Does it work?
The Fraxel track record of clinical excellence is unparalleled. Fraxel technology has now been used on hundreds of thousands of satisfied patients with amazing results. It has been featured on countless shows. It has been the darling of the Hollywood elite. It is the only FDA approved laser for Melasma (Three kinds). Fraxel is also backed by:

Long-term clinical studies 5-plus FDA clearances combined, including melasma, vascular dyschromia and Actinic Keratosis. More than 30,000 histologies. More than 50 peer-reviewed publications and hundreds of presentations at scientific meetings. World-renowned luminaries as lead investigators. Ongoing clinical trials at Solta Medical’s headquarters, Fraxel’s biomedical engineering team and R&D team-one of the largest in the industry-continually conduct research, FDA-approved investigations and multi-phase clinical trials. And has been used on a wide range of skin types, indications and body sites.

The skin regeneration itself is progressive and cumulative meaning that each treatment will see added and better results. And dermal collagen remodeling and tightening will continue even when you are finished with the last treatment, so you may see improvement continuing up to a year after you started.

Considering the very low down time of Fraxel, it’s amazing that we do see the results that are achieved!

Is it safe?
Fraxel is absolutely safe and approved by the FDA. In over one million patients being treated with Fraxel technology to date, there have been NO complaints registered with the FDA. You should also know that even with the amazing results produced by these new technologies, we have taken our time in introducing them, gathering research and investigating these technologies carefully before choosing to offer these services to our patients. The safety of our patients is our primary concern.

Does it hurt?
Most patients describe a “prickling” sensation during treatment. To minimize discomfort, we apply topical anesthesia cream before the procedure and cold air during the procedure. Some patients experience the feeling of a mild ‘sunburn’ afterwards for a day to three days. Patients are encouraged to apply moisturizer and can wear makeup as normal the next day.

Can it be used anywhere? Or just on the face?
Fraxel Laser technology is safe and can be used on any area of the body: face, chest, neck, hands,…

Can it be used on any color skin?
Yes. And it is safe for all skin types.

How long does a session take?
Treatments usually last between 10-80 minutes and patients can return to regular activity immediately after treatment.

So how does Fraxel measure up?
If you imagine a range of treatment options, from a day spa facial all the way up to cosmetic surgery, Fraxel would be a step away from such intrusive procedures. But plastic surgery is not really good for the skin as it still is creating scarring and introducing other problems under the skin, where Fraxel actually rapidly encourages the body to heal scars and other skin defects in ways never before imagined. And of course, Fraxel is aimed at healing skin problems, not structural problems.

Unlike old ablative procedures which remove only the top layer of skin, the Fraxel procedure affects the skin surface by producing thousands of tiny microscopic wounds deep in the dermis that are separated by areas of unaffected tissue. The unaffected tissue between treatment zones then rapidly heals the treated area used newly produced, healthy skin while stimulating collagen production. (create chart and include day spa, diamond dermabrasion, graduated to BOTOX and Plastic Surgery.)

How is the Fraxel procedure performed?
Dr. Knighton begins the treatment by cleaning the skin and applying a topical cream to numb the treatment area about an hour prior to treatment. This is to keep the patient comfortable during the procedure. The laser is then used to rejuvenate the skin in the treatment area. The epidermis and dermis layers of the skin are treated, yet no visible damage is done to the outside (epidermal) layer of the skin. By only damaging specific areas of the skin, spread out over the area being treated, healthy and unaffected skin is left intact to quickly begin the healing process and stimulate the body’s own capacity. This results in the production of new collagen and even more radiant skin. Treatment itself usually takes about half an hour.

Are there any side effects?
Side effects are minimal and may include silght to moderate swelling or redness. Fraxel treatments may give you a ‘sunburned’ appearance for 2-7 days but is mild and there is no crusting or oozing of the skin as the skin is intact. Make-up may be worn the next day if desired.

What’s the difference between Fraxel and Thermage?
The technologies are somewhat similar but treat different issues. Fraxel targets the lowest layers of the skin using laser technologies and Thermage targets the collagen beneath the skin using radio waves. Fraxel is better at dealing with skin problems such as scarring, spotting, etc. where Thermage is better at tightening the skin and dealing with loose skin/elasticity. For more advice on which treatment might be best for you, call our office to set up an appointment.

How long does it last?
Since your skin is healing naturally and will continue to age naturally, we recommend maintaining your results by using physician-strength rejuvenation products at home and having periodic Fraxel treatments annually or semi-annually. Periodic treatments will help slow down the aging process and keep your skin younger looking, longer. As always, protect your skin and wear sunscreen when outdoors.

What’s it cost? How many sessions will I need?
You can find our Fraxel treatment price list here. As with all ‘cosmetic surgeries and treatments, generally sessions are not covered by medical insurance. We encourage all our patients to call us about any questions you have or to inquire about payment plans.

How many sessions will I need?
Be aware that it may require 3-5 treatments to truly heal your skin and achieve your goals. This is normal as the Fraxel Laser purposely only selects a fraction of the deeper layers of the skin to wound, allowing the surrounding tissue to create new skin cells and heal itself.

Imagine the amazing results of treatments by Dr. Knighton that include Fraxel combined with Microdermabrasion and you can begin to imagine the new you that is possible through Dr. Knighton’s office.

Call us at today or click here to schedule your private and confidential Fraxel consultation! Click here to return to the Fraxel treatment page.