Fraxel Laser NYC

Photodamage, fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots make you look older with a tired look. Fraxel Dual will safely and effectively rejuvenate your skin to make it look young and beautiful again.

• Safely erase photodamage, fine lines, and pigmentation to reveal your new, beautiful skin
• Gold standard in non-ablative skin resurfacing gently removes top skin layers to stimulate new collagen growth
• The most studied & safest laser on the market
• Minimal downtime and FDA approved

Dr. Schwarzburg is excited to be one of the best doctors in NYC to offer Fraxel Dual laser to patients who live in New York and across the entire US. Fraxel laser is currently considered a gold standard in non-ablative skin resurfacing and restoration involving virtually no pain and minimal downtime when executed by a highly trained physician. Dr. Schwarzburg explains that Fraxel laser treatment allows patients to achieve an enduring aesthetic outcome with a tremendous and clearly visible transformation and a fabulous enhancement in the complexion of their skin. Unlike more aggressive and fully ablative skin resurfacing alternatives, Fraxel Dual is known for its unparalleled efficacy and short recovery period due to its non-ablative nature. The top-tier Fraxel laser skin resurfacing is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and clinically tested to non-surgically improve rough dermal surface, rhytids, photodamage, and dull texture to bring out luminous and more youthful appearing skin. 

Fraxel Laser is a versatile tool allowing dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons to address skin imperfections anywhere along body or facial regions and is a reliable and scientifically tested modality to rejuvenate skin quality in the face, neck, back, decolletage, arms, legs and hands. Fraxel Dual boasts a unique resurfacing technology where 2 varieties of wavelengths of monochromatic light are combined allowing the treatment of numerous skin concerns and disorders. Fraxel was developed to target various cutaneous hyperpigmentation issues, sun-related damage, age-related fine lines and wrinkles, hypertrophic acne scarring, enlarged pores and other skin problems. Dr. Schwarzburg sometimes describes Fraxel Dual as a “magic eraser” because of its ability to effectively remove numerous skin irregularities and smooth out rough edges. Patients love the incredible results they attain with Fraxel Dual for skin revitalization, and is a treatment he frequently performs at his private practice on the Upper East side in NYC.

HOW FRAXEL LASER IMPROVES THE APPEARANCE OF YOUR SKIN

Some of the most frequent complaints people have about their skin involve acne, signs of aging, and hyperpigmentation. If you’ve previously suffered from acne, you know that the porous marks left behind from stubborn blemishes can be devastating. People of all ages deal with acne scars; these range from ice-pick scars (small dots that look like large pores) and rolling scars (larger, flat indents) to boxcar scars (rectangular or oval indents). Textural impurities can’t usually simply be covered up with foundation or concealer – sometimes makeup makes it look even worse due to foundation spreading unevenly across the surface. The same can be said about facial and body wrinkles – including laugh lines, stretch marks, and crow’s feet or crepey skin beneath the eyes. Fraxel lasers can also mitigate sun spots, freckles, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and brown age spots. It can be a helpful tool for those who deal with actinic keratosis. Whether it be discoloration or textural problems, Fraxel is a great tool to address a long list of dermal concerns while creating smooth, even skin. In addition to its age-defying qualities, Fraxel is also beneficial for individuals looking to avoid future effects of aging with quarterly or bi-annual sessions. Everyone is exposed to environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to the gradual process of the development of creases and photodamage.

If you’re in your 20s, thinking of getting Botox, fillers, or generally are exploring options to keep your skin healthy, then Fraxel can be an amazing option to do so. 

USING FRAXEL TO PREVENT SIGNS OF AGING

General medicine is obsessed with preventing disease, and there are numerous committees, forums, and guidelines about the critical value of preventing disease to maintain health and vitality. Dr. Schwarzburg is a strong advocate of using the same approach in cosmetic medicine – the idea to sit and look in the mirror to see the gradual development of lines, sun spots, or laxity and doing nothing about it doesn’t fit well into the prevention paradigm. At this day and age patients proactively seek ways to halt development of general aging through active lifestyle, vitamin supplementation, IV drips and many other ways. Fraxel laser preventative treatments fit well into this idea of early prevention by erasing beginning indications of dermal deterioration. 

Fraxel frequently is thought of being used for the sole purpose of relieving already present signs of aging, though in reality, it can be utilized for persons of all ages as a preventative measure to maintain the quality of dermal layers in younger patients in their early 20s, for example, who are not yet demonstrating any visible signs of age-related imperfections. With the ability to produce collagen and elastin and enhance the overall texture of superficial dermal layers, Dr. Schwarzburg often treats patients on the younger end of the scale on a regular and routine basis to continuously make collagen and help prevent wrinkles, pigmentation, and other impurities that are linked to the gradual decrease of collagen with age. As such, Fraxel is incredibly beneficial for even those who generally do not have any serious visible concerns regarding the quality of their skin, but want to keep their youthful glow without having to undergo more invasive treatments or surgeries in the future.

