How Fraxel Laser Treatment Works

As we age, the skin undergoes several visible changes; the production of structural proteins, such as collagen and elastin, slows, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, increased laxity, and uneven skin texture. Years of sun exposure compound these effects, resulting in hyperpigmentation in the form of sun spots, age spots, and brown spots on the skin’s surface. Acne scarring, surgical scars, stretch marks, and enlarged pores are additional concerns that can affect a patient’s confidence and ability to maintain healthy skin. While these changes are a normal part of life, many patients seek a laser skin resurfacing solution that delivers smoother, clearer, more youthful-looking skin without extensive recovery time. For those patients, the Fraxel laser, a leading fractional laser technology available at the New York City dermatology practice of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, offers a powerful and effective treatment solution.

Fraxel laser treatment is a non-ablative fractional laser that uses multiple wavelengths of laser energy to target a wide range of skin conditions, including acne scars, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture, enlarged pores, stretch marks, and actinic keratosis. By emitting precisely focused beams of light, the Fraxel laser creates microscopic zones of controlled damage in the skin’s layers, stimulating the body’s natural healing process and triggering new collagen production and increased skin cell turnover. Unlike ablative laser resurfacing, the Fraxel laser delivers dramatic results with significantly less downtime, making it one of the most sought-after laser treatments in cosmetic dermatology today. To find out if the Fraxel laser is right for you, the best first step is to schedule a consultation with expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.

What is Fraxel Laser Treatment?

Fraxel laser treatment is a form of fractional laser skin resurfacing that uses controlled bursts of laser energy to rejuvenate the skin without the significant recovery time associated with traditional ablative laser resurfacing. The term “fractional” refers to the way the device works. Rather than treating the entire skin surface at once, the Fraxel laser delivers energy in a grid-like pattern of microscopic columns, leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. This approach stimulates the skin’s natural healing process from within, boosting collagen production and promoting new skin cell turnover. The result is smoother skin texture, more even skin tone, reduced pigmentation, diminished acne scars, and a healthier, more youthful complexion, all with minimal downtime. Fraxel is a non-ablative laser, meaning it does not remove the outer layer of skin the way ablative lasers like the CO2 laser do. While ablative lasers can deliver powerful results by vaporizing the epidermis, they also involve more pain, longer recovery times, and a higher risk of side effects such as redness, scabbing, and infection. Fraxel achieves comparable resurfacing outcomes with a significantly gentler approach, making it a preferred choice among dermatologists and patients alike.

What is Fraxel Laser Good For?

The Fraxel laser is one of the most versatile laser treatments in cosmetic dermatology, capable of addressing a broad spectrum of skin concerns on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and back. Its ability to target both superficial and deeper layers of the skin makes it effective for reducing hyperpigmentation, including sun spots, age spots, and brown spots, as well as for improving uneven skin texture and tone. Fraxel laser treatment is also highly regarded for treating acne scars and surgical scars, stretch marks, enlarged pores, and actinic keratosis. The Fraxel laser can treat the following skin conditions, as often noted in a treatment FAQ:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Uneven skin texture
• Uneven skin tone
• Hyperpigmentation caused by unprotected sun exposure (age spots, sun spots, brown spots)
• Acne scars and acne scarring
• Surgical scars and injury scars
• Actinic keratosis
• Enlarged pores
• Stretch marks

How Does Fraxel Work?

The Fraxel laser is a non-ablative treatment that delivers focused beams of fractional laser energy that penetrate the top layer of skin, causing microscopic damage in the treated area while leaving the surrounding tissue completely unharmed. This precise, targeted approach triggers the body’s natural healing process, ramping up collagen production and promoting skin cell turnover in the treated areas. Over the weeks and months following treatment, the new collagen produced helps smooth fine lines, reduce acne scars, and correct hyperpigmentation, revealing healthier, more youthful skin from the inside out.

What is Fraxel Treatment for the Face?

