The term ‘laser’ is an acronym for ‘Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation’. There are many types of lasers, one of which is the Fraxel. Its name comes from a process called ‘fractional technology’ which perfectly describes the way the laser works – it only targets a fraction of the skin.

The Fraxel laser is characterized by wavelengths, which can penetrate deep into the epidermis and the dermis. Different wavelengths are used to improve different skin conditions (Edgar). The most popular laser, the Fraxel Dual, uses two wavelengths, 1550 and 1927, to treat skin issues. 1927 is mostly used to treat discoloration (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun-damaged spots, and melasma), while 1550 is used to treat more serious issues such as deep wrinkles or acne scars.

Fraxel laser is an effective solution to treat multiple skin conditions, such as:

Sunspots
Sun-damaged skin
Fine wrinkles on the face, neck, and the chest
Fine lines or wrinkles around the eyes
Melasma
Uneven skin texture and tone
Acne scars
Fraxel laser is a non-ablative laser, but it has the same efficiency as an ablative laser, which makes it convenient for treating melasma. One study on the benefits of using Fraxel lasers for melasma found that 60% of the women saw 75% to 100% of their melasma clear up (Alamgir).

How Does The Fraxel Laser work?
The Fraxel laser works by creating many microscopic injuries that penetrate deep into the skin. Those injuries ‘tell’ your skin that there are specific places that need extra collagen to heal and treat the condition. The new skin cell growth that replaces the old ones improves skin texture, tone, and pigmentation.

There are two types of Fractional technology:

Ablative: More aggressive treatment that removes skin cells and stimulates the creation of collagen deep within the skin. This type of laser has longer down-time.
Non-ablative: This treatment works by heating the tissue beneath the skin without removing surface skin. This type of laser works effectively in blending the melasma with the healthy-looking skin.
In order for the Fraxel laser to work its best, patients need to prepare themselves in advance:

Don’t wear makeup
One week prior to the treatment, don’t use any peels, active acids or products that contain retinoids
Prior to the treatment, you will be topically numbed with a cream for around 45 minutes