WHY IS FRAXEL SO POPULAR IN NEW YORK?

In our society having perfect, flawless skin is an aspiration for many, though may be very hard to accomplish with over the counter creams and lotions that don’t do much except for draining your budget. New Yorkers are a special breed altogether and have a heightened sense of desired look and self-esteem. People who live in NYC spend countless hours trying to look their best by leading a healthy lifestyle, working out and visiting their favorite doctors or medspas for advanced skincare solutions. It is crucial to know what new therapy to try when you don’t see the outcome that was promised using traditional skincare. Fraxel laser bridges the gap between traditional and medical-grade skincare. As it is both effective and non-invasive, patients can achieve the skin of their dreams without the need for prolonged recovery. By erasing decades worth of UV-damage and acne scarring you can finally enjoy your skin the way it was meant to be – youthful, smooth and rejuvenated. Dr. Schwarzburg, one of the best Fraxel specialists in New York knows exactly how to apply this powerful skin rejuvenating technology to make his patients look and feel amazing. 

WHAT IS FRAXEL LASER TREATMENT?

Fraxel Dual laser represents the traditional technology that was developed by Solta Medical. Over decades Fraxel established itself as the gold standard in laser medicine for the skin and many other companies followed suit. Many other manufacturers call their lasers “Fraxel” but they are no more than just monikers of the real Fraxel laser and are nothing more but imitators. 

The success of Fraxel laser grew out of its advanced and revolutionary technology which is employed to create hundreds and thousands of microscopic skin injuries through its pinpoint laser precision. This controlled thermal damage that is impacted on the skin induces intense inflammatory and wound-healing responses leading to skin rejuvenation by producing new collagen. The newly made collagen fibers strengthen the skin matrix, which visibly manifests itself as lustrous and healthy skin.  

Fraxel lasering is one of the highest-quality fractional laser treatments in the cosmetic industry, due to its ability to selectively ablate microscopic areas of the skin in which to stimulate collagen and wound healing. Fraxel laser beam penetrates the skin to produce a tiny 3-dimensional cluster made up of evenly spaced out thermal columns of tissue injury, which encourage the unaffected neighboring skin cells to simultaneously heal and improve issues like pigmentation and scarring and restore their luster.

Because Fraxel machine utilizes laser energy with exceptional accuracy the associated downtime and discomfort are minimal to none as well the aesthetic results are overwhelmingly evident after just a single treatment. One of the most convincing arguments to get Fraxel treatment is that patients enjoy both immediate and long-term results. After a few short days following your procedure, you will start to notice the tone and texture of the skin get even and softer to the touch. Within weeks and months as collagen production ramps up patients observe how the skin elasticity and turgor increase as the skin is fully restored to its younger version. 

Rough skin texture and unevenness are something that befalls all of us at one point or another; even those of us fortunate enough to not deal with acne or skin conditions eventually fall prey to the effects of aging, including fine lines and photodamage manifested by sun spots and dark spots. For those looking to smooth out their complexion, a single Fraxel treatment maybe enough to leave them with long-lasting results; but patients presenting with acne scars and deeper wrinkles will need multiple treatments for truly get firm and rejuvenated skin.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT FRAXEL LASER RESURFACING?

Before the advent of non-ablative lasers the only skin resurfacing technology that existed was represented by CO2 ablative lasers, which carried a long list of complications, significant downtime and were very painful. Scientific and medical innovation made it possible to enjoy the benefits of aggressive ablative lasers, but without intrinsic trade-offs such as procedural discomfort and excessive downtime. Fraxel became the first non-ablative laser to utilize fractionation for skin rejuvenation to get approved by the FDA in the United States and it became the gold standard in dermatology practices over the decades of usage.      

Non-ablative fractional lasers derive their name from the fact that they avoid severe thermal injury to the epidermis and only a fraction of the skin surface gets exposed to laser energy. 

Fraxel laser tip emits a unique spectrum of laser beam that covers a certain microthermal treatment zone and within this region, only a fraction of the skin tissue gets coagulated or injured. The idea is to allow non-damaged skin columns to speed up the healing and regenerative process by providing support to repair the injured surrouning cells. 

