Fraxel Restore in Seattle

Fraxel Restore is an FDA-approved fraxel laser treatment that works to rejuvenate damaged or tired skin. This safe, non-invasive treatment can be used on women and men of all skin types and colors to create a fresher, more youthful appearance. At Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery in Seattle, Dr. Javad Sajan performs Fraxel Restore laser treatments to lighten age spots and hyperpigmentation, and improve the tone, texture, and color of skin.

Launched in 2003, Fraxel Restore is the original Fraxel laser treatment. It uses a high-efficiency erbium glass fractional laser. The laser beam is split into thousands of microscopic zones, targeting a fraction of the treatment area at a time. The technology works with pinpoint laser beams that penetrate beneath the skin’s surface to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and replace old, damaged skin cells with fresh, healthy, younger-looking skin. This precise, safe technology can be used on delicate skin areas, such as the neck, chest, and hands, as well as the face.

Fraxel Restore is a non-ablative laser treatment (not involving surgical removal of tissue) that does not break the surface of the skin. This non-invasive treatment results in a shorter recovery period, so you can return to your normal activities sooner. Treatment with Fraxel Restore is usually delivered in a series of procedures, approximately 2 to 4 weeks apart.

The first step in treatment is cleansing your skin. A topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area approximately 60 minutes before the procedure for greater comfort. The typical Fraxel Restore procedure takes less than half an hour to perform on the entire face.

Most patients experience a prickling sensation during treatment. In addition to topical local anesthetic applied before the procedure, cold air is used during treatment to minimize discomfort.

During the first 24 hours after the procedure, your skin will appear pink or red and may feel as though you have a sunburn. Makeup can be applied to minimize the appearance of redness. The pink coloration may last a few days and then naturally bronze over the next few weeks. You can expect your skin to flake and exfoliate normally, as it would with a sunburn. A moisturizer can be used to reduce dryness as the skin sheds and restores.

Take extra care of your skin after Fraxel Restore laser treatment to help it heal quickly and safely. Keep the following precautions in mind:

• Use only gentle skin care products that will not clog your pores for the first week following a Fraxel Restore treatment. As your skin will be especially sensitive for a week or two after treatment, do not use glycolic acid, Retin-A, exfoliating scrubs, toners, or any product that may cause irritation.
• Discontinue the use of Hydroquinone (bleaching cream) while your skin is tender and healing after treatment.
• Apply SPF 30 sunscreen with broadband protection 20 minutes before going outdoors. Wear a hat and protective clothing if direct sun exposure is unavoidable.
• Use a non-irritating, non-clogging moisturizer whenever your skin feels dry or tight. Peeling and flaking are a normal part of the healing process after Fraxel Restore laser treatment.

With Fraxel Restore treatments, patients experience both immediate and progressive results. Soon after treatment, when the initial healing is complete, the surface of the skin will look brighter, feel softer and smoother, and have a more even tone. Results will continue to improve over the next 3 to 6 months, as the treatment triggers the deeper skin layers to produce more collagen. Depending on age, lifestyle, skin condition, and skincare routine, treatment results with Fraxel Restore are long lasting.

At Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery, we perform Fraxel Restore laser treatments to reduce the visible effects of aging, sun damage, and acne scarring on the face, neck, chest, hands, and other body areas. Get in touch with us to learn more about this non-invasive, anti-aging skin treatment.