What is it?
FRAX PRO by Candela provides non-ablative (less invasive) fractionated laser skin resurfacing. This improves the appearance of the skin and leaves the outer protective barrier layer of the skin (epidermis) intact. This is less invasive than ablative laser and is associated with less downtime and fewer side effects while preserving many of the benefits of stronger laser treatments. Multiple treatment sessions however will usually be recommended.
FRAX PRO produces multiple evenly spaced microscopic treatment zones in the skin that trigger and stimulate the body’s natural repair and healing response including the generation of new collagen and skin cells.
The FRAX 1940 covers epidermal or skin surface changes and is effective for treating pigmented lesions including age spots, actinic keratoses, sunspots and freckles while also rejuvenating the skin’s surface layer.
The FRAX 1550 targets more deeply and goes well into the collagen layer to address wrinkles & fine lines, skin texture, acne scars and pores.
FRAX PRO and SKIN CANCER
More recent studies following people who have been treated by FRAX / FRAXEL style lasers including the 1940nm FRAX PRO have been shown to develop less (basal and squamous cell) skin cancers in the treated areas making this a good photo rejuvenating treatment that may also reduce the risk of skin cancers developing in treated areas. This remains one of our preferred treatments for sun damaged Australian skin.
Indications
- Skin Rejuvenation
- Fine lines, pores, wrinkles and skin texture
- Sunspots (actinic keratosis), age spots and irregular pigmentation
- Improving scars including those due to injury and surgery
- Acne scars (shallow and moderate severity scars)
- Melasma (laser is not a first line treatment)
- Stretch marks
- We often treat facial, neck, chest, back of hands and forearms
What is involved and What is the Downtime?
Your skin is cleansed, and a topical anaesthetic is applied to reduce discomfort.
During your treatment protective eye shields must be worn.
In addition to your topical anaesthetic, cool air will be utilized to improve your comfort and laser safety.
The laser is rolled over your skin, and you will feel a prickling sensation. Multiple passes are usually utilized for best results.
Following FRAX PRO treatment you will typically experience some redness, swelling and dry peeling skin. You may have a sunburn like discomfort.
Immediately after treatment therapeutic topical serums are applied that have been shown to speed recovery, improve outcome and reduce some adverse effects such as hyperpigmentation (Laser Assisted Drug or Cosmeceutical Delivery and CE Ferulic Acid).
Recovery is usually 3-9 days. The fractionated nature of treatments (treats only a fraction or portion of the skin) and its non-ablative nature makes FRAX PRO safer than ablative laser and quicker to heal.
The settings chosen can be adjusted depending on your skin changes, desired downtime, and skin type.
You will be given after care instructions to assist with your skin recovery and healing and to reduce risk of complications. Sun protection and sun avoidance are key along with moisturiser application in the weeks after treatment. You may be asked to avoid strenuous activity for a few days after a stronger treatment.
How many treatment sessions are required?
This depends on an individual’s skin concern and desired outcome.
Multiple treatment sessions (3+) are generally recommended though you will see benefits from one treatment particularly if stronger treatment sessions are utilized.
When do I see benefits and does everyone benefit?
Although benefits begin right after initial healing (after 9 days), full benefits take 3 or more months after your last treatment.
Benefits vary. This treatment relies on your body’s healing response including the production of new collagen fibres. Age, general health, some medications, and smoking can all affect recovery and the benefits seen.
What are the risks?
Adverse risks are much lower than for ablative laser treatment. Transient redness, swelling and skin dryness setting lasting days should be expected.
Skin pigment changes can occur such as transient lightening or darkening of the skin, this is usually temporary but in some can be persistent (treatment is available). Careful sun protection helps reduce this risk along with adjustment of settings in those with darker skin.
Infection is rare but includes cold sore virus outbreak (herpes).
Scarring is uncommon but could occur with improper settings or post-treatment skin care and/or following infection if effective treatment to address infection is delayed.
Combination treatments
FRAX1940 and FRAX1550 can be combined to enhance benefits. These complement each other well (one particularly focuses on surface skin changes including pigment lesions while the other goes more deeply to improve the collagen layer including fine lines and wrinkles).
Light & Bright is another good combination which involves selective waveband technology Intense Pulse Light and FRAX laser. The two can address different skin problems including skin redness, capillaries, pigment lesions along with skin tone, texture, and fine lines.
For acne scaring other treatments may be utilised in combination including subcision and dermal fillers.
Schedule an appointment with our experienced team of cosmetic dermatology nurses, dermal assistant and/or dermatologist to see if this treatment is right for you, your skin condition, and your needs.