Fraxel essentially heats up underlying dermal tissue, delivering controlled micro-damage to promote collagen production in this area, leaving a certain fraction of the skin unharmed. Compare this to ablative lasers, which simply remove the outer layer of skin through ablative vaporization – this is effective in dealing with more scarred or severely aging skin, but it is also a more invasive treatment. Non-ablative lasers heat microscopic columns in the deeper layer of the skin without doing damage to the epidermal layer, plumping the skin and stimulating cellular turnover in a quick and precise fashion. Dr. Schwarzburg notes that many of his younger patients who live in New York prefer this more gentle approach as it leaves healthy skin untouched, and also comes with less recovery time.

WHAT IS THE SCIENCE BEHIND FRAXEL DUAL LASER?

Simply speaking, laser treatments apply concentrated pulsing light beams to specific depths of the skin in order to target specific concerns. Fractional lasers deliver this light through deep, minuscule columns to protect surrounding tissue. The collagen in these tiny regions reacts by contracting, which, in turn, tightens up the skin.

The Fraxel Dual involves two different lasers with varying wavelengths. One of these, the 1927 nm wavelength, is a Thulium laser, which specifically combats discoloration and pigmentation in the skin – this includes damage done by the sun UV rays as well as solar lentigines. The monochromatic laser beam energy emitted by 1927 nm fiber optics gets absorbed in the superficial layers by darker chromophores, to induce a specific focal reaction known as thermolysis. When those laser photons penetrate dark pigment, which is contained within solar lentigines commonly known as sun or age spots, they physically disintegrate and break them down. Once the destroyed pigment is removed by immune mediators you will enjoy a clear and blemish-free skin.  The Thulium laser directs its energy at more superficial layers of the skin, or epidermis, while deeper penetration is achieved via the 1550 nm wavelength. The 1550 nm wavelength is the Erbium component of the Fraxel Dual. The photons contained in this beam penetrate deeper and focus more on textural and volumizing issues, including scarring, creasing, and bumpiness, which requires a deeper reach into the skin to aid in collagen and elastin synthesis. Collagen and elastin are the proteins that give your skin vitality and strength.

A crucial reason why Fraxel achieved widespread acclaim both from the professional and consumer communities is the selective damage inflicted to only a fraction of the skin leading to shorter healing time and improved results compared to traditional fully ablative resurfacing lasers. 

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN FRAXEL LASER TREAT?

FDA has approved Fraxel Dual laser to treat the following skin conditions:

• Photodamage and hyperpigmentation secondary to spending too much in the sun without adequate protection like sunscreen.
• Periorbtial rhytids known as Crow’s feet wrinkles around the eyes secondary to depletion of collagen reserves in the skin during repetitive facial expressions. 
• Acne scars, including atrophic acne scars, flat scars, boxcar and ice pick scars that develop in cases of severe and poorly untreated pustulo-cystic acne
• Patients who had surgeries and the skin healed by forming unsightly surgical scars.
• Oily skin with dilated and enlarged pores secondary to excess sebum production in oil glands. 
• Pregnancy and hormonal fluctuations cause the formation of stretch marks, where collagen is abnormally deposited under the skin.
• UV light-related skin pigmentation and discoloration.
• Sun spots, brown spots, age spots & freckles.

THE STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FOR FRAXEL LASER PROCEDURE AT SKINLY AESTHETICS

By now you’re probably curious about the actual process for getting the procedure is like. Before moving forward with your Fraxel laser treatment, you will begin the process by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Schwarzburg at his private cosmetic dermatology clinic in NYC. Together, you will discuss what areas of your skin you want to address, your personal questions and concerns, and your health history to determine if you are a viable candidate for the laser treatment. Dr. Schwarzburg will examine the area of concern to give you personalized advice about acne scarring, fine lines, stretch marks or wrinkles that you are trying to diminish. He will also walk you through what to expect from the process and give you specific instructions regarding pre- and post-care.

Once you have had your consultation, you can go ahead and schedule your Fraxel laser treatment. One hour before the treatment begins, Dr. Schwarzburg will sanitize the treatment site and apply a strong 21% lidocaine cream for your comfort. Most patients find laser treatment fairly tolerable, although you will feel a slight stinging similar to a sunburn afterwards. This can be alleviated with an ice pack, which will be provided to you, in addition to a soothing and moisturizing cream, as your skin will be prone to dryness. During the lasering process, you will also be exposed to an air-cooling device known as a Zimmer Cryo machine, which delivers a light touch of cold air to help ease discomfort during the laser treatment. 