Fraxel laser treatment is well-suited for addressing signs of aging and skin damage on the face. The procedure is relatively straightforward and involves minimal discomfort. The process begins with a consultation with Dr. Green, during which she will examine the treatment area and discuss your skin concerns and aesthetic goals to create a customized treatment plan. Before the Fraxel procedure, Dr. Green will ask you to apply a topical numbing cream to your face approximately 1 hour before the appointment to help prevent discomfort during the session. Fraxel laser treatment for the face typically takes 15-45 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and the complexity of the skin concerns being addressed. Immediately after the procedure, the skin may feel warm and sensitive, similar to a sunburn. Dr. Green will apply a cold compress to the treated area to soothe it. No downtime is required, and patients can return to their regular activities the same day.

How Does Fraxel Restore Work?

The Fraxel Restore is a foundational device in the Fraxel family of fractional lasers. It uses a 1550 nm Erthium laser wavelength to penetrate deeper layers of the skin, targeting the dermis to stimulate new collagen production and improve skin texture and tone. By creating controlled micro-injuries beneath the skin’s surface while leaving the surrounding tissue intact, the Fraxel Restore prompts the body’s natural healing process, replacing damaged skin cells with new, healthier ones. The Fraxel Restore is particularly effective for treating acne scars, surgical scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. A series of treatment sessions is typically recommended to achieve optimal results, with improvements continuing to develop for several months after each session as new collagen production progresses.

What is the Fraxel Dual Laser?

The Fraxel Dual laser is an advanced version of the Fraxel system that features two distinct wavelengths on a single device, effectively combining two lasers into one. The first wavelength, 1927 nm, is essentially a Thulium laser that targets pigmentation near the skin’s surface, including sun spots, age spots, brown spots, and other forms of sun damage that develop over years of unprotected sun exposure. The second wavelength, 1550 nm, is essentially an Erbium laser that penetrates deeper into the skin to improve skin tone and texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and address acne scarring. Together, these two wavelengths allow the Fraxel Dual to address a wider range of skin concerns in a single treatment session than any single-wavelength device could. Dr. Green may choose to use one or both wavelengths depending on the specific skin conditions being treated.

Is Fraxel Effective?

Yes, Fraxel laser treatment is a clinically proven, highly effective option for a wide range of skin concerns, including acne scars, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. As a non-ablative laser, Fraxel stimulates collagen production and healing, leading to gradual yet significant improvements in the skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance. Because the treatment triggers the skin’s natural regenerative response, results continue to improve over time, with the full effects of a Fraxel series typically visible between three and six months after the final session. Dr. Green’s impressive before-and-after photos are a testament to the effectiveness of Fraxel laser treatment, and her high patient satisfaction rates reflect the consistently excellent results she delivers in New York City.

How Effective is Fraxel Laser for Acne Scars?

Fraxel laser treatment is among the most effective non-surgical options for reducing the appearance of acne scars. The fractional laser energy penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating new collagen production and promoting skin cell turnover in scarred tissue. Over time, this process remodels the skin from the inside out, smoothing depressed acne scars and improving the overall texture and tone of post-acne skin. Acne scars, particularly atrophic scars such as rolling and boxcar scars, typically require more treatment sessions than other skin concerns, and optimal results are usually achieved after a series of three to five Fraxel sessions spaced one month apart. Dr. Green often enhances Fraxel laser treatment for acne scarring by combining it with other treatments, such as dermal fillers or PRP (platelet-rich plasma), to achieve the best possible results.

How Does Fraxel Work on Scars?

The Fraxel laser treats scarring, including acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks, by delivering targeted fractional laser energy to the skin’s deeper layers. This creates controlled damage in scar tissue, breaking down the irregular collagen fibers that give scars their raised, indented, or discolored appearance, while simultaneously triggering a healing response that generates new collagen and skin cells. Over weeks and months after treatment, the scar tissue gradually replaces with smoother, more evenly textured skin. For stretch marks, which are a type of scar caused by the skin stretching too rapidly during weight changes or pregnancy, Fraxel laser treatment can meaningfully reduce their appearance on the legs, abdomen, and buttocks. The number of Fraxel sessions required depends on the type, depth, and severity of the scars being treated.

