If you are at all like me you want to look your best and want to maintain as much of your hair as possible.
Laser hair regrowth is a non-invasive technology that addresses the primary cause of hair loss, damage to the hair follicle. The follicle is uniquely regenerative and responds substantially to laser therapy. Because it attacks the root of the problem, this treatment works faster and more reliably than any other available treatment options. In this guide, we review the aspects of Fraxel laser for hair loss, fraxel laser treatment cost, co2 laser resurfacing, and fraxel laser side effects.
Laser hair growth with Fraxel is a great solution for hair loss. Fraxel lasers provide an effective and non-invasive alternative to traditional hair restoration surgery. It’s a perfect way to rejuvenate aging skin, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Fraxel laser technology has been used to treat hair loss. In this article, I’ll explain its mechanism of action and how it can help patients with this common condition.
Hair loss is a common problem, affecting both men and women. Sometimes there’s no single explanation or culprit to blame, but the issue tends to surface with age. The best way to treat hair loss is prevention: avoiding factors that contribute to it and adopting healthy habits that encourage hair growth
Learn about Fraxel laser for hair loss. Fraxel Restore works deep down to begin the regenerative process that helps produce new healthy skin cells.
Let’s talk hair loss. We are dealing with one of the biggest male issues today, and it is nothing to be ashamed about. The good news is, there is a laser treatment that can help you regrow your hair.
This blog discusses in detail the benefits of using the Fraxel laser for hair loss.
Laser hair removal is the only option that offers consistent, effective results. It works by targeting melanin (pigment) in the root of your hair; when those cells are destroyed, they release energy in the form of heat and light. The laser damages the follicle enough that it prevents new hair from growing back in that area. Since each session targets multiple follicles at once, you’re able to use it over large areas like your legs or abdomen with ease.
Laser hair removal is a popular treatment for men who suffer from androgenetic alopecia. The laser treatment, which is administered in the dermatologist’s office, targets the root of each individual hair follicle and damages its ability to produce hair. This causes the follicle to shrink over time with repeated treatments and eventually stop producing new hairs altogether.
The Fraxel laser for hair loss is the newest laser treatment for the scalp that boosts the hair regrowth process by stimulating cells to make new hair
Thinning hair is a problem that often causes women to be self-conscious. Hormonal changes, aging, and stress can all lead to excessive hair loss (alopecia). It usually affects both women and men at the front of the scalp, but in rare cases can affect the whole body.
Fraxel laser for hair loss
Fraxel lasers are a relatively new technology in the field of aesthetic medicine. They are used to treat wrinkles and scars, but they can also be used to treat hair loss. The Fraxel laser works by removing layers of skin (called ablating), which stimulates the body’s natural healing process. This results in new collagen production and often leads to a more youthful appearance.
How does this help with hair loss? Hair growth occurs when new cells replace old ones. When you disrupt the natural cycle of growth, your body starts producing more cells than it needs, resulting in thicker strands of hair than you had before your treatment. This isn’t a permanent solution, however—your body will continue producing excess cells until it reaches its normal rate of growth again.
If you’re looking for the best Fraxel laser for hair loss, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re suffering from hair loss and looking for a way to regrow your hair, this article will help you find out which laser treatment is best for you.
Before we get into what laser treatments are best for regrowing your hair, it’s important that you understand how they work. The Fraxel laser works by stimulating cell growth in the scalp by using light energy. This stimulates the dermal papilla cells in your follicle, which then send signals to the rest of your body telling it to start growing new hair.
Fraxel lasers are great because they also stimulate collagen production in your skin and increase blood flow to help nourish your scalp with nutrients.
There are several different types of lasers that can be used on your scalp: intense pulsed light (IPL), fractional CO2 laser, fractional erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser and fractional holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages; some types will work better for some people than others do. For example, if you have skin that
Did you know that the Fraxel laser can be used to treat hair loss?
If you’re a woman who’s experiencing female pattern baldness, or you’re a man who’s suffering from male pattern baldness, this is good news! The Fraxel laser is a non-invasive procedure that uses light energy to target and destroy the cells responsible for hair loss. It’s also designed to stimulate collagen production, which helps your skin heal faster and reduces inflammation.
If you’re ready to take control of your hair loss and get back on track with your life, book an appointment with our staff today!
The Fraxel laser is a treatment option for people with thinning hair. It works by stimulating hair growth and improving the quality of your hair. You can use this treatment to treat both male-pattern baldness and female-pattern hair loss.
