Fraxel FTX
Non-ablative fractional laser resurfacing, 1550 nm and 1927 nm
Fraxel FTX is the newest generation of the Fraxel laser. Its two wavelengths treat sun damage, brown spots, fine lines, acne scars and precancerous spots while stimulating skin renewal below the surface, with a few days of downtime rather than weeks. It is the treatment Dr. Nawas points to when she says looking better and being healthier should be the same appointment.
What it treats
Is this for you?
- Sun damage on the face, neck, chest and hands
- Brown spots and uneven tone
- Fine lines and crepey texture
- Acne scars and surgical scars
- Enlarged pores and rough texture
- Actinic keratoses, the rough precancerous spots
- Melasma, cautiously as part of a plan
How it works
What is actually happening.
Fraxel treats thousands of tiny columns of skin while leaving the surrounding skin untouched, which allows faster healing. The 1927 nm wavelength targets more superficial sun damage and pigment, while the 1550 nm wavelength reaches deeper to improve texture, scars and fine lines.
There may also be a medical benefit. In one study of patients who had already had a facial skin cancer, those treated with a non-ablative fractional laser developed about 50% fewer new facial skin cancers over the following years.
Your visit
What the appointment is like.
Prepare
Dr. Nawas reviews your skin type, history of cold sores and any tendency toward pigmentation, then selects the wavelengths and settings for your treatment.
Numb
A strong topical numbing cream is applied for about 45 to 60 minutes.
Treat
Protective eye shields are placed, cool air helps with comfort, and the handpiece passes across the skin in a series of overlapping passes. A full-face treatment usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes and feels like prickling heat.
Recover
The skin may feel sunburned for a few hours, followed by bronzing, dryness and flaking over the next several days. Pigment may improve after one or two treatments, while texture and acne scars often require a series of treatments.
Before and after your appointment
Simple preparation, simple recovery.
Before
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and self-tanner on the treatment area for four weeks beforehand. Laser treatment should not be performed on tanned skin.
- Stop retinoids and exfoliating acids five to seven days before treatment.
- If you have a history of cold sores, Dr. Nawas may prescribe an antiviral to start before treatment.
- If you have an important event, schedule your treatment about four weeks beforehand to allow the skin to fully settle.
Afterward
- Days 1 to 2: use cool compresses and a bland moisturizer or healing ointment as needed. Keep your head elevated at night and avoid makeup for the first 24 hours.
- Days 3 to 7: the skin may develop a bronzed, dry, sandpaper-like texture as treated skin sheds. Moisturize well and do not pick or scrub.
- Use SPF 30 or higher every day, reapply when outdoors, and wear a hat for the first month.
- Restart retinoids once the skin is fully healed, usually after about two weeks. If you are doing a treatment series, the next session is typically scheduled about four weeks later.
Pricing
Published in advance, like everything else here.
Every price is per session. The face is the most common treatment, and combined areas are listed last.
| Service | Per session |
|---|---|
| FaceHairline to jawline, including under the eyes | $1,800 |
| Under eyesUnder-eye area down to the cheek, both eyes | $750 |
| NeckJawline to collarbones | $1,000 |
| ChestCollarbones to the middle of the breastbone | $1,200 |
| Upper armsOuter arm, shoulder to elbow. The inner arm and underarm are not treated. | $1,000 |
| ForearmsElbow to wrist | $1,000 |
| HandsWrist to fingertips | $750 |
| LegsKnee to ankle | $1,500 |
| ScalpFull scalp | $1,000 |
| ScarPriced by size | Up to $1,000 |
| Face and neckHairline to collarbones | $2,500 |
| Neck and chestJawline to the middle of the breastbone, the V of the neckline | $2,200 |
| Forearms and handsElbow to fingertips | $1,500 |
| Full armsShoulder to fingertips | $2,000 |
Estimates for planning. Dr. Nawas confirms your exact plan and price at the consultation, and you pay only for what is used. Cosmetic care is not billed to insurance. How insurance, superbills and financing work here.
Good to know
Questions patients ask.
Does it hurt?
With numbing cream, most patients describe the treatment as warm prickling or heat. Cooling from the handpiece and cold air during treatment help make it more comfortable.
Can darker skin be treated?
Yes. Fraxel can be used in darker skin tones with carefully selected settings, appropriate preparation and strict sun protection. Dr. Nawas will assess your skin type and concern first and recommend another approach if it would be safer or more effective.
How many sessions will I need?
Brown spots and sun damage may improve after 1 to 3 treatments. Texture, fine lines and scars often benefit from a series of treatments, with the number and spacing tailored to your skin and treatment goals.
Related procedures
Often planned together.
Next step
Ready when you are.
Sun damage, texture and scars, resurfaced with a laser Dr. Nawas has used for years.
New to ZN Dermatology? Choose a consultation appointment: the depth, the wavelength and the downtime are chosen for your skin type and your calendar. Because numbing cream needs time to work, the session is usually scheduled as its own visit soon after.