How Many Fraxel Treatments Are Needed?

Most patients require three to five Fraxel treatment sessions to achieve optimal results, with sessions typically spaced one month apart to allow adequate time for healing and new collagen production between appointments. During each session, the Fraxel laser treats approximately 25% of the targeted area, and cumulative improvements build over the course of the treatment series. Patients with more extensive sun damage, deeper acne scars, or more advanced skin concerns may require additional sessions. After completing a Fraxel series, many patients schedule annual touch-up appointments to maintain their results as the natural aging process continues. Dr. Green will provide a personalized recommendation for the number of sessions needed during your initial consultation.

Is One Fraxel Treatment Enough?

While patients will notice an improvement in their skin’s texture and tone after a single Fraxel session, a single treatment is generally not enough to achieve the full, optimal results a complete series provides. Because the Fraxel laser stimulates the body’s natural healing process and collagen production, which unfold gradually over weeks and months, the cumulative effect of multiple sessions is significantly greater than that of a single treatment. That said, even a single Fraxel session can provide meaningful improvement in skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin texture, which is why some patients choose to schedule individual sessions as a “maintenance” treatment. Dr. Green will discuss realistic expectations and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific skin concerns and goals.

Will One Fraxel Treatment Do Anything?

Yes, even a single Fraxel laser treatment can produce noticeable improvements in the skin’s surface, particularly for concerns such as uneven skin texture, mild hyperpigmentation, and early signs of sun damage. After one session, many patients report that their skin looks brighter and feels smoother, with reduced appearance of fine lines and brown spots. However, for more significant skin concerns, such as deeper acne scars, pronounced sun damage, or extensive hyperpigmentation, a full series of Fraxel sessions is recommended to achieve the best results. Dr. Green will evaluate your skin during a consultation and help you determine whether a single treatment or a multi-session plan is the right approach for your goals.

How Far Apart Should Fraxel Treatments Be?

Fraxel treatments are typically spaced four to six weeks apart to allow the skin sufficient time to heal and for the new collagen production stimulated by each session to develop before the next treatment. Spacing sessions too closely together prevents the skin’s natural healing process from completing, which can reduce the effectiveness of subsequent treatments. Conversely, waiting too long between sessions can slow the cumulative progress of the treatment series. Dr. Green will advise you on the optimal spacing for your individual treatment plan based on your skin type, the skin concerns being addressed, and how your skin responds to each session.

How Long Do Fraxel Results Last?

Fraxel laser treatment is a long-lasting solution for a range of skin conditions. Because the treatment stimulates new collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin, improvements in skin texture and tone continue to develop for 3 to 6 months after completing a treatment series. For hyperpigmentation and sun damage, Fraxel results can last for years, provided patients practice strict sun avoidance and apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily to protect the treated area. For signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, Fraxel results typically last about one year before a touch-up appointment is recommended. Consistent skincare and daily sunscreen use are key to maximizing and extending the longevity of Fraxel laser results.

Are Fraxel Results Permanent?

Fraxel laser treatment delivers long-lasting results, though they are not entirely permanent because the natural aging process and ongoing sun exposure will continue to affect the skin over time. That said, the new collagen production and skin cell renewal triggered by a Fraxel series create lasting structural improvements that significantly slow the progression of sun damage, acne scarring, and other treated concerns. To maintain and extend results, Dr. Green recommends consistent daily sunscreen use (SPF 30 or higher), a diligent skincare routine, and periodic touch-up Fraxel sessions as needed. Patients who prioritize sun protection and healthy skincare tend to enjoy their Fraxel results the longest.

Can Fraxel Laser Damage Skin?