The Fraxel laser works by stimulating the production of new cells in the scalp, which improves blood flow to the area and promotes hair growth. The Fraxel laser also stimulates collagen production in the scalp, which helps thicken existing hairs as well as encourage new growth.
The procedure takes about an hour to complete and involves three treatments spaced four weeks apart. During each session, your doctor will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the scalp before using the Fraxel laser on your head. Each treatment session takes around 15 minutes, so you’ll only need to spend one hour at each appointment—and you can go back to work right after!
Hair loss is a natural part of the aging process. As we get older, our hair becomes thinner and less dense. This can be caused by genetics, lifestyle choices, or a combination of factors.
The good news is that there’s an easy solution for hair loss: Fraxel laser therapy! Fraxel laser treatment targets the balding areas of your scalp and regrows lost hair in just one session. The device releases energy into your scalp to stimulate hair growth and repair damaged follicles.
Fraxel laser is a non-surgical treatment that can treat all types of hair loss, including male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, alopecia areata (patchy bald spots), telogen effluvium (when your hair falls out quickly), scarring alopecia (hair loss after an injury or surgery), traction alopecia (pulling on your own hair), and even other conditions like psoriasis or eczema.
fraxel laser treatment cost
If you’ve ever looked into getting a laser treatment, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a (seemingly magical) laser called Fraxel. Give it a Google and you’ll quickly find that this do-it-all fractional laser can drastically improve the appearance of everything from fine lines to sunspots in just one treatment.
As a decades-long beauty editor, I’ve long-considered Fraxel as a way to treat my hyperpigmentation from too many summers at the Jersey Shore (regardless of how much sunscreen I applied)—plus, two pregnancies that cranked up my hyperpigmentation. But here’s where my hesitation always came in: While most doctors and patients tell you the downtime is five days maximum, there wasn’t enough information out there to fully manage my expectations. How much time would I really need to take off of work, and how long until my skin would actually return to normal? I’d seen the photos of scaly recoveries, but what did the day-by-day progression really look like, and would the results even be worth the downtime?
To find out just that, I turned to board-certified dermatologist and Sobel Skin founder Dr. Howard Sobel to finally try Fraxel for myself and get the answers I’ve always been in search of. Ahead, discover the benefits, cost, side effects, and my detailed before-and-after photos.
What Is Fraxel?
“Fraxel is a brand of laser that performs fractional skin resurfacing,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus. Dr. Sobel adds that there are three different types of Fraxel: “The Fraxel 1927 (a.k.a. Fraxel Restore), which is a non-ablative laser for treating sun damage, and hyperpigmentation; the Fraxel 1550 (a.k.a. Fraxel Repair), which is also a non-ablative laser that uses a different wavelength to treat acne scars and wrinkles; and the Dual Fraxel, which features the wavelengths of the 1927 and 1550 to treat all of the above.”
Fraxel works by treating only a fraction of the skin, and therefore leaves the healthy skin in-between treated areas intact, which speeds healing and minimizes downtime, Dr. Marcus explains. Fraxel is popular for skin resurfacing as well as treatment of wrinkles, unwanted pigmentation, and scars.
Benefits of Fraxel
According to Dr. Sobel, Fraxel can help improve the appearance of unwanted texture, dark spots, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and acne or other scarring. He adds that compared to other more invasive treatments, the downtime for Fraxel is actually quite brief when you consider the dramatic results that it can produce. Most patients are back to their normal routines a week.
How to Prepare for Fraxel
Fraxel is not for every skin type, so the first thing you should do is have a consultation with a well-qualified medical professional before you commit to this procedure. “Be honest about your sun exposure,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tracy Evans. “There can be real consequences to not reporting all of your exposures. If you have a history of herpes virus or cold sores, tell your laser specialist before they start the procedure, as the heat of the laser and disruption of the epidermis can result in an outbreak. We always pre-treat our patients with antivirals to prevent this.”
It’s important to take prep seriously. “Preparing appropriately for the procedure makes a difference in your results,” Dr. Marcus says. “Patients should take care to avoid sun exposure for four weeks prior (and four weeks after) the procedure. Chemical peels and other exfoliating treatments should be avoided for two weeks prior as well.” Stop any topical treatments that can irritate the skin (such as retinoids, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid) 10 days before your Fraxel appointment. If a patient has active acne, it’s also best to postpone the procedure until the breakouts have cleared.
Your provider may also have you stop (or start) certain skincare ingredients in preparation for your treatment. “To prepare for Fraxel, your provider may have you use a cream with hydroquinone or other brightening agents to [reduce] hyperpigmentation before you even start the laser,” Dr. Evans says. “We often stop tretinoin before the procedure for approximately one to two weeks.”
