Fraxel laser skin resurfacing for melasma, age & sun spots
People Say
- Lauren Bootman:
- I just had my 1st Fraxel treatment for acne scars. In fact, I did a lot of research on Fraxel laser resurfacing before actually deciding to undergo treatment. After the procedure was over, I was...read more
- Emma Clifford:
- I was facing a lot of problem due to heavy sun damage and acne scarring on my skin. A friend suggested the Fraxel laser treatment, but I was a little skeptical at first. I made up my mind and...read more
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Clinics providing Fraxel laser skin resurfacing for melasma, age & sun spots:
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Laser Center One Champs Elysees
15 Bis Rue de Marignan, 75008 Paris, FranceTreatment Price Fraxel, around the eyes or around the mouth € 250 Book Now! Fraxel hands € 350 Book Now! Fraxel, full face € 700 Book Now!
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The technology of Fraxel treatment involves 3 key components namely:
- The epidermis or outer layer of the skin
- The dermis or sub-layers of the skin that include elastin and collagen
- Microscopic laser columns, which rebuild the skin from the inside out

There is a network of elastin and collagen under the epidermis. These are proteins that keep the skin tight and youthful. However, with ageing and more exposure to sunlight, these proteins break down much faster than the body can rebuild them. Consequently, the skin can start to sag and show signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles and spots.
This is when the Fraxel laser procedure can help. The microscopic laser columns create tiny lesions by penetrating deep into the dermis. This triggers the body's natural response system in order to heal the lesions. This process accelerates the body's remodeling of elastin and collagen, which leads to fresher, tighter and more youthful-looking skin. In this way, the Fraxel procedure creates new skin from the inside out.
Since the Fraxel treatment procedure is so precise, the microscopic laser columns only target a fraction of the skin at one time and leave the surrounding tissue undamaged. This fractional procedure allows the skin to heal faster than if the whole area was treated at once.
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The Difference that Fraxel Treatment Makes:
- Fraxel treatment is the pioneer in fractional treatments and it rejuvenates the skin from the inside out.
- With over 500,000 treatments performed, the Fraxel treatment has an unparalleled record with FDA clearances, physician endorsements and proven results.
- There are a variety of Fraxel treatment options available that balance the results with your lifestyle. In order to find out which procedure is best for you, consult a physician.

Add it all up, and Fraxel treatment is proven to be the best in its class. There is no other procedure that can provide the same safety and effectiveness for improving the appearance of the skin as well as creating an improved sense of confidence.
Irrespective of your age, gender or skin tone, the Fraxel laser treatment helps uncover your youthful skin, which is buried within.
How It Works
- Consider your skin to be a digital photo, which is delicately touched up one spot at a time. Likewise, the Fraxel treatment procedure affects a fraction of the tissue one at a time using microscopic laser columns with each column being just one-tenth the diameter of a hair follicle. After this, the body takes care of the rest. These laser columns stimulate a natural healing process, which works from the inside out and replaces damaged tissue with smoother, younger and healthier skin.
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Treatment Details
Who is Eligible for this Treatment?
Fraxel treatment is for men as well as women of all age groups. Irrespective of whether, you are in your 30’s and beginning to see wrinkles or in your 60s and older with loose skin and deeper lines, the Fraxel laser treatments offer various options to help treat skin conditions in people both men and women.
Fraxel laser treatments help treat all skin colors. As African-American, Asian and Latino skin types usually have more melanin as compared to Caucasian skin; they have been at a higher risk for scarring and skin discoloration with the various conventional laser treatments available in the market. However, unlike the other procedures, the Fraxel treatment accurately targets the water present in the skin and not melanin. Therefore it is safe and effective for all skin tones.Fraxel treatment works on the face as well on other areas of the body.
