Fraxel is a device that performs a treatment known as fractional laser resurfacing in order to stimulate collagen and help resurface the skin. It is a a type of non-invasive laser treatment used to improve the skin’s texture, tone and clarity by encouraging it to repair itself. It is mainly used to help treat scarring, sun damage, fine lines, acne, freckles, skin tone and wrinkles.

Why Fraxel Laser?

When I went to chat with Center Aesthetics about my concerns, I explained to Nurse Lynn and Doctor Karcher, that while the lasers I’ve gotten in the past were keeping my skin looking good, I was not seeing the stubborn little marks fading as quickly as I was hoping. There were a few light ones, but then I had a bigger one (circled below) that would not go away, no matter what I tried. Even after several rounds of various lighter lasers and applying several creams on that specific spot, it still lingered.

At that point they were very honest and explained that if I wanted bigger and quicker results, I would need something that went deeper than the “lunchtime lasers” I was getting and Fraxel was my best bet. The other, lighter lasers are wonderful if you don’t have a lot of downtime. Or simply, for just maintaining the skin, but if there’s downtime to spare:

A fraxel laser treatment is way more aggressive, but also way more effective.

The Treatment Process:

I was instructed to come into the office about an hour beforehand so the numbing cream could be applied. Since I came in wearing sunblock, I washed my face and then a thick, pasty cream was applied. After about an hour, it was time to start the process. Center Aesthetic also offers a happy gas and asked me if I’d be interested in using it to help with the pain and I enthusiastically signed on. (I forget the exact name, but it’s very common in a lot of practices and 100% safe)

They went over each area of the face 5-6x and the first two rounds barely hurt. By the 4th time, I’m not going to lie, it stung and was definitely a bit painful, but not intolerable.

The entire process was so quick that after about 5-7 minutes, I was completely done. After, I was given icepacks to apply to my face, which I hung out with for about 15 minutes before heading home.

The Recovery Process:

Day After Treatment, Day 2

The morning after treatment I was definitely starting to look red and my face started to really swell up. Face started to get increasingly dry and rough as the day went on.

Day 3 

Swelling has started to go down, but skin is looking even crazier. Dry and rough to the touch (like sand paper) and  I cannot moisturize enough! My skin just soaks it up.

Day 4

Whoa! Skin still feels like sand paper (all normal) but starting to slowly peel off.  Still moisturizing like crazy. Trying to stay inside as much as possible so I don’t scare the neighbors.

Day 5

After taking a shower on the morning of day 5, I very gently used a face cloth and so much of the dead skin came off. I’m really starting to see beautiful, new baby skin underneath. I can easily cover up most of the redness with makeup, but I just roll with it. The spot that I was initially so focused on (as shown  in my day 1 photo), already looks lighter. I remind myself that everything will only improve as the weeks and months go on. 

Day 6

My skin is starting to look severely less traumatized, although the redness is still lingering. Again, this could easily be covered up with makeup.

Day 7 

After taking a shower and slathering on some face oil, my skin is starting to glow. My pores are looking considerably smaller. There’s mild swelling still lingering, but only something I would notice on my own face.  I’m starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel and getting pretty excited about it.

Day 9

Forgot to document my skin on day 8, but with each day, redness goes down and skin just looks better and better. Pores are small, pigment is starting to look more even and that little mark I was so fixated on is starting to get lighter. 

How Long Does it Take to See Results?

After about 5-7 days of downtime and the “shedding” process, I started to see the initial stages of baby soft skin. Realistically,  the real results get better as the weeks go on. My skin looked way better at week 4 and 6 than it did at week 2. The skin takes time to heal and for the cells to properly turnover. As time went on, even two months later, my skin continued to look better and better. It’s super important to note that because most would expect immediate gratification, but that’s not how Fraxel works. Yes, the skin definitely looks better after a week, but I assure you, it only continues to improve.

This photo was taken 8 weeks after Fraxel. I have a bit of concealer on, but no other skin makeup.  Also, I rarely wear foundation these days. I like how my skin looks better without it.

How Many Treatments Do You Need To See Results?

One major thing to note is that not everyone will see major results after one visit. It really depends on an individual’s skincare concerns, which should be discussed prior to your appointment. For example, because my skin was in relatively good shape, they were confident that I’d see nice results after one session. However, if you’re someone with a ton of dark marks or pitted areas, you’ll see some results after one session, but you’ll probably need a few sessions to really see a BIG difference.

The Cost:

I only have NYC as a guideline, but it can cost anywhere between $1200-$2000 per session. Center Aesthetics, where I went, charge $1,500.

Favorite Products for Recovery: 

I used Skinceuticals Hydra Balm and Epidermal Repair, both ideal and made for post procedure skin. If you don’t want to spend that much, I know a lot of people who swear by good ol’ Aquaphor! Obviously, see what your term recommends or ideally, can provide samples of from their office.

Would I do it again?

In a heartbeat! In the early above photos that I share, again, I know that my skin did not dramatically improve with JUST Fraxel. Important for me to stress that so everyone has realistic expectations! As you all may know, I have a very diligent at-home routine and the lasers and peels have also contributed to my skin gradually getting better overtime.

Remember, cell turnover is a real thing!

Results don’t happen overnight. However, I know that the Fraxel played a HUGE factor in taking it to the next level. It improved the integrity of my skin, the clarity, the spots faded more than ever before and I’ve never been so confident wearing zero to little face makeup, like I am now.

Also,  I am posting this MONTHS after I had the treatment and currently, 7 months pregnant with baby #2. When I was pregnant with Nate the first time around, I remember looking at my face and thinking “holy crap! I cannot wait to get botox and a peel once this is all over…”  I felt haggard and old and ready to give myself some much needed TLC.

This time around, it’s different. Don’t get me wrong,  I am definitely due for a little refresher in the forehead department, but it’s nowhere how it was when I was pregnant the first time. I know it’s because of the Fraxel, a great at-home routine and the overall condition of my skin going into this pregnancy.

I do have some new spots that are a result of pregnancy hormones and summer.

But I do plan on getting another Fraxel treatment once I am done nursing. Ideally, if I could keep it up once a year, I know my skin will be in great shape. It’s definitely an expense, but for me, a worthwhile one. In between the Fraxel treatments, I’ll probably get a few smaller lasers like Clear & Brilliant to maintain. It sounds like a lot, but again, my skin is one thing I’m really willing to invest in. All in all, it was 100% worth it and I’m eager to give it another go once I can.

Currently, I’m really happy with my skin, even despite the hormonal marks and freckles I’ve gotten over the last few months. We’ll see what happens once the baby comes, but at least I know there’s a way to whip it back into shape. I also know that the products I use at home are a huge factor in keeping my skin looking great.

Holy Grail Products:

While I do rotate a ton, if I was forced to narrow down: a good double cleanse, Biologique Recherche Lotion P50, Augustinus Bader Rich Cream, Vitamin C Serum (Skinceuticals CE Ferulic is one of my favs), retinol (when I’m not pregnant or nursing) and Vintner’s Daughter.

This was a long, super detailed post, but I wanted to give as much information as possible! If you still have questions, please leave them below.