What to Expect During a Fraxel Treatment
Fraxel is usually done in a doctor’s office. The procedure itself takes about 20 minutes. “Soothing serums and sunscreen may be applied afterwards, and you will go home looking flushed, and should avoid being in the sun,” Dr. Marcus says.
Prior to the application of the actual laser, your provider will start by applying a numbing cream that will need to rest for 45 minutes. “Numbing is essential for a good treatment,” Dr. Evans says. “The procedure really cannot be performed effectively without it. If you are numbed appropriately with a topical cream, then it is very well-tolerated.”
During my treatment, I was numbed accordingly and prescribed Prednisone, which I continued to take for three days (under the direction of Dr. Sobel) to prevent facial swelling. Dr. Sobel came in to assess and recommend the Fraxel power level—I told him I wanted as much power as I could safely get, so he suggested a Level 8 (out of 10). Then it was off to the races.
The nurse ran a laser wand over my face for about 15 minutes, performing two to three passes over each zone (forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin). Fraxel is a “fractional” skin resurfacing treatment, which means it only targets part of the skin at a time. Think of your skin like a grid; to get the most thorough treatment of a section, you have to go over it multiple times.
As far as what the laser actually feels like on your skin… it’s hot, and the heat intensifies with each additional pass (although a cooling air hose helps counter some of that. I was gripping a stress ball most of the time to try to shift my focus. I have a pretty high pain tolerance even without numbing cream, so my opinion may be subjective—but to me, the treatment is definitely tolerable. There were a few brief moments when I wasn’t sure I could keep going because it felt like my skin was burning off… and then the nurse would be done with that particular area and I would get a reprieve.
It’s important to keep in mind that the pain threshold also varies significantly from one person to another. “Fraxel can be somewhat uncomfortable, but it’s definitely tolerable, and the topical numbing cream helps a lot,” Dr. Marcus says.
After the nurse finished with the laser, Dr. Sobel came in to check everything over. He went over the tougher areas—mainly the large brown spot on my right cheek, along with some spots on my nose—with an extra pass of the laser.
When the treatment was done, my face was burning far worse than a sunburn on my most careless days in the sun. I immediately was given ice packs to calm the swelling and bring some relief. It was very obvious where the laser hit and where it didn’t—you can see the areas of my face that are not red (right around my lips, for example), which the laser didn’t touch, but the vast majority of my face was pretty red.
My Day-by-Day Fraxel Diary
Immediately After
I experienced dryness within minutes, and the effects were obvious. As I mentioned, everything was red except the very few parts that the laser didn’t touch (around my mouth, for instance—or the line from the outer corner of my left eye to my hairline, which was the from the safety glasses). Already, the pigment was starting to come to the surface.
Day Two
The next day, I saw more pigment, particularly on my cheeks. I could also start to se the “grid lines” forming from the laser; the microscopic dots show the exact path of the laser.
Day Three
At this point, grid lines were now obvious on my forehead, and much darker on the nose and cheeks (particularly that stubborn spot on my right side). The texture was a lot scratchier, too—it was rough and almost scab-like.
I woke up to a very rough texture and much darker pigment. On the flip side, some of the “scabbing” had lifted from my cheeks, showing a glimpse of fresh skin underneath.
I took a shower right before dinner and noticed a big difference in the scabbed layer. Each time I’d use circular motions to wash my face, I could see some scabby bits on the tips of my fingers, indicating that the circular motions were lifting the scabs (which the shower steam had softened). Emerging from the shower revealed an incredibly fresh layer of skin on much of my cheeks. It was definitely red, but it was the first real glimpse of how effective this treatment can be.
Day Four
Most of the brown scabs had faded, though my nose plus the perimeter of my face and hairline was still spotty. The big brown spot was now very red.
Day Five
The five-day rule I had heard about for so long was almost true. I was definitely almost in the clear—the spots, which once took up 90% of my face had faded to take up just about 10%. The big red (once brown) spot was starting to lighten up a bit, and the fresh areas had faded from red to pink. The overall glow was more intense than I had ever imagined. It was as though the light was reflecting perfectly off my face without any diffraction from pigment.
“Fraxel is the gold standard of skin resurfacing without prolonged downtime and minimal risks,” Dr. Evans says.
