Fraxel® in San Francisco, CA
Fraxel® is a laser skin rejuvenation treatment that improves several skin conditions, including hyperpigmentation, scars, and sun damage. Unlike most laser therapies, Fraxel® laser light targets only the damaged skin cells, leaving the surrounding skin intact. As a result, there is less downtime required after the treatment. It also affects deep layers of skin so that the body’s natural collagen production is stimulated.
Among the conditions that Fraxel® improves are:
- Age spots / brown spots / sunspots
- Actinic keratosis / melasma
- Acne scars / surgical scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Fine surface lines and wrinkles on the skin
- Sun damage
- Enlarged pores
- Rough, dull skin
At Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, all consultations and treatments, including Fraxel®, are done by our registered nurse under the supervision of our doctors. Our staff has been thoroughly trained in the operation of Fraxel® laser devices and how they improve the appearance of the skin.
We are very particular about the treatments we offer, studying each to determine if a particular product or technique is worthy of our patients. It is important to us that we can stand by every treatment and recommend it with confidence. Then, we make sure that we receive the training required to provide excellent results. This includes follow-up training, as needed.
A thorough examination and detailed medical history will determine if you are a good candidate for Fraxel® or if a different type of treatment would work best for you. Some Fraxel® lasers are not recommended for darker skin tones, as they can cause hypopigmentation.
The effects of Fraxel® laser treatment last about six months. You may require a few treatments to achieve optimal results, especially if you have scars or pigmentation issues.
While the face and neck are the most common areas for Fraxel® treatment, it can be used on almost any area of the body. Some people like to use Fraxel® to improve sun damage on the chest, for example.
To learn more about Fraxel in San Francisco at Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, schedule your personalized consultation with a member of our team by calling (415) 362-2238 or contacting our team of experts online. We proudly serve our community in San Francisco and neighboring cities across California.
What Does Fraxel® Actually Do Beneath the Skin?
Fraxel® works by creating thousands of microscopic treatment zones within the skin. These controlled micro-injuries stimulate your body’s natural healing response, triggering collagen production and encouraging the replacement of damaged skin cells with healthier tissue.
Because only a fraction of the skin is treated at a time, the surrounding healthy tissue helps accelerate healing. This allows Fraxel® to deliver meaningful skin improvement with relatively minimal downtime compared to traditional fully ablative lasers.
Over time, this process leads to smoother texture, more even tone, and a gradual softening of lines, scars, and pigmentation irregularities.
What Areas Can Be Treated with Fraxel®?
Fraxel® is a highly versatile treatment that can be used on multiple areas of the body where skin damage or texture concerns are present.
Common treatment areas include:
- Face (most common)
- Neck
- Chest (décolletage)
- Hands
- Arms and shoulders
- Back (especially for acne scarring)
Treating areas beyond the face is especially helpful for patients who want a more uniform, refreshed appearance, particularly in regions that tend to show sun damage over time.
How Many Fraxel® Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments depends on your specific goals and the condition being treated. While some patients notice visible improvement after a single session, most benefit from a series of treatments scheduled several weeks apart.
General guidelines include:
- Mild skin texture or tone concerns: 1 to 2 treatments
- Moderate sun damage or pigmentation: 2 to 3 treatments
- Acne scars or deeper concerns: 3 to 5 treatments
Your treatment plan will be personalized during your consultation to ensure safe, effective, and natural-looking results.
Your San Francisco Fraxel® Laser Treatment
After cleansing your skin and applying a numbing cream, our registered nurse will pass a handheld device over the areas to be treated. The numbing cream will need at least a half hour to take effect, and the Fraxel® treatment itself takes about another half hour. Due to the anesthetic cream, you should experience only a mild stinging sensation.
Clear + Brilliant® is one type of Fraxel® laser that we use in our practice. Read more about Clear + Brilliant®.
Recovering from Fraxel®
Most people return to work and other activities within a day or two of a Fraxel® treatment. In some cases, you might need as many as five days of downtime. During that recovery time, your skin will look as though it has a mild to moderate sunburn. Also like a sunburn, your skin may peel for a few days. Makeup usually covers these side effects.