It depends how long your treatments will take, but most patients need about 20 to 60 minutes of actual lasering depending on area to be treated. You should set aside around 2 hours for your treatment, just in case. Immediately after the session, you will notice how your skin is mildly erythematous and warm similar to a sunburn. Ice packs are applied immediately to minimize skin irritation. Dr. Schwarzburg provides all of his patients who live in New York with a custom moisturizing cream to promote proper healing as the skin can never stay dry during the recovery period.

IS FRAXEL PAINFUL?

Before your Fraxel treatment, Dr. Schwarzburg will apply a strong topical lidocaine numbing cream which will remain on the skin for 30 – 40 minutes prior to the treatment to minimize any discomfort. Additionally, Fraxel is coupled with a cooling system that blows cold air onto the skin during the operation. For those NYC patients who are extremely sensitive and can barely tolerate pain, Dr. Schwarzburg now offers an adjuvant pain relief through Pro-Nox gaseous mix that calmes your mind and nerves for a worry-free treatment. Regardless, you will feel some level of discomfort and pain which most patients describe as a stinging and rubber snapping sensations. Overall the treatment itself is very tolerable and does not require the patients to be put under with general anesthesia.

CARING FOR YOUR SKIN AFTER FRAXEL PROCEDURE

Dr. Schwarzburg provides all of his patients with instructions that need to be closely followed to ensure a speedy and uneventful recovery. The intense application of laser energy causes coagulopathy of the upper and middle layer of the dermis, which manifests itself with dead skin sloughing off and new skin growing from below. During this delicate process, patients must be using non-irritating and non-comedogenic products during the 1st week. Dr. Schwarzburg recommends certain brands including L’Oreal, Vichy, La Roche-Posay that are suitable for sensitive skin. As the treated cutaneous layers peel off, it is imperative to not pick or scratch at the newly growing and healing skin. Harsh and irritating retinoic acid-containing creams as well as hydroquinone, AHAs, BHAs, and exfoliating scrubs should be completely discontinued until the skin has fully recovered. Dr. Schwarzburg also recommends staying away from smoking as it inhibits proper healing, as well as high-intensity workouts and excessive sweating as these activities will interfere with the regenerative process of growing new skin cells. 

Dr. Schwarzburg places an extra emphasis on protecting the newly grown skin layers from sun exposure, especially during the first 4 weeks. The melanocytes are extremely susceptible to ultraviolet radiation when there is little protection and the pigmentation can return with a vengeance if proper care is not taken. Hence, using a broad spectrum SPF 50 or higher is part of the recovery routine for the next 3 months. 

VERSATILITY OF FRAXEL DUAL LASER

Some patients require between 1 and 5 treatments for their optimal outcome; this amount depends on the severity of your skin problems and how well you respond to the laser. 

Fraxel Dual enables Dr. Schwarzburg to tailor laser settings to address each patients unique needs whether it’s severe solar dermatoelastosis, age-related lines and wrinkles, acne scarring or sun damage. Each of Fraxel Dual’s wavelengths can be used alone or in combination. When using exclusively Thulium 1927nm wavelength brown spots and freckles can be treated, but when Erbium 1550nm wavelength is applied it will primarily affect the appearance of wrinkles, scars and skin texture. Utilizing both options will produce the most comprehensive cosmetic results. 

An undeniable advantage of Fraxel laser is minimal social and medical downtime. Depending on the intensity of the treatment, the severity of skin discoloration and the number of brown age spots, a given skin area may only require as few as 2-3 treatments with 1927nm settings. Patients find it hard to believe that achieving spotless, smooth skin ridden with pigmentation-related damage a reality with a few sessions of fractionated laser treatments.  

COMBINING FRAXEL WITH OTHER FACIAL TREATMENTS

During, after, or before your appointment, you might also wish to get another facial rejuvenating treatment. Dermal fillers like Juvederm, or Botox treatment, can further help give the skin a plumper, younger, and more hydrated appearance. You can also turn to filler for facial contouring, such as correcting hollow undereyes or a weak chin, for a more flattering profile in addition to glowing skin. Secret RF fractional microneedling is another tool to deal with facial scarring and texture that you might want to look into in addition to lasering. 

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR FRAXEL LASERING?

For those of us with rough, bumpy skin that has been dealt damage through years of acne, sun damage, or the natural aging process, Fraxel lasering can be a great tool to restore more youthful and smooth skin. If you are otherwise healthy but have aesthetic skin issues such as liver spots, birthmarks, wrinkles, enlarged pores or acne scarring, you can find relief through Fraxel laser resurfacing.

Fraxel laser technology is best suited for patients with skin types Fitzpatrick I to III – essentially those with lighter skin types. The safety profile diminishes for those with darker skin tones and the frequency of complications increases proportionately. Patient with Fitzpatrick type IV and above are at risk of developing hyperpigmentation because of the way laser energy interacts with the pigment in the skin. 

