At About Face Aesthetics, we continue to offer the Fraxel laser in Philadelphia when it’s the right fit. At the same time, many patients seeking skin resurfacing today are achieving more comprehensive, satisfying results with modern CO₂ laser technology.
Understanding how these treatments differ — and why we often recommend CO₂ — allows you to make a more informed and confident choice.
Already familiar with it Fraxel Dual? Read on to learn about your Fraxel laser appointment experience.
How Fraxel Dual works
Fraxel Dual is a non-ablative fractional laser that stimulates collagen by delivering controlled heat to the skin through tiny treatment zones. It uses two wavelengths to address both texture concerns, such as fine lines and acne scars, and tone concerns, including sun damage and discoloration.
THE 1550 wavelength improves skin texture such as fine lines and wrinkles, while Wavelength 1927 treats skin tone such as hyperpigmentation, dark spots and acne scars. We can also combine them for a complete revitalization of texture and tone.
Because Fraxel laser in Philadelphia is non-ablative, it typically involves less downtime and gradual improvement that may require multiple sessions
Fraxel Laser Benefits
Fraxel Dual offers effective, customizable treatments for the face, neck and body, resulting in tighter, smoother and more even skin.
- The Fraxel Dual goals hyperpigmentation (dark spots), breaking up the pigment. The body naturally sheds this pigment by shedding dead skin for a clear, even complexion.
- The Fraxel laser in Philadelphia reveals smoother, healthier skin enhancing the production of collagen and elastin, reducing the appearance of surgical scars, stretch marks and acne scars.
- The laser reduces the visible signs of agingsuch as fine lines and wrinkles, for a more youthful appearance.
Your Fraxel laser appointment
On the day of your Fraxel Dual appointmentplease arrive at your appointment with your skin free of makeup or skincare products.
Once you arrive, a laser technician from the About Face Aesthetics team makes you comfortable on the treatment bed before cleansing your skin of any impurities or oils. Your specialist then applies a topical numbing cream or directs you to inhale ProNox if you choose one of About Face’s anesthetic (numbing) options for comfort.
When you feel ready, they apply a gliding gel to help the device head move smoothly over your skin.
The Fraxel Dual treatment takes 15 to 45 minutes until the entire treatment area is treated.
After treatment, the laser technician cleans off the gliding gel and applies moisturizers or serums to soothe and protect the skin during the healing process.
The rest of the day after the treatment
- Your face may feel warm after the treatment. Soothe your skin by placing ice packs (or bags of frozen vegetables) on the treated area for 20 minutes.
- Elevate your head on a pillow or two when lying down to prevent unnecessary swelling.
- You may notice a web-like texture on your skin. This is completely normal. each of these tiny dots represents an area of skin that was treated. (The cross pattern marks the actual path of the laser beam as it moves over your skin.)
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. (Avoid caffeine and alcohol the rest of the day.)
- If your skin feels tight or itchy, apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer. (We recommend leaving your moisturizer and sunscreen in the fridge; it makes applications feel especially soothing.)
- Protect your skin from the sun after your Fraxel laser appointment in Philadelphia, wearing SPF 30 sunscreen, reapplying every 2 hours.
After treatment: Days 2 to 7
- Wash your face with warm water. (Hot water won’t hurt your skin, but hot water feels so much better.)
- Be gentle with your skin. Avoid harsh or exfoliating skin care products (including retinoids).
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 after washing your face in the morning and reapply every 2 hours. (Even if you’re not going to be outdoors, you can still be exposed to increasing sunlight from windows or in the car, etc.) Protect the skin you’re trying to perfect.
- Your skin may feel tight, dry or itchy. Continue to apply non-comedogenic moisturizer as often as needed.
- Although cold compresses will no longer benefit the healing process after the first day, the coolness on your skin will still feel good. Apply cold compresses to your skin for as long as you like.
- If you experience uncomfortable swelling, any over-the-counter anti-inflammatory (such as Aleve or Motrin) can be beneficial in reducing swelling. The most common areas of swelling are under the eyes and around the mouth.
- You may notice tiny white bumps all over the skin. These are pockets of solidified oil that will pour out within a day or two if left alone. (Don’t pick them, as your skin is too sensitive right now.)
- You may experience peeling. If this happens, do not pick or peel off the peeled skin. The skin will naturally shed as healing progresses and forced peeling can cause hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (light spots).
- Gentle shaving or tweezing is fine, but avoid waxing or applying hair removal cream to treated areas.
After treatment: 2 weeks
- You should be able to resume your original regimen. However, if your regular products irritate your skin, avoid using them for 1 to 2 more days.
Remember that the recovery process is different for everyone. be patient with your skin as it heals.
Fraxel vs. CO2 Laser Resurfacing
For patients seeking more visible correction, fewer total treatments, and longer-lasting results, CO₂ laser resurfacing often offers a more complete solution. CO₂ technology addresses both the skin’s surface and deeper structural layers, allowing for greater improvement in wrinkles, texture, laxity and overall skin quality.
In our experience, patients who initially inquire about the Fraxel laser in Philadelphia are often better served by CO₂ once they understand the difference in results, recovery and longevity.
Thoughtfully delivered Skin Rejuvenation
If you’re considering skin resurfacing, a personal consultation is the best place to start. It allows time to assess your skin, discuss your goals, and determine whether Fraxel, CO₂ laser resurfacing, or another approach is the most appropriate option for you.
Appointments at About Face Aesthetics are available by appointment.
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