state of Virginia, including Fredericksburg, Richmond, Fairfax, and beyond.
Arrange a Fraxel Laser Consultation in Fredericksburg, Virginia
Find out how Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg can help you look younger and feel better. Contact us online to request a consultation about Fraxel Laser treatment, or call our office today at (540) 371-7730 to arrange an appointment. Our team of board-certified Virginia plastic surgeons will be happy to share their expertise with you while you create your customized plan for glowing, youthful-looking skin.