Since the technology works so precisely, the Fraxel treatment works on the face and also on delicate areas of skin such as the neck, chest as well as hands.The Different Fraxel Treatments:
Fraxel offers various treatments to fit your lifestyle. The Fraxel family offers three different laser treatments, all of which deliver remarkable results and fast recoveries. Fraxel treatments vary in aggressiveness of treatment, downtime, the number of procedures required and results. Amongst the different Fraxel treatments, the Fraxel re:pair is the most aggressive treatment and it can produce significant improvement in severely damaged skin. It is a single treatment procedure, but it requires more downtime and wound care following treatment. Other less aggressive treatments such as Fraxel re:store and Fraxel re:fine produce significant results for mild and moderately damaged skin over a treatment course of three to six treatments. Usually, there is no after treatment wound care needed, following treatment with these procedures and the downtime is also minimal.
Fraxel re:fine treatment procedure for prevention and maintenance:
Amongst the different Fraxel options, the Fraxel re:fine treatment is a cosmetic procedure that helps treat minor skin damage and prevents the signs of aging, so that you can maintain a youthful appearance. It treats age spots, sunspots, fine lines around the eyes, pigment irregularities as well as uneven skin tone. There is minimal downtime required after this procedure and most patients resume their routine activities the same day.
Fraxel re:store treatment procedure for mild to severe skin damage:
Fraxel re:store is the original and most popular Fraxel treatment. The Fraxel re:store treatment resurfaces damaged skin with minimal effect on your daily routine. It helps treat acne scars, wrinkles around the eyes, age spots, sunspots, surgical scars, actinic keratoses and melasma. Most patients resume their routine activities within a day or two.
Fraxel re:pair treatment for severely damaged skin:
This is the newest treatment option in the Fraxel family. The Fraxel re:pair treatment helps tighten skin as well as correct severely damaged skin. It treats wrinkles, age spots, sunspots, irregular texture, and sun-induced redness. Most patients resume their routine activities a week after the treatment.
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What is Fraxel laser treatment?
The Fraxel treatment procedure is a revolutionary laser procedure that helps you restore a youthful appearance. It is the pioneer in "fractional photothermolysis", which is a technology wherein microscopic laser columns treat a fraction of the skin without affecting the surrounding tissue. The laser columns stimulate the production of smoother, younger, and healthier skin, in order to replace the damaged tissue.
How is the Fraxel treatment different when compared to other laser skin rejuvenation treatments?
Traditionally, there are two kinds of laser treatments, which have been available for aesthetic skin treatment, namely ablative and non-ablative. Ablative treatments that use high temperature in order to vaporize the unwanted tissue can prove effective. However, they can result in significant side effects and require several weeks for recovery. The non-ablative treatments result in very few side effects and minimum downtime, but require several treatment sessions in order to produce more modest results.
The Fraxel laser procedure delivers the effectiveness of an ablative treatment along with the gentle safety of a non-ablative laser treatment. Therefore, patients are able to achieve great results with minimum downtime.
The Fraxel family offers three treatments, all of which deliver remarkable results safely with fast recovery. The 3 Fraxel treatments are categorized into 2 categories, Non-ablative and Ablative.
Non-ablative treatments include:
- The Fraxel re:fine for prevention and maintenance.
- The Fraxel re:store for mild and severe skin damage.
The Fraxel re:fine and Fraxel re:store treatments help to improve mild and moderate skin damage and require little or no downtime.
Ablative treatment includes:
- The Fraxel re:pair treatment to treat severe skin damage.
Fraxel Re:fine Treatment:
The Fraxel re:fine treatment procedure is a revolutionary way to correct severe skin damage without the risks, complications and extended downtime involved in other ablative treatments. The Fraxel re:fine treatment makes use of a CO2 (high-intensity carbon dioxide) laser in order to vaporize the unwanted tissue. Due to the fractional technology, this treatment delivers remarkable results with faster recovery time as compared to non-fractional treatments in just a single treatment.
How does the Fraxel re:fine treatment work?
The Fraxel re:fine procedure targets fine lines around the eyes, age spots, sunspots, and other pigment irregularities like melasma and uneven skin tone. It uses microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into the skin in order to accelerate the body's remodeling of collagen. Since the laser treats a fraction of the tissue at a time, the surrounding tissue is left intact and this promotes fast healing. The procedure involves minimal downtime, and patients will experience minimal swelling and redness. Unlike other treatments like IPL or Microdermabrasion that target the superficial layer of skin, the Fraxel re:fine treatment resurfaces the skin by way of stimulating the growth of new and healthy skin cells from the inside out.