When performed by a qualified, experienced, board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Michele Green, Fraxel laser treatment is a very safe procedure with a low risk of serious side effects. Because it is a non-ablative laser, Fraxel does not remove the outer layer of skin, reducing the risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, and scarring associated with ablative laser resurfacing. Patients typically experience minor, expected side effects in the days following treatment, including redness, swelling, and a sunburn-like sensation in the treated area, as well as some skin flaking or peeling over the first five to seven days post-treatment. It is important not to pick at the flaking skin, as this can disrupt the healing process. One important consideration is skin type: the Fraxel laser is not recommended for patients with darker skin types (Fitzpatrick types V or VI), as it may cause hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Dr. Green will recommend alternative laser treatments, such as the eMatrix laser, which is safe for all skin types and delivers comparable skin resurfacing results.

Which is Better: Fraxel or CO2 Laser?

Fraxel and the CO2 laser are both effective laser skin resurfacing treatments, but they differ significantly in approach, downtime, and ideal candidacy. The CO2 laser is ablative, removing the outer layer of skin (epidermis) to promote skin cell turnover and collagen remodeling. This ablative approach can deliver more dramatic results in a single treatment, making it particularly well-suited for advanced signs of aging, deeper wrinkles, and more pronounced scarring. However, the CO2 laser requires significantly more downtime, typically one to two weeks of recovery. It carries a higher risk of side effects, including prolonged redness, infection, and changes in pigmentation. The Fraxel laser, by contrast, is non-ablative, targeting the deeper layers of the skin while leaving the outer layer intact. This results in significantly less downtime; most patients resume normal activities immediately after the procedure while still achieving meaningful improvements in skin texture, tone, acne scars, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. During a consultation, Dr. Green will evaluate your skin concerns and goals to determine which laser treatment is right for you.

Which is Better: Fraxel or Chemical Peel?

Both Fraxel laser treatment and chemical peels are effective options for improving skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. The best choice depends on the patient’s specific skin concerns, skin type, and desired results. Chemical peels apply a chemical solution to the skin’s surface, causing controlled exfoliation of the outer layers and revealing fresher, smoother skin beneath. They are particularly effective for mild-to-moderate hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and superficial sun damage, and they come in a range of strengths, from gentle superficial peels to deeper TCA peels. Fraxel laser treatment, on the other hand, can address a broader range of skin concerns at a deeper level, including acne scars, surgical scars, stretch marks, and more pronounced hyperpigmentation, while also stimulating collagen production. For patients with melasma, it is important to note that the Fraxel laser should NOT be used, as any form of laser skin resurfacing can trigger a melasma flare. In those cases, Dr. Green may recommend a chemical peel, such as the Cosmelan peel, which is highly effective for melasma and hyperpigmentation. Dr. Green will help you determine which approach, or combination of approaches, is best suited to your skin during a personalized consultation.

Which Fraxel Laser is Best for Wrinkles?

For wrinkles, the Fraxel Restore (1550 nm Erbium wavelength) is the most appropriate Fraxel setting because this wavelength penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating new collagen production and improving fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity from within. The Fraxel Dual combines this 1550 nm wavelength with the 1927 nm Thulium wavelength, offering the added benefit of addressing pigmentation concerns simultaneously. For wrinkles caused by repetitive facial muscle movement, such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, and glabellar lines, Dr. Green may recommend combining Fraxel laser treatment with Botox injections to address both the structural and dynamic components of facial aging. In many cases, a combined approach that includes Fraxel and Botox, and potentially dermal fillers for volume restoration, achieves the most comprehensive anti-aging results.

Who Performs Fraxel Laser?

