Please note: Kliniek het Bolwerk does not carry out this treatment

The Fraxel laser treatment is not performed at Kliniek het Bolwerk. This treatment is performed by our colleagues at Laser Centrum. This page is intended as general information within the knowledge base.

What is a Fraxel laser treatment?

A Fraxel laser treatment is a non-invasive treatment that renews the skin by means of a fractional laser. This means that the laser beam treats the skin in thousands of microscopically small zones, while the surrounding tissue stays intact. This allows the skin to heal faster and the skin concerns to be treated without a long recovery time. The laser penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin to remove damaged skin cells and at the same time stimulates the production of new collagen.

Fraxel is used to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles and fade scars (such as acne scars). It can be applied to various parts of the body, including the face, neck, décolletage and hands. The treatment is suitable for almost every skin type and offers long-lasting results.

Who is a Fraxel laser treatment suitable for?

A Fraxel laser treatment is suitable for people with a wide range of skin concerns, such as:

Fine lines and wrinkles: Fraxel stimulates collagen production, giving smoother and firmer skin.
Acne scars or other scars: the treatment can fade scars by improving skin texture.
Pigmentation spots and sun damage: Fraxel can reduce pigmentation spots and create a more even skin tone.
Enlarged pores: the skin is refined, giving a smoother skin surface.
Skin ageing: Fraxel can help restore the firmness and elasticity of the skin, resulting in younger-looking skin.

Fraxel is especially popular among people who want effective skin rejuvenation without a long recovery time. It is suitable for people who want to rejuvenate their skin without surgery and is a safe option for various skin types.

How does a Fraxel laser treatment work?

During a Fraxel laser treatment, a fractional laser is used that makes thousands of tiny microscopic perforations in the skin. These small treatment zones penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, where they stimulate the skin to replace damaged cells with new, healthy skin cells. The result is an improved skin texture and radiant, fresh skin.

The treatment is based on the principle of fractional photothermolysis. This means that only a small part of the skin is treated at a time, while the surrounding tissue remains untouched. This stimulates the skin's natural healing process, so the recovery time is shorter than with traditional laser treatments.

The procedure itself usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the area to be treated. A numbing cream is often applied before the treatment to increase comfort. After the treatment the skin feels warm and some redness may occur, similar to mild sunburn.

Benefits of a Fraxel laser treatment

A Fraxel laser treatment offers many benefits for people looking to improve their skin:

Skin rejuvenation: Fraxel helps remove damaged skin cells and stimulates the production of new collagen, leading to younger, smoother skin.
Reduction of pigmentation spots: the laser can effectively treat dark spots and hyperpigmentation, giving a more even complexion.
Improvement of scars: whether it concerns acne scars or surgical scars, Fraxel can smooth the skin texture and reduce the visibility of scars.
Short recovery time: because Fraxel treats only part of the skin, the recovery time is relatively short. Most patients can quickly resume their normal activities.
Suitable for all skin types: Fraxel is safe for various skin types and can be adapted to the patient's specific needs.
Natural results: the skin improvement after Fraxel happens gradually, giving subtle but noticeable results.

Recovery after a Fraxel laser treatment

Recovery after a Fraxel laser treatment depends on the intensity of the treatment and the area treated. Straight after the treatment, the skin may be red and slightly swollen, similar to mild sunburn. This usually disappears within a few days. During this time the skin may flake a little while the renewal process takes place.

It is important to keep the skin well hydrated and to protect it from the sun with a sunscreen with a high SPF. This helps maintain the results of the treatment and prevent further damage to the skin.

The full results of a Fraxel treatment usually become visible after a few weeks to months, depending on the degree of skin renewal and collagen production. For optimal results, several treatments may be needed, usually at intervals of four to six weeks.

Difference between a Fraxel laser treatment and other laser treatments

Unlike traditional lasers that treat the entire skin surface, a Fraxel laser works fractionally. This means that only part of the skin is treated in each session, which considerably shortens the recovery time. Fraxel offers the benefits of in-depth skin rejuvenation without the long recovery time associated with more aggressive lasers such as CO2 lasers.

In addition, Fraxel is more versatile than many other lasers, because it can be used for various skin concerns such as fine lines, pigmentation spots, scars and general skin ageing. The treatment can also be adapted to the patient's specific needs and skin condition, making it a safe and effective option for many skin types.