It’s important to know how the different versions work. “As a non-ablative laser, Fraxel Dual works by heating up the tissue underneath the skin to stimulate collagen production while leaving the top layer of the skin intact,” Dr. Marcus says. “Fraxel Repair, an ablative laser, on the other hand, removes the top layer of skin. The main difference in fractional versus non-fractional laser is that Fraxel treats only a fraction of the total surface of the skin, and therefore allows healthy skin to remain, speeding healing and minimizing downtime. Fraxel Dual is an effective but relatively gentle laser, and multiple treatments are usually needed to achieve results. Fraxel Repair will produce more dramatic results with a single treatment, but with significant recovery time and increased risks of infection and scarring.”
Though the results are long-lasting, Dr. Evans recommends a series of three to five treatments. “As this is a fractional laser, it only works by doing several treatments to receive the full benefit,” she says.
Potential Side Effects
“Please see a board-certified dermatologist for your treatment,” Dr. Evans says. “Lasers can be very dangerous in the wrong hands, and it’s imperative that you choose a well-trained provider who understands the structure of the skin as well as laser mechanics in order to get a safe and effective treatment. Whenever a laser touches your skin, it can burn the skin. Hyperpigmentation in darker skin types can be seen.”
The most common side effects of Fraxel are pain, swelling, and redness, but they resolve quickly. Also, peeling is likely to occur when skin is healing post-procedure. “Infection is always a risk any time the skin barrier is compromised, as happens with laser treatments,” Dr. Marcus says. “If someone has acne at the time of treatment, it can temporarily be worse after treatment. Scarring is another potential risk with Fraxel—or really any laser.”
To minimize potential side effects, follow pre- and post-treatment guidelines as directed by your physician. Dr. Marcus advises that it’s particularly important to stay out of the sun for the recommended period of time, as freshly treated skin is more susceptible to hyperpigmentation. It’s also a good idea to avoid excessive exercise and heat for a few days after, and be sure to wear sunscreen (as always).
Who Can Perform Fraxel?
For the best results and minimal chance of risk, you should always select a board-certified dermatologist to perform your Fraxel treatment. I personally went with Dr. Sobel for a few reasons. First, as a board-certified dermatologist who I have worked with many times as a beauty editor, I trust him. (His office, Sobel Skin, is based in New York City if you want to book an appointment, BTW.) He also recently documented his own experience with Fraxel, and his before and after was pretty remarkable. A dermatologist who trusts the treatment on their own skin is good enough for me.
The Cost
The price of Fraxel can widely vary depending on your geographic location and the area being treated. However, a rough estimate would be around $750 for a small area, $1500 for a full facial treatment, and $2000 for face and neck for Fraxel Dual, according to Dr. Marcus. “Fraxel Repair is usually more expensive since it’s a more intense treatment—maybe add $1000 to each of those price points for Fraxel Repair,” she says. “Most of the time, a series of at least three treatments will be recommended for Fraxel Dual (possibly fewer if pigment correction is the main goal), whereas Fraxel Repair produces noticeable and often dramatic results in a single treatment.”
Aftercare
Gentle skincare is a must! Since intense moisturizing is key to combat dryness post-treatment and help with healing, Dr. Evans says that slugging can help. Dr. Sobel told me to keep the skin clean by washing with a gentle cleanser once each evening; he also mentioned the importance of frequently moisturizing throughout the day by patting—not rubbing—the product into the skin. By far, the most important rule was to wear sunscreen every single day—with my top layers gone, further burning or excess sun would cause UV damage and loads more hyperpigmentation.
co2 laser resurfacing
We are pleased to offer our patients treatment with a type laser that will change the way traumatic scars, surgical scars and previous burn injuries are treated for years to come. Combining the safety of fractionated laser therapy with the unparalleled efficacy of carbon dioxide laser treatments, the UltraPulse Encore fractionated CO2 laser (SCARR Software) is truly revolutionary technology. With this device, microscopically small but deeply penetrating and highly effective CO2 laser “microbeams” rehabilitate scarred tissue and stimulate the body to produce substantial amounts of new, healthier collagen in the skin. This part of the treatment is called “Deep FX”. In addition, most patients also elect to have the surface of their skin treated with a second, more superficial laser pass (called “Active FX”) designed to blend color imperfections and further refine the skin’s texture. Depending on the specific patient’s goals, the Deep FX and Active FX laser passes may be performed alone or in combination with other surgery and scar releases.
Who is a Good Candidate for CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
Available scar revision therapies depend on the type of scar, and range from topical creams for mild scarring, to grafting in the case of large, traumatic and burn scars. Laser scar revision is an effective method for treating a wide range of scars that improves skin texture and pigment as well as functional aspects.
The result of fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing can significantly improve the appearance of the treated skin with raised hypertrophic scars making them more uniform. Patients especially appreciate the laser’s ability to safely treat not only facial skin, but also other areas of the body.