After your skin has finished peeling, the new skin underneath will be softer, smoother, brighter, and with more even skin tone.
We will instruct you how to care for your skin after your treatment. Lasers make your skin more vulnerable to sunburn, so you must always wear sunscreen when outdoors.
Maintaining Results after Fraxel®
Taking care of your skin afterward is just as important as the treatment. A solid daily routine and smart sun protection make a huge difference in how long your results last.
Most patients do best with:
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day
- Good medical-grade skincare products
- Occasional maintenance treatments as needed
- Avoiding excessive sun exposure
When you stick with it, your skin can stay smoother, clearer, and brighter for a long time after your Fraxel sessions.
Achieve Radiant, Beautiful Skin with Fraxel® in San Francisco
Rejuvenate your appearance and enjoy new, glowing skin with Fraxel®. If you live in the greater San Francisco area, contact us through our online form or call (415) 362-2238 to schedule your personalized consultation with one of our physicians today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Do you think Fraxel® might be right for you? Call us today for an appointment.
Fraxel® Laser in San Francisco, CA – FAQs
Who is a good candidate for Fraxel® laser skin treatment in San Francisco?
Our typical Fraxel® patient is self-conscious about the effects of time and sun damage on their skin — including lines and wrinkles, uneven tone or texture, melasma, scarring, age spots, etc. Fraxel® laser treatment is especially appealing for people who want to enjoy dramatic anti-aging results without the risk or downtime associated with more invasive procedures. If you have a darker skin tone or specific health conditions, you might not be a good candidate for Fraxel®. Come to your consultation prepared for our dermatologists to thoroughly evaluate your skin and ask you specific questions about your medical history.
Will I need more than one Fraxel® treatment?
Depending on what you’re hoping to achieve, we may recommend scheduling a follow-up Fraxel® procedure about six months after your first. We can work with you to create a tailored Fraxel® plan to meet your needs.
Do any procedures pair well with Fraxel®?
You may also want to explore our injectables and dermal fillers for ongoing anti-aging solutions.
When do the results appear, and how long do they last?
Fraxel® results are immediate and progressive. Soon after your treatment, your skin will feel softer, look brighter, and show more even tone. The next three to six months will bring additional improvement as your skin continues healing and regenerating collagen. You can prolong the results of your Fraxel® laser in San Francisco by staying out of the sun, not smoking, and using our high-quality, medical-grade skin care products.
Is it safe to use Fraxel® in other areas?
Yes! We know premature aging and sun damage don’t only affect your face. That’s why we’re excited to offer this safe, effective treatment for the skin on your hands, arms, chest, neck, and back.
How much does Fraxel® cost in San Francisco?
Fraxel® costs vary depending on factors such as how many areas you’re having treated, whether you’ll need follow-up Fraxel® treatments, and if you choose to pair your Fraxel® with other procedures. We can provide a more accurate cost estimate during your consultation.
What does Fraxel® treat?
Fraxel® is designed to improve multiple skin concerns at once, including fine lines, sun damage, uneven pigmentation, acne scars, and overall texture. It works by stimulating the skin’s natural healing process and replacing damaged cells with healthier tissue.
How is Fraxel® different from other laser treatments?
Fraxel® is a fractional, non-ablative laser, meaning it treats microscopic areas of skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This allows for effective resurfacing with less downtime compared to more aggressive, fully ablative lasers.
How many Fraxel® treatments will I need?
Many patients benefit from a series of treatments, often spaced several weeks apart, depending on the condition being treated. Some improvement can be seen after a single session, but multiple treatments typically provide the best results.
When will I see results from Fraxel®?
You may notice initial improvements within a few days to weeks, particularly in tone and brightness. Continued improvement occurs over the following months as collagen production increases and the skin continues to remodel.
How much downtime should I expect?
Most patients experience mild redness, swelling, or a sunburn-like sensation for a few days. Some light peeling or flaking may occur as the skin renews itself. Many people return to normal activities within a few days, depending on treatment intensity.
Is Fraxel® painful?
Fraxel® is generally well tolerated. A topical numbing cream is typically applied before treatment to keep you comfortable. Patients often describe the sensation as heat or a mild snapping feeling on the skin.
