Laser skin resurfacing
Fraxel is a laser that treats tiny columns of skin and leaves the skin around them untouched. As the skin heals, it makes new collagen and fresh skin replaces the treated areas. It is used for pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, uneven texture and acne scars.
Your treatment is given by one of our aesthetic doctors in a private suite at 9 Queen Anne Street, inside a CQC-registered hospital. Your doctor may also suggest exosome therapy as an optional add-on after the laser.
How it works
How the laser works
Fraxel treats thousands of tiny spots of skin and leaves the skin between them intact. The treated spots prompt your skin to renew itself, and the untouched skin helps it heal more quickly. This means a shorter recovery than older lasers that treated the whole surface.
Aesthetic medicine
How the treatment works
We apply numbing cream for about 45 minutes before treatment. Your doctor then passes the laser over the area several times. You will feel heat and a mild prickling, which the numbing cream reduces.
If your doctor suggests exosome therapy, it is applied straight after the laser, when the skin absorbs it more easily. It is an optional add-on.
Afterwards
What to expect afterwards
For a few days your skin will usually be red, a little swollen and feel sunburnt. It may then look slightly darker and flake for a few days as it renews. Most people feel ready to socialise again within about a week.
Changes in tone and texture appear gradually as your skin heals and makes new collagen, and results vary. You will need to protect your skin from the sun for at least four weeks afterwards.
Treatment areas
What Fraxel treats
Fraxel is most often used on the face. It can also be used on the neck, chest and hands.
Pigmentation and sun damage
Fraxel is used for sun spots, brown patches and uneven skin tone caused by years of sun. It targets the pigment while encouraging new collagen.
Fine lines and texture
As your skin renews, fine lines and rough texture can soften, including around the mouth and eyes.
Acne scarring
Fraxel is used for indented acne scars. It renews the scarred skin and encourages new collagen, and you will usually need a course of sessions.
Melasma
Melasma is a type of patchy pigmentation that can be hard to treat. We use a gentler Fraxel setting, with skin preparation beforehand and careful aftercare, to lower the risk of the pigment darkening.
Aesthetic medicine
Is Fraxel right for me?
Fraxel may suit you if you have pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, acne scars or uneven texture. You will need to plan for a few days of recovery and protect your skin from the sun afterwards.
You will see one of our doctors for an aesthetic consultation first. It costs £350, which is credited against your treatment. Book a consultation and your doctor will tell you whether Fraxel suits you.