While lasers are great for dealing with acne scars, those who have active acne should focus on treating it first before getting laser treatments, as acne can be exacerbated through lasers. Any active skin inflammation  If you have especially deep wrinkles, pronounced skin folds, or an excess of sagging skin, you will not be able to treat these successfully with Fraxel lasers. People with darker skin tones are at a risk for hyperpigmentation issues with Fraxel lasering, and should consider getting a chemical peel or eMatrix laser treatment.    

CAN I TREAT MELASMA WITH FRAXEL LASERING?

Melasma is a skin condition that results in dark spots and red patches forming on your face. Many people with melasma are frustrated with this condition and wonder if lasering will help. Unfortunately, the hyperpigmentation caused by melasma can actually be aggravated by laser treatments. Because of the risk of making it worse, it’s best you avoid Fraxel lasering. Talk to Dr. Schwarzburg in NYC about your options to make sure you are making the best decision for your skin.

HOW MANY FRAXEL LASER TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR BEST RESULTS?

Everybody’s skin is different. If you have dealt with acne – as many who turn to laser treatments do – you are probably very aware that, while certain treatments do wonders for some, they are wholly ineffective for others. Fraxel laser is a clinically proven and effective skin rejuvenating application, but some will respond better to it than others. 

When treating superficial lesions such as facial pigmentation related to sun damage or brown spots you may only have to undergo the procedure 1-3 times to achieve the best outcome. This is based on the science of Fraxel laser itself, where only a fraction of the skin is treated at a time. You can expect up to 30-50% of your total skin surface to be treated during one session, and up to 3 sessions may be needed to cover the entire face. Hence, one person might achieve their goals in one session, while somebody else might require up to 5. 

Textural issues and signs of aging, like wrinkles and scars, do require a bit more time and effort. The superficial thermolysis that breaks down pigmented lesions is a faster process than collagen buildup. Because acne scarring and wrinkles are directly related to the rate of collagen production it will take more time for collagen to build itself up for visible changes to manifest themselves. These issues might require 5 sessions, spaced apart by one month each. Secret RF microneedling is an alternative that can also be combined with Fraxel lasering to smooth and even out skin over a couple of months.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FRAXEL LASER TREATMENT AND OTHER SKIN RESURFACING LASERS?

Fraxel laser resurfacing is a non-ablative fractional laser treatment that treats microscopic areas of the skin with selective thermolysis (controlled heat damage) to only a fraction of the surrounding tissue. CO2 resurfacing lasers typically use fully ablative technology, which creates a large surface wound by vaporizing the outside layer of the skin (the epidermis) and heating up the dermis (the skin underneath). The ablation causes poorly controlled heat damage to the entire surface of the skin, which in turn stimulates the skin to regenerate with the help of new collagen and elastin production. This process causes the skin to become smoother and more even. The downside is that ablative lasers come with a lot of downtime, greater overall time to heal and a large list of potential complications. As a non-ablative laser, Fraxel laser is able to stimulate new collagen and elastin and improve the quality of the skin’s tone and texture with less recovery time and only pinpoint damage to the surrounding tissues.

HOW EXPENSIVE IS A FRAXEL LASER?

Many people are under the impression that a Fraxel laser treatment will cost them an arm and a leg – the truth is that, while it might not be in everybody’s budget, Fraxel lasering can actually be more affordable than you think. In New York, you can expect the price to range between $1200 and $2000 – but take into consideration how much money you spend on less effective topical cosmetic procedures to try to fix textural and pigmentation issues otherwise.

In 2020, a survey determined that 22% of people spent between $100 and $200 on skincare within the last 3 months. Over one year, or several, that price can really add up, and often only to result in less than stellar results. Similarly, a board-certified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist will probably charge more for a laser treatment; however, the quality of care and level of experience they provide will be worth it.

DOES FRAXEL LASER TREATMENT TIGHTEN THE SKIN AND MAKE IT FIRMER?

Fraxel is a clinically proven laser modality to improve chronic and acquired skin conditions that make patients’ faces appear older and unattractive. If you are looking to improve skin texture and tone, acne scars and surgical scars then Fraxel is an excellent choice to give your skin a new life. Fraxel is also a great tool for more superficial skin conditions such as sun-induced damage and hyperpigmentation.

Skin tightening is a complex concept that involves collagen and elastin buildup and excision or shrinking of excess skin. Our skin starts to lose its integrity under the influence of age, lifestyle and environmental factors leading to sagging or drooping. Skin tightening in essence means skin shrinking and this is a multifactorial process that depends on either resecting loose skin or making it contract through mechanical or thermal manipulation through collagen production. Fraxel doesn’t produce enough energy to safely and reliably tighten the skin. However, there will be a certain degree of tightening because the Fraxel laser does generate enough collagen to produce a mild tightening effect. 