What are the benefits of Fraxel re:fine treatment?
- Reduced fine lines around the eyes
- Smoother, fresher and younger-looking skin
- Improved tone and texture
- Erasing of unwanted brown spots
What FDA clearances does Fraxel re:fine treatment have?
- Skin resurfacing
- Periorbital fine lines or fine lines around the eyes
- Melasma or irregular patches of brown skin on the cheeks, forehead, nose and upper lip
- Pigmented lesions (Age spots/sunspots)
How are the Fraxel re:fine treatments performed?
A Fraxel re:fine procedure takes around 20 to 25 minutes for a full face procedure. First, the skin is cleansed. Next, about 60 minutes before the procedure, a topical anesthetic ointment is applied to the treatment area.
How many Fraxel re:fine treatments are needed and how are they spaced out?
Research suggests that on an average, an effective treatment schedule is four to six sessions, which are spaced two to four weeks apart. Depending upon the condition and schedule, the physician and you can choose to space the treatment sessions further apart. The results from the procedure are immediate and progressive. However, optimal improvement is generally visible in 2 to 3 months. This treatment structure and schedule allows complete healing as well as increases the production of new elastin and collagen to replace the damaged tissue.
Does the Fraxel re:fine treatment hurt?
A majority of patients describe a prickling feeling during treatment. Topical anesthetics are applied before the treatment and cold air is used on the area of treatment during the procedure, in order to minimize the discomfort. Following treatment, patients feel like they have got sunburn that usually subsides in 1-3 hours.
What should I expect following the Fraxel re:fine procedure?
During the first 24 hours following treatment, the skin might feel like it is sunburned and appears red or pink in color. Female patients can wear make-up to lessen the sunburned appearance. The skin will naturally bronze over the next week or two, and as the treatment continues, the appearance of sunburned-to-bronzed skin will repeat. Similar to sunburn, the skin will begin to flake and exfoliate normally. Patients can use a moisturizer to lessen the appearance of dry flakes.
Are there any side effects from the treatment and how long would they last?
Redness and swelling are the most common side effects of the Fraxel re:fine treatment. Usually, the swelling is minimal and will subside in a day or two, and the redness fades within a couple of days. Any other temporary side effects might include dryness of the skin, minor itching, flaking and peeling, as well as a bronzed skin appearance. The risk of infection, scarring or hyperpigmentation is very limited. The duration and intensity of side effects depend upon the aggressiveness of treatment as well as the healing characteristics of the body. The physician provides you with specific instructions regarding what to expect and also how to minimize the side effects.
What are precautions I need to take following treatment?
Patients should wear sunscreen lotion of SPF 30 or higher and avoid direct exposure to the sun for at least three months after the last treatment. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat whenever you are in the sun is advisable.
How long do the effects of Fraxel re:fine treatment last?
This depends upon the condition as well as how you care for your skin. Once the skin is treated, you must continue to protect it as described above. With regards to conditions like melasma, it is extremely important to avoid direct exposure to sun. The physician will provide you with specific instructions according to your individual needs.
How much will the Fraxel re:fine treatment cost?
Based on your condition and the areas that require treatment, the cost of treatment will range from $750-$1000 per treatment session in the U.S. Remember that maximum benefit can be achieved in 4-6 treatment sessions, which are spaced about 2-4 weeks apart.
Fraxel Re:store Treatment:
How does the Fraxel re:store treatment function?
The Fraxel re:store treatment targets ageing and sun-damaged skin using microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into the skin in order to accelerate the body’s remodeling of collagen. Since the laser only treats a fraction of the tissue at a time, the surrounding tissue is left intact, which in turn promotes faster healing. The Fraxel re:store laser procedure resurfaces the skin by way of stimulating the growth of new and healthy skin cells from the inside out.
What are the advantages of the Fraxel re:store treatment?
