Fraxel® DUAL Laser Now Available at Bend Dermatology Clinic

By Mariah Johnson, M.D.
Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, Board-Certified Dermatologist

While our skin is our body’s protector, it can also mirror how the environment, genetics, age, and our health have been impacting us. We notice things like redness on our skin, sun spots, dullness, scars, and wrinkles. One of the best ways to counteract some of these issues is getting a laser skin resurfacing treatment with the Fraxel® DUAL 1550/1927. It effectively targets the surface layers of the skin for a smoother, fresher, younger-looking appearance.

Basics to Know About the Fraxel DUAL Laser

Fraxel Dual is a non-ablative, fractional resurfacing technology with two wavelengths (1550nm and 1927nm). As with other types of lasers, this laser targets water in the dermis (middle layer of your skin,) gently heating it to cause controlled thermal tissue damage. The laser creates microscopic columns of tissue injury across the treated area deep into your skin, stimulating collagen production so the skin can heal itself. Using two wavelengths allows the laser to treat both superficial depths of your skin while the other wavelength is used to go deeper into the skin. Since it is a fractional laser, it also treats a smaller area at a time, leaving the surrounding tissue untouched. As a result, the Fraxel DUAL treatment obtains results without the harsher effects of an ablative laser, allowing for a shorter recovery time.

These treatments are called skin resurfacing or skin rejuvenation for obvious reasons. They stimulate the growth of new cells to help smooth the skin by restoring its natural collagen production. Your skin not only gets new cells, but the collagen also plumps the skin. The Fraxel DUAL laser is most commonly used on the face, but it can treat any part of the body, including the neck, arms, legs, décolletage, hands, and back.

What does it treat?

It all sounds great, but what can it treat? This treatment helps improve skin tone, texture, and radiance. Here’s a list of what it can help with:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Brown spots
  • Sun damage
  • Age spots
  • Surgical scars
  • Acne scars

It also has FDA clearance to treat melasma and actinic keratosis

The benefits of the Fraxel DUAL laser treatment are that it leaves you with smoother, younger, more radiant skin with minimal downtime and less risk of side effects compared to an ablative laser. You will typically see the benefits right after your treatment and will continue to see results as your skin heals over the months.

Will I need multiple treatments, and how long do results last?

Since the Fraxel DUAL laser is a fractional laser, treating a smaller area of skin at a time, you may need more than one treatment. Everyone is different; however, we tend to see the best results after three treatments. Each treatment is spread out four to six weeks from each other.

You will notice immediate results after your treatment, and your skin will continue to improve over six months. Expect your results to last a year or more if you use good skin care products and wear sunscreen daily.

You can also get other procedures in conjunction with the Fraxel DUAL laser. Consult your Provider to see what would maximize your skin care results. At Bend Dermatology Clinic, a Dermatology Provider will discuss all options with you, discuss your expectations, and create a treatment plan designed specifically for you.

Treatment Day and Recovery

Many of our patients want to know if there is pain during the procedure. You will feel what some describe as a mild prickling sensation with some heat. Your Provider will topically numb the area before the procedure for your comfort. The Fraxel DUAL laser is tunable, so adjusting how we deliver the heat is customizable to each person. Plus, the laser has a cooling application that helps with the discomfort. How long the treatment lasts depends on what you are getting treated for and the size of the treatment area.

Downtime for this type of treatment is minimal. Immediately after your treatment, your skin may feel as if you have a sunburn. It may feel extra dry and itchy, so use a mild cleanser and a heavy moisturizer to keep your skin happy.  Do not try to use any products that might irritate your skin, including retinols and exfoliants.  Avoid the sun and use sunscreen to protect your skin. We always recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Your Dermatology Provider can suggest products for your specific skin type if you need help with that. Of course, each patient is different in how they heal, but most recover in about a week.

If you would like more information about the Fraxel DUAL laser treatment or our other Cosmetic Dermatology treatments, Bend Dermatology Clinic has six convenient locations to serve you. We have clinics at Klamath Falls, Prineville, Redmond, West Bend, and two locations in East Bend. Our Board-Certified Dermatologists, Certified Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses, and Certified Advanced Aestheticians are highly-trained and qualified to help you with any Medical Dermatology or Cosmetic Dermatology concerns. If you would like to book an appointment, you can do so here or call us at 541.382.5712.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mariah Johnson, M.D. – Dr. Johnson is a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon and a Board-Certified Dermatologist working at our East Bend Mohs & DermaSpa, Redmond, and Klamath Falls locations. She specializes in Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery, Skin Cancer Treatment, Medical Dermatology, and Cosmetic Dermatology. When asked about her passion for dermatology, she answered, “The skin is a fascinating organ as a window into our internal health, genetics, and environmental exposures. A multitude of health information can be gleaned simply by examining the skin.”