PDO thread lifting and Ultherapy are two minimally invasive procedures that were designed to simultaneously lift and tighten the skin. PDO thread lifting utilizes barbed sutures to lift and shrink the skin over the course of a few months. Ultherapy, on the other hand, uses focused ultrasound energy to penetrate deep into the skin into the SMAS layer and tighten the skin via targeted microscarring. Many of Dr. Schwarzburg’s patients from New York choose to combine Fraxel with Ultherapy and PDO thread lifting to maximize their rejuvenation outcomes. 

FRAXEL LASER RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS

Compared to a fully ablative CO2 laser that essentially burns through the entire surface of the skin, Fraxel is a non-ablative laser with a mild side-effect profile. However, it is still a powerful laser that can result in significant damage to the skin if used inappropriately. Because Fraxel is such a potent laser, serious side effects can include hypertrophic scarring, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation and even infection. When patients have a history of hormonal or other acne breakouts, Dr. Schwarzburg may preventatively prescribe an oral antibiotic before or after your laser procedure. Those who had incidents of herpes simplex (cold sores) will be given Valtrex the day of the procedure to mitigate the chances of herpes outbreak. 

The most common mild side effect associated with Fraxel is rebound hyperpigmentation. As previously discussed Fraxel is the gold standard for treating hyperpigmentation, but if very high intensity is used or postcare instructions are not followed there’s a risk of hyperpigmentation worsening instead of getting better. That is the reason why Dr. Schwarzburg finds it imperative to use SPF 50 and above as well as specially formulated moisturizing cream that he provides to his NYC patients. A more serious side effect is unwanted skin scarring secondary to second or third-degree burns which can happen secondary to improperly selected treatment parameters. When the laser energy is too high for your skin type you can experience a deep skin burn with ensuing scarring and other serious sequelae. 

A retrospective study evaluating 960 successive Fraxel treatments with various skin phototypes reported the following complications: acneiform eruptions (1.87%), herpes simplex virus outbreaks (1.77%), and skin erosions (1.35%).

The risk of having any complications with Fraxel treatment is significantly diminished when the procedure is performed by a board certified and experienced doctor like Dr. Schwarzburg in New York. You should do your due diligence and research the provider who is going to be doing your laser resurfacing. Dr. Schwarzburg has been practicing cosmetic medicine for over a decade in NYC and has performed numerous Fraxel laser treatments and other minimally invasive procedures. 

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR FRAXEL TREATMENT

The expectations will vary depending on which of the Fraxel’s wavelengths were used during your operation. When 1927nm Thulium fiber is used for selective destruction of your sun spots, hyperpigmentation or other superficial lesions you will go through a few days of sunburn redness followed by 3-7 days of peeling, which resembles rough sandpaper. During this time it is crucial to keep your skin constantly moist to expedite the healing of the dermis and epidermis. Once you are fully healed, the lesions will be significantly less visible and your skin will be smoother to the touch, tighter, and exhibit a luminous glow.

When 1550nm Erbium setting is used for deeper penetration to address acne scarring, uneven skin texture or wrinkles you will notice mild erythema and swelling for a few days without significant skin sloughing. When thinner skin of the periorbital regions is treated with Fraxel you may get more than average swelling lasting 3-4 days making it hard to go to work or be around friends. In cases like that Dr. Scwarzburg will prescribe you a treatment with either oral NSAIDs or a short course of steroids to resolve the edema as quickly as possible. 

While this downtime may be an inconvenience and slightly uncomfortable to some, the results following will leave you with a more polished texture with minimized craters, allowing you to feel confident in your skin, alongside the additional benefits of making the application of makeup a breeze without bringing out the imperfections that were emphasized before your Fraxel treatment.

Regardless of which monochromatic wavelength is used, Dr. Schwarzburg strongly suggests staying away from harsh skincare products such as hydroquinone, retinoic acid, or any chemical peels during this recovery period. Sticking to gentle cleansers and moisturizers is the best course of action to ensure speedy healing. Moisturizing your skin is extremely important as Fraxel has the tendency to initially dry out the epidermis, making it rough to the touch – with consistent hydration, the healing process will be sped up and your skin will be left with a glossy lustrous glow!

Dr. Schwarzburg likes to remind his patients from New York that Fraxel laser is unique in that it allows to skip major social and medical downtime because of its advanced fractionated resurfacing technology. Most of Dr. Schwarzburg’s patients experience mild discomfort and tenderness during the first two days post-procedure which is readily alleviated by any of the NSAIDs such as Advil or Aleeve. 

