What is Frax™ by Candela® Medical?
Skin resurfacing is among the most requested aesthetic procedures worldwide. The Frax™ Pro Laser system is FDA and CE cleared, offers two skin resurfacing1 technologies: Frax 1940™ and Frax 1550™, both are non-ablative Fractional Laser for shallow (Frax 1940) and deep (Frax 1550) skin resurfacing.
Frax 1940 Treatment
100% of patients in test group saw textural improvements
Frax 1550 Treatment
100% of patients in test group, when given the option to report negative response, neutral response or “satisfied to very satisfied,” reported satisfaction ranging from satisfied to very satisfied
What does the Frax™ Pro laser treat and who can receive this treatment?
The Frax™ Pro laser treats textural irregularities such as wrinkles, fine lines, large pores, scars, and generally rough skin. Your skin is refreshed, healthy, smoother, more youthful, and vibrant.
You will be offered a course of 1-4 treatments according to your needs. If you have darker skin, your healthcare provider may decide to offer a longer course of gentler treatments. Preprogrammed settings for different skin types provide recommended energy output for your complexion. Darker skin may not be able to be treated with this Laser. Darkest skin cannot be treated with this Laser. Please schedule a consultation to receive a program that is curated specifically for you. We will help educate you in what you can and cannot receive when it comes to Laser and other medical aesthetic light therapy.
How does it work?
The Frax™ Pro Laser rejuvenates skin by delivering very small, controlled bursts of energy to the skin. The technology in the Frax™ Pro laser system controls the appropriate width and depth of the Laser light energy delivered to meet individual treatment needs.
- The delivered energy stimulates the production of collagen, resurfacing the skin over time
- The microchannels that the laser energy creates is what Microneedling mimics, but on a much, much smaller scale.
- The Laser is gently rolled across the skin in a specific pattern
- The surface of the skin is left intact and there is technically one day to no downtime associated with healing and recovery, depending on the depth of treatment and what your schedule afterward is. (Treatments are curated to match your lifestyle and your skin requirements)
How does iT Intelligent Treatment manage my discomfort?
- The SoftCool™ skin cooler built into the handpiece helps reduce treatment discomfort
- A topical numbing cream is applied after your skin is thoroughly cleaned
- Frax
- We include the option for you to use Pro-Nox™ self-administered analgesic to safely and effectively ease pain, anxiety, and discomfort
- A post Laser treatment cream is applied and you are sent home with the same
What will I feel after the treatment?
For up to a few hours post treatment, you will feel a tingly sensation akin to a mild sunburn-like feeling. Your skin will feel tight.
What will my skin look like as it recovers and how long does that take?
Your skin will look pink to high pink immediately following your treatment. This can last up to the next morning. By the following morning, most patients will see the pinkness evolve to a bronzed suntan-like look or return to normal color. Some edema may occur around the eyes and other areas of the treated skin.
As the first week progresses, it is normal to see MENDs (microscopic epidermal necrotic debris). These are tiny dark spots that can appear around the second or third day after your treatment Laser. These will naturally shed off as new skin is being regenerated. It is important to allow these to slough off on their own and not scrub, scratch, or pick at the area while it is healing. Not all patients will see MENDs and this is ok. Blotchiness (hyperpigmentation) is also common. Skin tone will continue to become more even as your skin heals.
You can expect your skin to be dry for 7-14 days, depending on how diligently you follow post treatment instructions and how quickly your skin regenerates. Flaking can happen but does not happen to all. Most flaking reported is around the delicate area of the nostrils although it could occur anywhere where the skin was treated. Patients report seeing their skin color quickly return to normal but the shedding of any MENDs and alleviation of post treatment dryness is a little different for everyone, and a little different each time you receive a Laser treatment.
If you follow the do’s and do nots of your post treatment instructions, you can expect your skin to recover and be vibrant, smoother and healthier.
What to expect during your appointment?
- Your skin will be examined and then thoroughly cleansed
- A topical numbing cream will be applied. This will sit 30-40 minutes on your skin
- The topical numbing will be thoroughly removed and your skin cleansed again
- Your eyes will be covered with protective goggles during the treatment
- You will feel some heat-related discomfort localized within the treatment area
- Post treatment cream will be applied (along with chemical-free SPF if during the daylight hours) and a sample will be given to you, along with your post treatment instructions
- Booking for your next appointment will be done prior to leaving for maximum results and prolonged benefits
How often can I receive the Frax™ Pro laser treatment and how many will I need?
Treatments are generally performed once per month, giving your skin time to heal in between. The number of treatments will depend on your individual needs. This could be anywhere from 1-4 treatments. During your consultation for this treatment, your treatment program will be determined and fully explained.
What do I need to know before and after my treatment?
During your consultation your pre and post treatment instructions are explained. A hard copy is provided, along with an emailed copy. When your appointment is confirmed and again on the day of your treatment, we will ask you to sign off on confirmation of receipt and following the pretreatment instructions. Prior to leaving your appointment, post treatment instructions are explained again, and a hard copy along with another email of the same is provided.
A full list of pre and post treatment instructions will be provided as stated above, but here are some of the major do’s and do nots…
Pretreatment:
- No fresh suntan, use spray tan or self-tanning lotion for 1 week prior to treatment
- If you experience cold sore/herpes breakouts, please pretreat – follow your prescription directions
- Reveal all medications and supplements you are taking, as some will be contraindicated
- Discontinue use of prescription Retin-A and reveal the use to us
- Reveal all topical products, especially acne and lightening products, to us, as there may be a withdrawal time necessary
- Do not hide your ethnicity, it is 100% necessary to determine if this Laser treatment is the correct one for you!
Post treatment:
- No strenuous physical activity or exercise for at least 48 hours
- No hot baths/showers/saunas/jacuzzi/steam rooms for 48 hours. Avoid heavy perspiration and overheating the treatment area
- No swimming in the ocean or pools for 48 hrs
- Do not use harsh products such as exfoliants, retinoids or for 2 weeks until skin is fully healed
- DO NOT SCRUB, PICK OR SCRATCH. Allow your skin to gently exfoliate with gentle washing.
- Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks prior to and after your treatment
- Cover your treatment area with a hat or protective clothing for at least 2 weeks
- Wear your chemical-free SPF daily and reapply every 2-4 hrs. We will guide you with frequency of application based on your daily activities.