Fraxel laser treatment should always be performed by a qualified, experienced, board-certified dermatologist or physician in a clinical setting. The provider’s skill, expertise, and clinical judgment are critical to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of treatment, particularly when selecting the appropriate wavelength, laser settings, and number of sessions for each patient’s skin type and concerns. At Dr. Michele Green’s New York City dermatology practice, all Fraxel laser treatments are performed personally by Dr. Green, ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care. Dr. Green’s more than 25 years of experience in laser treatments and cosmetic dermatology, combined with her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to individualized treatment plans, make her one of the most trusted providers of Fraxel laser treatment in New York City.

Why is Fraxel Laser So Expensive?

The cost of Fraxel laser treatment reflects the technology’s sophistication, the training and expertise required to operate it safely and effectively, and the significant results it delivers. The Fraxel laser is a highly advanced medical-grade device that requires significant investment from dermatology practices, and operating it safely demands years of specialized training and hands-on experience. Because Fraxel laser treatment is a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by health insurance, so patients pay the full cost out of pocket. That said, when considered in the context of the breadth of skin concerns it can address, from acne scars and sun damage to fine lines and hyperpigmentation, and the long-lasting results it produces, many patients find that Fraxel laser treatment represents excellent value. During a consultation at Dr. Green’s practice, the team will provide a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with your personalized treatment plan.

What is the Downtime After Fraxel Laser Treatment?

One of the most significant advantages of Fraxel laser treatment over ablative laser resurfacing is its minimal downtime. Unlike ablative lasers such as the CO2 laser, which can require one to two weeks of recovery, Fraxel patients can typically return to regular activities the same day as the procedure. Patients may experience mild redness and swelling in the treated area for about 48 hours after the session, along with some skin flaking over the next 5 to 7 days. During recovery, Dr. Green advises avoiding harsh skincare products, including exfoliants, retinoids, hydroquinone, AHAs, and BHAs, as these can irritate newly treated skin. Instead, patients should cleanse gently with a mild cleanser and moisturize twice daily with a lightweight moisturizer. Dr. Green also recommends avoiding strenuous workouts for 48 hours post-treatment and practicing strict sun avoidance by staying indoors during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever going outside.

What Are the Side Effects of Fraxel Laser Treatment?

Because Fraxel is a non-ablative laser, it carries a much lower risk of serious side effects than ablative laser resurfacing. The most common side effects of Fraxel laser treatment are mild and temporary, including redness and swelling in the treated area for about 48 hours after treatment, and some skin flaking or peeling over the first five to seven days as the skin’s natural healing process unfolds. Patients may also notice that the treated area feels warm and sunburned immediately after the procedure. These minor side effects are a normal part of the healing process and resolve on their own with proper aftercare. The Fraxel laser is not recommended for patients with darker Fitzpatrick skin types (types V or VI), as they are at greater risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation after laser treatment. For patients with darker skin types, Dr. Green will recommend the eMatrix laser or another appropriate alternative to achieve safe, effective skin resurfacing.

How to Get Started with Fraxel Laser Treatment today

Fraxel laser treatment is among the most versatile and effective non-ablative laser skin resurfacing options in cosmetic dermatology today. With two powerful wavelengths that target both surface pigmentation and deeper skin concerns, the Fraxel Dual can address a wide range of skin conditions in a single series of treatment sessions: from acne scars, surgical scars, and sun damage to hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, and stretch marks. Its non-ablative approach means significantly less downtime than traditional ablative lasers, a low risk of serious side effects, and long-lasting results that continue to improve for months after treatment. For patients seeking safe, clinically proven, and expertly performed laser treatment in New York City, Dr. Michele Green is a trusted choice.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist in NYC with over 25 years of experience delivering the most advanced non-invasive cosmetic dermatology treatments. Known for her individualized approach and dedication to achieving the best possible results for each patient, Dr. Green creates personalized treatment plans that may combine Fraxel laser treatment with other modalities, including Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, and microneedling, to address the full scope of her patients’ aesthetic goals. She has consistently been recognized by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors as one of the best dermatologists in New York. To find out if Fraxel laser treatment is right for you, please call our NYC office at 212-535-3088 or contact our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green.