Top Fraxel Professionals in Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions About Fraxel

What is Fraxel and how does it work?

Fraxel is a brand of fractional laser resurfacing that treats tiny “fractions” of the skin at a time, leaving surrounding tissue intact to speed healing. The laser creates thousands of microscopic columns of controlled thermal injury in the skin, which stimulates a natural wound‑healing response and boosts new collagen and elastin production over time.

Fractional lasers have been shown in multiple clinical studies on skin rejuvenation to improve fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and overall texture with less downtime than older fully ablative lasers.

Fraxel devices come in different wavelengths (most commonly 1550 nm and 1927 nm) that can target deeper dermal structures for wrinkles and scars, or more superficial layers for sun damage and pigmentation. Your provider will select settings based on your concerns and skin type.

What skin concerns can Fraxel treat?

Fraxel is used to improve a range of photoaging and texture issues, including:

• Fine lines and mild to moderate wrinkles
• Sun damage and uneven pigmentation (sun spots, age spots)
• Melasma (in carefully selected cases and protocols)
• Acne scars and other atrophic scars
• Rough texture and enlarged pores
• Actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions) with certain Fraxel wavelengths

Studies of fractional non‑ablative lasers show significant improvement in acne scars and photodamaged skin after a series of treatments, with relatively low risk when performed by trained professionals.

What are the common treatment areas for Fraxel?

Because Fraxel is a general laser technology (not tied to a single body area), it can be used on multiple regions, including:

• Face – forehead, cheeks, temples, nose, upper lip, chin
• Periorbital area – around the eyes (for fine lines and crepey skin, when appropriate settings are used)
• Neck – for texture and mild laxity (often at lower settings than the face)
• Chest (décolletage) – sun damage, mottled pigmentation, fine lines
• Hands and forearms – sun spots, rough texture
• Scars on body areas – such as surgical or traumatic scars on the trunk or extremities

Your provider will determine which areas are safe to treat in one session based on your skin type, goals, and downtime tolerance.

What happens during a Fraxel treatment session?

A typical Fraxel session includes:

1. Consultation and photos – Your provider assesses your skin, reviews medical history, and takes baseline photos.
2. Cleansing and numbing – The skin is cleansed and a topical anesthetic cream is applied for 30–60 minutes to reduce discomfort.
3. Eye protection – Metal or adhesive eye shields are used as required for laser safety.
4. Laser treatment – The Fraxel handpiece is passed over the skin in a grid‑like pattern. You may feel heat and a prickling or rubber‑band snapping sensation.
5. Cooling and post‑care – Cooling packs or air may be applied immediately after. A bland moisturizer and sunscreen are typically applied before you leave.

Most face treatments take 15–30 minutes once numbing is complete. Mild to moderate discomfort is common; stronger settings typically feel more intense.

What is the downtime and recovery like after Fraxel?

Recovery depends on the specific Fraxel device and settings (non‑ablative vs more aggressive protocols), but generally follows this pattern for facial treatments:

• Day 0–1: Redness, warmth, and swelling similar to a sunburn.
• Days 2–4: Bronzing or “sandpaper” texture as microscopic treatment zones surface; skin may feel tight or itchy.
• Days 4–7: Flaking and peeling as old skin sheds; makeup can usually be worn after 3–4 days if the skin surface is intact.
• Weeks 2–4: Pinkness gradually fades; texture and tone continue to improve.

According to clinical guidance on fractional resurfacing, most people can resume normal activities in a few days, but full collagen remodeling and final results can take 3–6 months.

Strict sun protection (broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ and avoidance of direct sun) is essential during healing to prevent pigmentation changes.

What are the risks and side effects of Fraxel?

When performed by a qualified provider, Fraxel is generally safe, but all laser procedures carry risks. Common, usually temporary side effects include:

• Redness, swelling, and warmth
• Dryness, flaking, and mild discomfort
• Bronzing or darkening of treated skin before peeling

Less common but more serious risks include:

• Post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or hypopigmentation, especially in darker skin tones
• Prolonged redness or swelling
• Infection, including bacterial or viral (e.g., herpes simplex reactivation)
• Scarring or textural changes
• Acne or milia flares from occlusive products during healing

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that laser resurfacing should be carefully tailored to skin type and medical history to minimize complications. Pre‑treatment antivirals, pigment‑suppressing creams, and careful aftercare may be recommended for higher‑risk patients.

Always follow your provider’s pre‑ and post‑treatment instructions and report any signs of infection (worsening pain, pus, fever) or unexpected changes promptly.

How many Fraxel treatments will I need and how long do results last?