Is Fraxel® safe for all skin types?
Fraxel® can be adjusted for different skin types, but not every patient is an ideal candidate. During your consultation, we carefully evaluate your skin tone and medical history to ensure the treatment is both safe and effective for you.
Can Fraxel® be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Fraxel® is often combined with treatments like IPL or Clear + Brilliant® to address multiple concerns, such as pigmentation, redness, and texture, in a more comprehensive way.
How long do results last?
Results can be long-lasting, especially when combined with proper skincare and sun protection. Many patients choose maintenance treatments to preserve and build on their results over time.
Does Fraxel® tighten skin?
Fraxel® can improve mild skin laxity by stimulating collagen production, which helps the skin appear firmer and smoother. However, it is not a substitute for surgical tightening procedures.
Can Fraxel® treat acne scars?
Yes, Fraxel® is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for acne scars. It works by resurfacing the skin and encouraging new collagen formation, which helps smooth out uneven areas.
What should I do after a Fraxel® treatment?
After treatment, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated, avoid sun exposure, and follow all post-care instructions provided by your provider. Proper aftercare helps optimize your results and supports healing.
How soon will I see results after Fraxel®?
You’ll usually start noticing some improvement in your skin tone and texture within the first week or so. The real changes keep building over the next several weeks as your body ramps up collagen production and your skin keeps repairing itself.
Is Fraxel® safe for all skin types?
It works for a wide range of skin tones, but not every Fraxel device is ideal for darker skin because of the higher risk of pigmentation issues. A consultation with your provider is the best way to figure out which version is safest and most effective for you.
Can Fraxel® be combined with other treatments?
Absolutely. A lot of people combine it with things like Clear + Brilliant, light chemical peels, or injectables to tackle multiple issues in one go. Your provider can put together the right mix based on what you’re trying to improve.
Does Fraxel® help with acne scars?
Yes, it’s one of the better non-surgical options out there for acne scarring. It works by stimulating new collagen and resurfacing the skin, which gradually softens both shallow and deeper scars.
Will my results look natural?
Definitely. Fraxel improves your skin’s own structure instead of just covering things up. The results come in gradually, so you just end up looking like a fresher, more even version of yourself.
How long should I avoid the sun after treatment?
You’ll want to be careful with sun exposure for at least 1–2 weeks afterward. After that, daily sunscreen becomes non-negotiable if you want to maintain your results and prevent new damage.
Is Fraxel® painful?
Most people handle a Fraxel® treatment well, especially with topical numbing cream beforehand. During the treatment you’ll likely feel a warm, prickly sensation that is usually tolerable.
Can Fraxel® prevent future aging?
It can’t stop aging completely, but it does repair existing damage and boost collagen, which helps slow down the visible signs of aging going forward.
How Much Does Fraxel® Cost in San Francisco?
The cost of Fraxel® in SF can vary quite a bit depending on the area treated, the type of Fraxel® device used, and how many sessions you need. Because most patients benefit from a series of 2 to 5 treatments, total investment can vary depending on your goals and the severity of the concerns being treated.
How Does Fraxel® Compares to Other Laser Treatments?
Patients often choose Fraxel® because they want results without dealing with the extended downtime associated with more aggressive resurfacing lasers.
Here’s a comparison of Fraxel to other options:
- Fraxel® vs. traditional ablative lasers: Less downtime and a faster recovery, since Fraxel® treats only a fraction of the skin at a time rather than removing the entire surface. Results develop more gradually, but with a lower risk profile and a more manageable healing process.
- Fraxel® vs. IPL: Targets deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen and improve texture, fine lines, and scarring, not just surface-level pigment and redness. This makes Fraxel® a more comprehensive option for overall skin rejuvenation.
- Fraxel® vs. Clear + Brilliant®: More intensive and penetrates deeper into the skin, making it better suited for treating moderate sun damage, acne scars, and early signs of aging, while Clear + Brilliant® is typically used for maintenance and mild concerns.
Fraxel® can often be paired with other treatments to enhance overall results and maintain long-term skin health.
