Fractional Laser Skin Treatment
Fractional laser treatments are becoming increasingly popular in dermatology clinics around the country. Even the most cared for skin will show signs of aging, and over time, its color and texture will change. Fractional lasers, also known as fraxel treatments, can lessen the appearance of aging on your face, neck, chest, arms, and hands. The result is a brighter, more youthful complexion.
Fraxel laser treatments are based on “fractional” skin repair. Treating only a fraction of your skin’s surface at a time, the laser provides optimal results without the potential risks and side effects of the other resurfacing lasers. The fraxel laser cuts down on required healing time, and fractional laser resurfacing treatments can blend the appearance of uneven skin tone. This will improve your skin’s texture, including fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars.
What to Expect from Fraxel Treatments
Each fractional laser resurfacing session lasts about 2 hours, including prep time, and it is designed to target between 15 percent and 20 percent of your skin’s surface. Anywhere from one to six sessions are required, depending on the desired results and the type of Fraxel laser used. Most treatments are spaced three to eight weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and to target various parts of the hair growth cycle.
The procedure is performed with a topical anesthetic and pain medication. The pain is often compared to the sensation of a bee sting, but if you are worried about your personal pain tolerance, talk to your dermatologist. In some cases, patients may be provided with antibiotic and anti-viral medications to prevent possible infection. Your skin will appear pinkish and swollen for several days after the procedure. Some of the fractionated lasers produce pinpoint bleeding for 1-2 days, but your doctor will warn you if this is a risk. Most patients can wear makeup 5-7 days after treatment, and you’ll notice the improvement in three to six months.
Fraxel Treatment Side Effects
Fraxel laser treatment side effects are typically minimal. Some patients may experience redness, swelling, and/or itching. In very rare cases, patients may develop an infection, and some people may see a temporary change in their skin color, also known as hyperpigmentation. Fractional laser resurfacing can also pose a slight risk of scarring, but this is very rare.
Your Skin's too Important to Leave to Chance
Zel Skin & Laser Specialists was the first clinic in Minnesota to offer fractionated laser treatments. Our medically-trained staff has extensive experience using this Fraxel laser technology. We are a dermatologist-owned, dermatologist directed skin care clinic, led by Dr. Brian Zelickson. Our goal is to help you look good and feel good too by working with you to achieve and maintain your skin’s best appearance.
Contact us to schedule a consultation today at our Edina location.
*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.
Before / After
*Results may vary per patient.
Zel Skin & Laser Specialists – Plymouth ★★★★★ on Google5:27pm
Felt COvid safe ... always a great experience working with professionals
Dr. Zelickson is thorough and patiently attentive to my concerns. Such a great practice and so easy to deal with. A great emphasis on safety during this pandemic which I really appreciate.
Brian brings a unique combination of medical science, clinical expertise, integrity and compassion to his patients. He provides the latest technology available in the field of dermatology but with a personalized touch for each patient. He is highly respected by his colleagues throughout the country for his expertise and sincerity.
Everyone I have met at Zel is amazing!
It is rare to find a dermatologist who is as knowledgeable about the many facets of clinical and cosmetic dermatology as Dr. Zelickson. Because of his knowledge and honesty, doctors worldwide know they can depend on his assessment of new therapies, procedures and medical devices. This, in turn, has made him a much sought–after speaker for the plethora of professional medical society meetings and engagements that we have throughout the year. I am honored to know Dr. Zelickson and consider him a friend to the profession.
Dr. Brian Zelickson was one of our initial Thermage investigators and helped us understand the mechanisms of non–invasive skin tightening. He is a renowned expert on how collagen can affect skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of this country’s leading laser experts. Not only is he unparalleled as a laser surgeon, it is not an exaggeration to state that his superb research helps determine the future of dermatologic laser surgery.
Dr. Zelickson is a highly regarded skin/light expert in our industry. When Candela looks for both medical and scientific advice for new laser applications, we often turn to him for his counsel. The input he provides us always starts with patient safety and satisfaction. We feel fortunate to be able to tap into Brian as an independent resource. The patients who are treated with Candela devices are often the beneficiaries of Brian’s input to us.
Most patients prefer seeing a doctor who is known for a particular specialty or procedure, but all patients want to see the doctor who invented the procedure or therapy. Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the most respected physicians in the field of cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine. He has lectured around the world and is one of the most sought–after speakers for all major meetings in dermatology.
I would rate Dr. Zelickson's clinic 10 stars!
We have felt honored to have Dr. Brian Zelickson, a world–renowned dermatologist who is distinguished as a high–quality care physician, serving as the investigator evaluating Syneron non–invasive skin tightening technology
I trained with Dr. Zelickson at Mayo Clinic, and I found him to be a very bright and creative dermatologist and scientist. Later, he was our best advisor when we set up our clinic in the Basque Country in Spain. I call him the ‘paparazzi of dermatology.’ His contribution to our speciality is probably among the best of this century.
Tuve la suerte de conocer al Dr. Brian Zelickson en Minneapolis hace muchos anos y desde entonces acudo regularmente a compartir sus conocimientos. Es un científico honrado, brillante, creativo e innovador. Nunca deja de sorprenderte agradablemente.
Dr. Zelickson is a very well–respected dermatologist, not only in the U.S., but also in Europe. He is famous for being the author of relevant dermatological studies published in many prestigious medical journals and for the improvements he’s made on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that are being used by dermatologists all over the world.
Our view from Europe of Dr. Brian Zelickson is that he is one of the leading four or five U.S. laser dermatologists. His research contributions, his superb lectures and his expert knowledge of laser skin surgery make him a valued friend, colleague and guest.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in cutaneous laser surgery. He has performed groundbreaking research over the past decade, advancing the field as well as expertly providing the most up–to–date laser treatments for his patients.
Brian Zelickson is a world–renowned laser expert who helps develop the lasers and treatment parameters used by the rest of the world. He is where others turn to learn the latest techniques in laser surgery. If you want the best treatment available, delivering the best results in the safest environment available, there is no need to look anywhere else.
I have met many laser experts in my 20 years of teaching, lecturing and running a busy practice. There is no one who I respect more than Brian. If I have a clinical question or research idea, Brian is one of the few individuals I call, as I know I can count on his intellect, integrity and common sense.
Dr. Zelickson is one of America’s most knowledgeable laser experts. He has done pioneering work with many of the laser and light–based technologies developed in the world over the last 10 years. He is a giant in the field.
Dr. Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in the field of lasers for the treatment of the skin. His many years experience in treating thousands of patients with lasers and other medical devices makes him one of the most sought–after doctors in this field. Innovation and caring are his trademarks.