- An improved skin tone and texture
- Smoother, fresher and younger-looking looking skin
- Erasing of brown spots
- An improved appearance of surgical scars and acne scars
- Reduced wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes
What FDA clearances does Fraxel re:store have?
- Acne scars
- Periorbital wrinkles (wrinkles around the eyes)
- Surgical scars
- Melasma (irregular brown patches on the forehead, nose, cheeks and upper lip)
- Skin resurfacing
- Actinic Keratoses
How is the Fraxel re:store treatment performed?
At first, the skin is cleansed. After this, about 60 minutes before the procedure, a topical anesthetic ointment is applied on the treatment area. The procedure takes around 20 to 25 minutes to perform a full face treatment.
Does the Fraxel re:store procedure hurt?
Most patients describe an increased heating sensation during the procedure. In order to minimize the discomfort, a topical anesthesia is applied prior to the procedure and cool air is used on the area of treatment during the procedure. Following the treatment, most patients feel like their skin is sun burnt, which usually lessens within 1-3 hours.
How many treatment sessions will I require and how are they spaced?
Research suggests that an effective treatment schedule is 3-5 sessions. These sessions are spaced 2-4 weeks apart. Depending upon your condition, the physician and you can choose to space the treatment sessions further apart. The results from the treatment are immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement is usually visible in 2-3 months. This treatment structure and time frame allow a complete healing as well as the production of new elastin and collagen to replace the damaged tissue.
What must I expect after the Fraxel re:store treatment?
During the initial 24 hours following treatment, the skin might feel like it is sunburned and will appear red or pink in color. Women can wear make-up to help reduce the sunburned effect. The skin will naturally bronze in the next week or two, and the sunburned-to-bronzed effect will repeat as you continue treatment. The skin will flake and exfoliate like in the case of sunburn. Patients can use a moisturizer to help reduce the appearance of dry flakes.
What are the side effects I can expect after the treatment and how long do they last?
Redness and swelling are the most common side effects of the Fraxel re:store treatment. Usually, the swelling is minimal and will subside within a couple of days, and the redness will also fade after a few days. Other side effects might include dry skin, minor itching, a bronzed skin appearance and peeling or flaking. The risk of infection, hyper-pigmentation, and scarring is minimal. The intensity as well as the duration of side effects depends upon the aggressiveness of procedure as well as your healing characteristics. The physician will provide you with specific instructions regarding what to expect and also how you can minimize the side effects, if any.
What precautions do I need to take following the treatment?
It is best to wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or maybe higher and avoid direct exposure to the sun for at least three months after the last treatment. Wear a wide-brimmed hat whenever you are in the sun.
How long will the positive effects of the Fraxel re:store procedure last?
This depends on your skin condition and how well you take care of your skin. After your skin is treated, you should continue to take good care and in conditions like melasma, it is important to avoid direct exposure to sun. The physician would provide you with specific instructions depending on your individual needs.
How much will the Fraxel re:store treatment cost?
This depends on your skin condition as well as the area of treatment. In the U.S. the treatment will cost from $750 - $1,500 per treatment. Remember that maximum benefits can be achieved with an average of three to five treatment sessions that are spaced around 2-4 weeks apart.
Fraxel re:pair treatment
What is the Fraxel re:pair treatment?
The Fraxel re:pair laser treatment is a new age technology to help correct deep wrinkles and tighten the skin. This treatment has a much lower risk of delayed pigment changes or scarring as compared to other ablative procedures in the market. Fraxel re:pair procedure is a safe and effective treatment to help you look more youthful.
How does the Fraxel re:pair procedure work?
Similar to some of the other ablative procedures in the market, the Fraxel re:pair laser treatment makes use of a CO2 (high-intensity carbon dioxide) laser to vaporize the unwanted tissue. However, unlike some of the other ablative procedures, the Fraxel re:pair treatment utilizes fractional technology in order to deliver remarkable results with faster recovery time in just a single treatment. Fraxel re:pair utilizes microscopic laser columns in order to penetrate deeper into the skin and remove the old and damaged skin cells. This stimulates the body’s natural healing process, which in turn replaces the cells with fresh and healthy skin. Since this technology is so precise, the Fraxel re:pair treatment can work on the face as well as other delicate areas such as the neck, hands and chest.
