Helps Reduce Pore Sizes & Improve Skin Tone And many patients say that Fraxel laser treatment provides better results than Botox and other fillers/injections that are far more expensive!
The most common side effects of Fraxel are pain, swelling, and redness, but they resolve quickly. Also, peeling is likely to occur when skin is healing post-procedure. “Infection is always a risk any time the skin barrier is compromised, as happens with laser treatments,” Dr. Marcus says.
Are laser treatments better than BOTOX®? Both laser skin resurfacing and BOTOX are common medspa treatment options, but they work in entirely different ways—so we would say that one is not better than the other, but rather, that it is best to take advantage of both!
Answer: Botox before laser resurfacing is commonly recommended It is commonly recommended by physicians to perform Botox prior to resurfacing so that the treated area heals on a smoother base rather than having new skin form on an area that keeps creasing as the muscles move.
However, Fraxel alone won't be able to ``get rid'' of all of your wrinkles. It will resurface your skin, improve the fine wrinkles and stimulate the production of new collagen to help your skin look and feel thicker, healthier, and younger.
There is no “best” or “right” age to start Fraxel treatments, as it depends on your individual skin concerns. Patients in their 30s and older often use Fraxel to address signs of aging, sun damage, and skin imperfections.
On average, Fraxel results last up to 12 months, but long-term individual results can vary depending on the condition of the skin prior to the procedure.
After the treatment, the before-and-after photos usually display a significant improvement in the skin's texture and tone. The 'after' photos often reveal smoother, fresher, and more youthful-looking skin, with many of the imperfections greatly diminished.
Botox and Laser Treatments
One of the most popular combinations is the use of VBeam for treating redness or either Clear + Brilliant or Fraxel lasers for treating pigmentation.
According to the Fraxel, direct sun exposure is a no-go after your treatment. The site suggests wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. It also states that patients should avoid direct sun exposure for about three months after the last treatment.
Botulinum toxin injections aren't the only Botox alternatives. You can also consider treatments such as retinoids, chemical peels, and microneedling. Dermal fillers are another alternative. This injectable treatment typically works immediately and lasts longer than Botox.
CO2 Lasers: These are among the most intense laser treatments and are often used for deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, and significant scarring. The recovery time can be longer, but the results are typically more dramatic.
Laser resurfacing helps reduce the appearance of acne scars; however, it is not for clients who still have active acne. Patients who have very dark skin, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take specific medications like Accutane may not be viable candidates for laser resurfacing.
Fractora and Morpheus 8 combine RF waves with microneedling technique for even better results. Unlike Fraxel laser, Fractora and Morpheus 8 can be used on all skin types safely – on light and darker tones up to skin type VI with no risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Thermage is best if you have skin laxity and want to tighten and retract your skin to lift areas such as eyelids or sagging jowls. Fraxel is best if you have textural issues you want to smooth, such as scars, or if you want a more even skin tone as you can treat hyperpigmentation and sun damage.
Once your initial series is complete, you can transition to a maintenance plan which usually includes treatment frequency as little as 1-2 times a year to keep your results optimized. Maintenance can be achieved with either the same treatment, or a different resurfacing treatment.
If you do plan to have both a laser procedure like Fraxel and Botox performed, I prefer they be separated by a day with Botox on the first day followed by laser the next day. Your best results when combining such procedures would be inject Botox and wait for its maximal effects 10-14 days later, then have Laser.
Products that contain ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid will help to hold moisture in the treated area, reduce redness, and strengthen the skin barrier. Patients should avoid using moisturizers containing irritating ingredients such as retinol, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid.
Everyone's skin is different, but clinical studies suggest that for most people, maximum results are realized in just 3 to 5 sessions. They are usually spaced 2 to 6 weeks apart. Does Fraxel treatment hurt?
Yes. For textured acne scars, in particular (think: icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars), fraxel lasers are more effective than any topical treatment. Designed to target wrinkles, acne scarring and pigmentation, Fraxel destroys damaged skin cells, for a smoother, more even complexion.
A NOTICEABLY YOUNGER LOOK WITHOUT SURGERY
Fraxel® treatment improves tone, texture and radiance for aging, sun-damaged or scarred skin.
Non-invasive lasers such as Fraxel and Thermage are excellent for improving the appearance of under-eye bags with natural-looking, long-lasting results. In some cases, non-invasive laser treatments may not be well-equipped to treat under-eye bags due to excessive skin laxity in the area.
Effectiveness. Both treatments deliver noticeable improvement in skin tone and texture. However, because microneedling does not penetrate the deep layers of the skin, it is better suited to mild skin problems, and the results are typically less dramatic than Fraxel.
Best Practices: Use gentle skincare products, hydrate, and avoid makeup for the first few days. Long-Term Care: Maintain results with sunscreen, a consistent skincare routine, and follow-up treatments if needed.
With numbing cream and the use of a cooling device, most patients rate the pain of the treatment as a 3-5 on a scale of 1-10. Most patients experience 1-2 days of swelling, 2-4 days of redness and 4-7 days of flaking. There is minimal discomfort after treatment and patients may apply cosmetics immediately.