Fraxel Restore Laser Treatment in 535 Miller Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
The Fraxel Restore laser is our favorite treatment for dull, sallow, discolored, and sun-damaged skin. This fractional, erbium-based, non-ablative laser rejuvenates the skin without disrupting its surface, improving tone, color, and texture with only a few days of downtime. At Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc., Fraxel Restore is used to refresh the face, neck, chest, hands, and arms and can be safely performed on skin of any color.
What Is Fraxel Restore?
Fraxel Restore uses thousands of pinpoint laser beams to treat microscopic columns of skin, targeting between 5% and 50% of the surface in a single session. The surrounding 50% to 95% of untreated skin remains intact, allowing the treated areas to heal quickly. This precision makes Fraxel safe and effective even on delicate areas like the face, neck, chest, and hands. By stimulating the body’s own natural healing process, Fraxel replaces old, damaged skin cells with fresh, healthy skin and new collagen, producing a natural rejuvenation.
Conditions Fraxel Restore Treats
Fraxel has received FDA clearance for the treatment of:
- Wrinkles around the eyes (periorbital wrinkles)
- Age spots, sun spots, and liver spots (brown spots)
- Melasma, the brown spots often called the “mask of pregnancy”
- Acne scars and surgical scars
- Skin resurfacing, tone, and texture
Fraxel can also help improve the appearance of stretch marks.
Immediate and Progressive Results
You can expect two levels of results. Once initial healing is complete, your skin will feel softer, look brighter, and its tone will begin to even out. Progressive results continue over the next three to six months as the deeper layers of the skin heal and produce new collagen.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
Depending on your skin and schedule, you can choose fewer, more aggressive treatments with more social downtime, or gentler treatments that reach the same result over a few more sessions with milder side effects. For some skin types and conditions, gentle treatments are best. On average, three to five sessions spaced one month apart produce the best results.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
A topical anesthetic is applied before your procedure, and cold air is directed across the skin during treatment to keep you comfortable. Afterward, most patients describe a feeling similar to a sunburn that fades within one to three hours. Some redness and swelling is normal, with the intensity depending on the treatment level and your healing. You may also notice minor itching, dryness, flaking, or a bronzed appearance. Makeup can be applied immediately after treatment, and we’ll give you specific instructions to minimize side effects.
Protecting Your New Skin
Always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and avoid direct sun exposure while healing and for at least three months after your last treatment. A wide-brimmed hat provides extra protection. For conditions such as melasma, consistent sun avoidance is especially important for maintaining results.
Combining Fraxel With Other Treatments
Fraxel pairs beautifully with other rejuvenation treatments. It can be combined with Dysport to reduce frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and upper lip lines; with dermal fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse to soften deeper lines and restore fullness; and with Sculptra Aesthetic to rebuild facial volume. See more results in our Fraxel Restore before and after gallery, or explore our full range of lasers and lights.
Fraxel Restore FAQs
Does Fraxel Restore hurt?
A topical anesthetic and cold air cooling keep treatment comfortable. Afterward, most patients feel a mild sunburn-like sensation that resolves within one to three hours.
How much downtime is there after Fraxel?
Most patients have a few days of redness and swelling. Makeup can be applied immediately, and many people return to normal activities right away.
How many Fraxel treatments will I need?
Most patients need three to five sessions spaced about one month apart for the best results.
When will I see results from Fraxel?
Skin looks brighter and feels softer once initial healing is complete, and results continue to improve over three to six months as new collagen forms.
Is Fraxel Restore safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. Fraxel Restore is a non-ablative laser that can be used safely on all skin types when settings are carefully selected.
How long do Fraxel results last?
Results can last for years depending on your condition and how well you protect your skin from the sun afterward.
Can Fraxel treat melasma and acne scars?
Yes. Fraxel is FDA-cleared for melasma, acne scars, and surgical scars, as well as wrinkles around the eyes and sun spots.
Restore Your Skin’s Natural Radiance
Discover what Fraxel Restore can do for your skin at Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc.. Call (415) 383-5475 or request an appointment online today.