How is Fraxel re:pair different from Fraxel re:store treatment?
The Fraxel re:pair treatment as well as the Fraxel re:store treatment, both utilize the fractional technology, but in a different way. As an ablative procedure, the Fraxel re:pair treatment utilizes a CO2 laser in order to vaporize microscopic tissue deep in the skin. The Fraxel re:pair procedure is a more aggressive procedure and is used for treating severe skin damage. The results from this procedure are achieved in a single treatment. However, this treatment involves after treatment wound care, and the recovery time is generally longer as compared to other Fraxel treatments. On the other hand, the Fraxel re:store treatment is a non-ablative treatment that intensively treats the older skin cells and leaves the protective barrier of the skin intact. This procedure results in lesser downtime and after treatment wound care.
What are the benefits of Fraxel re:pair treatment?
- Smoother and more even skin texture and tone
- Significant results in only a single treatment
- An improved appearance of redness caused due to sun damage
- Softening of deep wrinkles and frown lines
What FDA clearances does the Fraxel re:pair treatment have?
The Fraxel re:pair laser treatment has received FDA clearance for many skin conditions on as well as off the face, which include:
- Wrinkles
- Irregular skin texture
- Sun-induced redness on the skin (vascular dyschromia)
- Pigmented lesions (age spots, sunspots)
How many treatments will I require and how fast will I see the results?
Studies suggest that for most patients, maximum results can be achieved in just a single treatment. The Fraxel re:pair treatment is specifically engineered to help the physician tailor the treatment according to the patients needs. In case patients have deep and severe sun damage, the physician might treat the skin more aggressively, which means it will require a week of downtime. Irrespective of what your situation is, the Fraxel re:pair treatment is able to produce remarkable results without prolonged recovery time as well as complications involved in other non-fractional procedures.
How is the Fraxel re:pair procedure performed and does the procedure hurt?
At first, the skin will be cleansed. After that, about 60 to 90 minutes before the treatment, a topical numbing agent is applied onto the treatment area. The physician might also give you medications like Ativan, in order to help you relax. Most patients describe the procedure as an increased heating sensation and there might be some pain or discomfort involved. However, unlike the experience of traditional CO2 treatments, patients will feel comfortable soon after a Fraxel re:pair treatment. The procedure takes about 30-40 minutes for a full face treatment.
What are the side effects of Fraxel re:pair treatment and what are the risks involved?
Depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment, there could be some pinpoint bleeding after the procedure and some oozing for about 48 hours, until the wound closes. The most common side effects are swelling (edema) and erythema (redness). Edema subsides after a week, and erythema might last up to a month, depending upon the aggressiveness of treatment. Other side effects might include dry skin, minor itching, oozing, crusting and peeling or flaking. There is a risk of infection, delayed wound healing and hyperpigmentation or scarring.
What are the precautions that I need to take after the treatment?
It is important that patients follow the physician’s advice on wound care so that the skin can heal properly. Patients should use sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and avoid direct exposure to sun for at least 3 months after the last treatment. In addition to using sunscreen, patients must wear a wide-brimmed hat whenever they are in the sun.
How long do the positive results of the Fraxel re:pair treatment last?
Results from the Fraxel re:pair treatment procedure are both immediate as well as progressive. Immediately after the treatment, the surface of the skin will feel softer, appear brighter and show a much even skin tone. The results will continue over the next 3 to 6 months as the deep layers of the skin continue to heal.
How much does the Fraxel re:pair treatment cost?
Depending upon the condition as well as the area of skin that needs to be treated, the cost of treatment in the U.S. will range from $3,000 to $5,000.
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Contraindications
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding
- Impaired immune system
- History of keloid scarring
- Have used Isotretinoin in the past 12 months
- Scleroderma
- Extensive radiation therapy
- Burns in the treatment area
- Poor healing in the treatment area
- Skin type VI
Other possible contraindications may include irregular pigmentation of the skin (lentigo maligna, melanoma, acanthuses nigricans) Lichen Planus, Vitiligo or Psoriasis.