HOW SOON WILL I SEE RESULTS AFTER FRAXEL LASER?  

Thanks to the state-of-the-art technology that serves as the foundation for Fraxel lasering you will start seeing results almost immediately. For the first few days, your face will be pink, red and swollen. As this fades away and new collagen and elastin start to grow, you will appreciate how your skin has fewer sunspots and unsightly indentations, smaller pores, and just looks more youthful and vibrant. Keep in mind that several treatments are usually needed to get the most impressive results and the most common protocol involves repeating the treatments every 4 to 6 weeks. 

HOW LONG DO FRAXEL RESULTS LAST?

One of the many advantages of Fraxel laser over other energy devices is the longevity of results. For example, you can expect your skin to be free of hyperpigmentation or sun spots for up to one year. If you get multiple treatments the effects are cumulative and can last even longer. It is important to remember that your lifestyle directly influences the results of Fraxel. If you resume spending a lot of time in the sun without adequate protection, hyperpigmentation can return and newly resurfaced skin will be covered with unattractive sunspots again. Applying SPF 50 and above is an absolute must in these circumstances. Once your Fraxel treatment protocol is complete, Dr. Schwarzburg advises his NYC patients to schedule maintenance sessions at least once a year to keep their skin brilliant and rejuvenated. 

WHAT IS FRAXEL LASER GOOD FOR?

Fraxel has established itself as an excellent skin resurfacing utility to approach various skin problems including excessive sun exposure and damage, uneven skin texture, dull complexion, fine lines and wrinkles and dilated pores. The advanced technology that Fraxel is based upon, reliably reduces the appearance of crow’s feet, brown spots, stretch marks to achieve rejuvenated and refreshed look. Because Fraxel is very versatile it can be used on any part of your body including face, neck, chest, hands, arms and legs. 

DOES FRAXEL TREAT ACNE?

One of the major indications for using Fraxel lasers is treating acne scars, whether they present as atrophic scars or hyperpigmented scars, but active acneic inflammation is actually a medical contraindication. Dr. Schwarzburg, one of the leading laser doctors in NYC, explains that once your acne outbreak is under control then Fraxel can be confidently used to treat acne scarring. 

There are various treatments for all types of acne including papular acne, pustular-cystic acne and comedones (whiteheads and blackheads). For mild cases topical antibiotics such as erythromycin and clindamycin) and for more severe cases oral antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline or Accutane are used. Numerous skincare products are also used to help fight acne including salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid. 

Consult with Dr. Schwarzburg prior to your Fraxel procedure in NYC to fully assess your skin and medical history and devise the best treatment plan.

IS FRAXEL REALLY WORTH IT?

Acne is one of the most ravaging dermatologic disorders because its effects are felt throughout the active acne phase and post-acne period. Not only do you have to suffer through active inflammatory phase with breakouts, redness, pimples and zits, but also need to deal with the sequela of acne with unsightly acne scars. Acne scars form when the infection travels deep into the dermis disrupting normal skin architecture. Presenting as atrophic or depressed scars takes a toll on both your physical appearance and self-confidence. Sometimes the fight against the sequela of acne consumes us to such a degree that everything starts to revolve around it. 

Acne marks force us to take selfies only at certain angles, apply a ton of concealer and foundation, and avoid social gatherings and dating. We also tend to spend an enormous amount of money on skincare that promises to erase acne scars but results in no improvement at all after months of religiously using it. If that sounds too familiar to you then you are definitely not alone. Winning a battle against acne scarring requires a combination of proven medical technology and competent medical professionals who understand the etiology of the problem and have sufficient experience to treat it. 

This is where Fraxel laser enters the stage with patients singing accolades about the effects Fraxel had on their lives and self-esteem. Fraxel resurfacing has proved its worth time and time again for numerous patients. Having decades’ worth of acne scarring disappear over the course of 6 months of interval Fraxel treatments is a testament to its clinical excellence and worthiness.    

The amazing transformations that patients experience include erasing not only acne scars, but also sun spots, fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks and so many other skin problems. 

Fraxel is an incredible cosmetic laser treatment that has proved itself as an indispensable tool to successfully fight the impact of prolonged sun exposure and inadequate skincare to reveal new and beautiful skin free of blemishes and imperfections. Based on reliable sources, medical experts, and patient feedback on RealSelf, Fraxel has glowing reviews demonstrating an incredible 86% patient satisfaction. As the resurfacing process harnesses the dermal healing process it is known to leave patients with a fresher and younger looking face with continuous improvement over the course of several months. In addition, this tried-and-true treatment has the added benefit of minimal downtime or risks, which is constantly emphasized by patients happy to be able to return to their regular routine within only a few days post-treatment. Based on the evident overall satisfaction demonstrated in these patient feedbacks, is it safe to say that yes, Fraxel is worth it!