How is the Procedure Performed?
Based on the initial consultation, your surgeon will determine which procedure is best for you.
Because this device produces tiny openings in the skin’s surface, there is a period of a few days after the treatment when patients experience significant swelling, redness, and some oozing of serum from the treated skin’s surface.
Healing after this treatment is relatively rapid with minimal care required for about a week and redness of the treated skin generally resolving over the subsequent week. Most patients’ appearance will not only be substantially improved after only about ten days, but it will also continue to improve for months after this unique laser therapy as the treated skin creates more collagen.
Planning for Your Surgery
The first step is to schedule a personal consultation with your plastic surgeon. Communication is crucial in reaching your goals. You will have the opportunity to express your goals and the results you’d like to achieve. Together, you and your surgeon will reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure and the long-term benefits you will experience. Every patient is different, and your surgeon will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you. During the initial consultation, you should expect:
Preparing for Your Surgery
You will be given a pre-operative information packet that explains everything you should do and know before your surgery date. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.
Where Your Surgery Will be Performed
Your procedure will take place at the University of Michigan Hospitals, which provides state-of-the-art surgical suites and recovery areas. The majority of these procedures are completed on an out-patient basis.
Types of Anesthesia
You’ll remain comfortable throughout the entire procedure. In most cases, general anesthetic is used so that you will sleep throughout the procedure; although local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is also an option for some patients.
After Your Surgery
Click here for information about how to care for yourself after the surgery and what to expect during your recovery. It is very important that you follow your surgeon’s instructions in order to promote healing and progress towards your new physical appearance. Also, it is important that you attend all follow-up appointments scheduled so that your surgeon can assess your long-term results and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Research
Because of extensive research done here at the University of Michigan in the Burn/Wound and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, our burn reconstruction surgeons are uniquely positioned to maximize the benefits of this treatment and provide our patients with the best possible care.
fraxel laser side effects
Discomfort: You may have discomfort, a burning sensation, or pain during the first few days of fraxel laser treatment. Some doctors use a topical anesthetic to block pain during the treatment, however some discomfort will occur after the anesthetic effects have worn off. This pain may persist for several days. You can take pain medications, such as Vicodin (if it has been prescribed to you). If your pain persists, call our treating physician.
Redness of Skin: Redness of the skin (erythema) may occur for 2-6 months and possibly longer.
Swelling: Temporary swelling or bruising of the tissue of the face, neck and the eyes typically subside in 3–7 days. Keeping your head elevated when sleeping will help reduce this. Also, using cool soaks also helps reduce this. If the swelling persists taking Benadryl (if your doctor has recommended it) can be very helpful.
Wound Healing: Having oozing, weeping, crusting and flakiness of the treated area is rare but may continue for the first week after treatment. You can gently wash your face with cool soaks, and a mixture of hydrogen peroxide wash.
Hydrogen peroxide wash: Mix two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with 6oz of water and use in spray bottle.
Cysts: Milia or cysts, especially in the eyelid skin region (if treated) may occur after fraxel laser treatment. This can happen if ointments are used in the post treatment phase for a prolonged period of time. You should stop using healing ointments after 10 days.
Skin Tightness: A sensation of skin tightness may occur. This peaks at 3–8 weeks post treatment.
Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis (irritation) may occur due to the post treatment use of ointments.
Herpes Simplex Dermatitis (Fever Blisters): The occurrence or recurrence of herpes simplex dermatitis is also a possible short-term effect, particularly if it is not pre-, intra-, and post treatment treated with a systemic antiviral medication such as Valtrex. Please inform your doctor of your history before treatment.
Skin Itchiness: Itching in the early healing phase may occur. Using a healing ointment will help. Or you may take a Benadryl at bed time.
Skin Hyperpigmentation: Having hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) is a possibility, especially in darker-skinned people. This can occur 3–8 weeks post fraxel laser treatment. You should avoid sun exposure, heat, and even ultraviolet light to help reduce this risk. You must also follow your doctor’s full post treatment regimen recommended to avoid the occurrence of hyperpigmentation.
Scarring: The risk of scarring is rare but exist in all cases. It is often related to an individual’s genetic makeup. Scarring can be reduced by carefully following aftercare instructions and notifying your doctor if a problem develops.
Skin Pigment Changes: Skin color and texture changes can occur. At the site of the treated and untreated areas, there may be a difference in color, texture and/or thickness of the skin.
Infection: Infection is a risk that occurs in every laser procedure. It is minimized by proper post treatment care.