- Adverse Effects of Treatment
- Pain
- Infection
- Scarring
- Hyperpigmentation
- Ulceration
- Hypopigmentation
- Edema
- Erythema
Consulting
- Before doing any treatment please consult your doctor to confirm if the treatment is the right one for you
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What people say about Fraxel laser skin resurfacing for melasma, age & sun spots
- Lauren Bootman says:
I just had my 1st Fraxel treatment for acne scars. In fact, I did a lot of research on Fraxel laser resurfacing before actually deciding to undergo treatment. After the procedure was over, I was expecting to see some redness and swelling in my face. However, there was no redness or swelling and the skin on my face looked normal. The results so far are awesome and I expect to achieve even better results after more sessions.
- Emma Clifford says:
I was facing a lot of problem due to heavy sun damage and acne scarring on my skin. A friend suggested the Fraxel laser treatment, but I was a little skeptical at first. I made up my mind and underwent the procedure. After a few days, my skin shed its top layer and there was a noticeable difference in my skin tone and texture. I was so surprised by the limited down time that was needed. The results were truly brilliant and I would not hesitate recommending this treatment to anyone.
- Elizabeth Lowton says:
Fraxel laser resurfacing is the perfect treatment for people who want to look good and want natural looking results, without the complications and extended downtime involved in surgical procedures. I found Fraxel laser resurfacing to be a simple and effective treatment that really reverses the signs of ageing skin problems. It fits into any lifestyle and I definitely recommend it.
- Lauren Bootman says:
Fraxel is a revolutionary lasertreatment that helps treat sun damaged skin, wrinkles, fine lines, enlarged pores and other signs of ageing, thus helping you regain a more youthful appearance.The Fraxel procedure delivers remarkable results with minimal downtime and quick recovery, allowing patients to resume routine activities quickly, with renewed skin and a renewed confidence.
Fraxel treatment involves 3 key components, which are the epidermis or outer layer of the skin, the dermis or sub-layers of the skin which include elastin and collagen, and the microscopic laser columns that rebuild the skin from the inside out. The range of Fraxel treatments differ in aggressiveness, downtime, the number of procedures required and results. The range of Fraxel treatments include Fraxel re:fine, Fraxel re:store and Fraxel re:pair. Amongst these, the Fraxel re:pair is the most aggressive treatment and can produce significant improvements for severely damaged skin. It is a single treatment session, but needs more downtime as well as after treatment wound care. The other less aggressive procedures such as the Fraxel re:store or Fraxel re:fine are able to generate significant results over a period of 3 - 6 treatment sessions for skin that is mild or moderately damaged. Usually, there is no need for any after treatment wound care, and the downtime is minimal with these treatments. Since Fraxel treatments are so precise, the laser columns target just a fraction of the skin at one time, and leave the surrounding tissue intact.
There is a network of collagen and elastin under the epidermis, which keep the skin youthful and tight. However, with ageing and exposure to sun, those proteins in the skin break down faster than the body can rebuild them. As a result of this, the skin starts to sag and develop wrinkles, fine lines or spots.
The Microscopic laser columns used in Fraxel treatment penetrate deeper into the dermis in order to create tiny wounds, which in turn triggers the body's natural response process to heal the wounds. This process expedites the body's remodeling of elastin and collagen, which in turn results in fresher, tighter and more youthful-looking skin.
The Fraxel range of treatments have multiple FDA clearances. Fraxel re:pair helps treat fine lines, wrinkles, furrows, pigmented lesions, skin texture issues, sun spots, laser blepharoplasty and sun-induced redness. Fraxel re:store and Fraxel re:fine have got clearance for fine lines around the eyes, pigmented lesions, melasma, discoloration and uneven pigmentation, surgical scars, acne scars, actinic keratosis and skin resurfacing.
In short, Fraxel treatments create an improved skin tone and texture with reduced scars and pore size, thus providing smoother, healthier and youthful looking skin.