WHAT IS ABLATIVE AND NON-ABLATIVE LASER RESURFACING?

Laser resurfacing is also referred to as lasabrasion, laser peels, or laser vaporization. It is based on the idea of targeted photothermolysis or simply utilizing photons in a laser beam to break up the cells through heat energy. When both the epidermis and dermis are selectively affected it results in the reorganization and strengthening of the collagen bundles in addition to epidermal regeneration to rejuvenate the skin. 

CO2 laser resurfacing involves the precise use of intense laser energy to remove damaged cells from the outer layers of the skin and leave only a narrow zone of thermal necrosis. Because the rate and depth of vaporization are accurately controlled, it allows scorch-free skin resurfacing. Ablative CO2 laser resurfacing goes deeper into the skin and removes the epidermis in its entirety and superficial dermis. This process activates fibroblasts which migrate to the surface of the skin and lay out new skin matrix. The subsequent formation of collagen and elastin fibers translates into firmer and tighter skin. With truly ablative CO2 laser resurfacing, recovery time can take several weeks because of the significant area that needs to be re-epithelialized. 

Non-ablative Fraxel laser resurfacing takes advantage of the 1550nm wavelength and its primary chromophore is water. Fraxel’s revolutionary guidance system delivers and distributes 150 to 250 microthermal wounds/cm2. The diameter of these microthermal zones ranges from 30 to 70 um and the depth of penetration is up to 700um. The densities utilized with this laser range from 400 to 4000 microthermal zones/cm2. By creating microzones of thermal damage surrounded by zones of normal healthy tissue, the Fraxel laser causes the optimum balance between selective photothermolysis and wound regenerative capacity. This balance, achieved through Fraxel’s unique patented process, allows for maximum skin remodeling to occur with minimal postoperative downtime. Because the intensity is not as high as with an ablative laser, it may require more than just one session for optimal results. In return, you will be left with minimal downtime and recovery, making the nonablative Fraxel recovery preferable for most.

WHO SHOULD PERFORM FRAXEL LASER RESURFACING – A DOCTOR OR AN ESTHETICIAN?

Getting your Fraxel laser treatment administered by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist is typically preferred as they were properly trained and acquired extensive experience in skin and laser treatment. Before you schedule an appointment please take time to do extensive research on your practitioner to ensure that they have all the necessary qualifications to carry out the procedure. Dr. Schwarzburg is one of the few Fraxel doctors in New York who understands all the intricacies of this advanced procedure and knows how to avoid unwanted side effects. While the services of a doctor may cost you more money always remember that it is your face you are dealing with and that if anything goes wrong it will be harder to reverse in the hands of a low qualified provider. 

HOW DOES LASER RESURFACING WORK TO MAKE SKIN LOOK YOUNGER?

Laser resurfacing works with the use of microbeams of laser energy to create controlled damage to certain areas of the skin. During this process, thin layers of damaged skin cells will be eliminated and new collagen, elastin, and healthy tissue is produced. Ultimately this process results in smoother and more even-toned skin. In addition, the health of your skin can be improved as sun damaged and pre-cancerous skin cells are removed during laser resurfacing.

WHEN WILL I SEE MY FRAXEL LASER RESULTS?

One of the major advantages of Fraxel laser treatment is that the results are visible within a short period of time, you likely won’t be able to make out the outcome for the first two days because of post-treatment redness. Within a week, your skin will appear brighter and more even in tone and texture. If you were dealing with more severe issues pre-treatment, you may need to schedule multiple treatments, a month apart each, to achieve your facial rejuvenation goals. You can schedule a follow-up visit a few weeks after your Fraxel treatment to check in with your provider about your state of satisfaction with your skin, and discuss any additional progress you would like to see. 

GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR FRAXEL LASER TREATMENT

If you’ve been struggling with hyperpigmentation, sun spots, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, then a Fraxel treatment at Skinly Aesthetics located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, is your new go-to. Operated by board certified cosmetic physician, Dr. Schwarzburg, you can discuss all of your aesthetic goals with him personally to get your individualized and optimized treatment plan during your consultation. 

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Schwarzburg, who specializes in minimally invasive aesthetic procedures and laser medicine, you can contact us via text or call at (212) 774-4264, or email the clinic at info@skinlyaesthetics.com.