The number of sessions depends on your concerns, skin type, and the aggressiveness of each treatment:

• Sun damage, uneven tone, mild texture: 2–3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart
• Acne scars or deeper wrinkles: 3–5 sessions or more, depending on severity

Studies of fractional non‑ablative lasers show progressive improvement over multiple sessions, with continued collagen remodeling for several months after the final treatment.

Results are long‑lasting but not “permanent” because skin continues to age and accumulate sun damage. With good sun protection and skincare, many people maintain results for several years, sometimes with annual maintenance treatments.

Who is a good candidate for Fraxel?

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have fine lines, mild to moderate wrinkles, sun damage, or acne scars
• Are willing to tolerate several days of social downtime
• Do not have active skin infections, open wounds, or uncontrolled inflammatory skin conditions in the treatment area
• Are not currently on isotretinoin and have not taken it in the recent past (your provider will follow current guidelines)
• Have realistic expectations about gradual, not instant, improvement

Fractional non‑ablative lasers like Fraxel can be used on a variety of skin types, but darker skin tones require especially cautious settings and pre‑/post‑treatment protocols to reduce the risk of pigmentation changes, as highlighted in guidance on lasers in skin of color. A thorough consultation is essential.

How much does Fraxel cost in Chicago?

Fraxel pricing in Chicago can vary widely based on:

• The specific Fraxel device and settings used
• Size of the treatment area (full face vs small area or body region)
• The experience and specialty of the provider
• Whether treatments are sold as single sessions or packages

In many U.S. markets, a full‑face Fraxel session may range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per treatment, but local pricing in Chicago may be higher or lower. Because Fraxel is considered cosmetic, it is typically not covered by insurance.

During your consultation, ask for:

• A written quote per session
• Package pricing if multiple treatments are recommended
• Details on what is included (follow‑up visits, post‑care products, touch‑ups)

Who can administer Fraxel in Chicago?

Regulations vary by jurisdiction, but in most areas, Fraxel and similar medical‑grade lasers are classified as medical procedures and must be performed under the supervision of a licensed physician. Typically, providers may include:

• Board‑certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons – often considered the gold standard for laser resurfacing due to extensive training in skin anatomy and laser safety
• Other licensed physicians (e.g., facial plastic surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons) with documented laser training
• Physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) – when properly trained and operating under a supervising physician, depending on local scope‑of‑practice laws
• Registered nurses or licensed laser technicians – in some regions, they may perform laser treatments only under a physician’s delegation and onsite or offsite supervision

Many state medical boards in the U.S. specify that physicians are responsible for appropriate delegation and supervision of laser and light‑based procedures. To stay safe in Chicago, you should:

• Confirm that a licensed physician (ideally board‑certified in dermatology or plastic surgery) oversees the practice
• Ask who will actually perform your treatment and what their training and credentials are
• Ensure the facility follows laser safety standards and uses FDA‑cleared devices

Always be cautious of non‑medical spas offering Fraxel‑type treatments with minimal physician involvement.

How should I prepare for a Fraxel treatment?

Your provider will give specific instructions, but common recommendations include:

• Avoid sun exposure and tanning (including self‑tanners) for at least 2–4 weeks before treatment
• Stop retinoids and exfoliants a few days before, unless instructed otherwise
• Disclose all medications and supplements, especially those that increase photosensitivity or bleeding risk
• Inform your provider of cold sore history; antiviral medication may be prescribed to prevent outbreaks
• Avoid waxing, peels, and other procedures on the treatment area shortly before your session

Following a structured pre‑treatment regimen helps reduce complications like hyperpigmentation and supports better healing, as discussed in professional laser resurfacing guidelines.

How do I choose a Fraxel provider in Chicago?

To find a qualified Fraxel provider in Chicago:

• Look for board‑certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons with extensive laser experience
• Verify board certification through recognized boards (e.g., American Board of Dermatology, American Board of Plastic Surgery or your country’s equivalent)
• Ask how many Fraxel or fractional laser procedures they perform per month and request to see before‑and‑after photos of patients with similar skin types and concerns
• Confirm they use authentic, FDA‑cleared Fraxel devices and follow proper safety protocols
• Read independent reviews and, if possible, get referrals from trusted healthcare professionals

A thorough in‑person consultation, during which risks, benefits, alternatives, and aftercare are clearly explained, is an important marker of a reputable practice.

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology – Laser skin resurfacing overview
• “Fractional Photothermolysis for Skin Rejuvenation” – Dermatologic Surgery (PubMed)
• “Fractional Nonablative Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scarring” – Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy (PubMed)
• “Laser therapy in skin of color: A review” – Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (PubMed)
• Federation of State Medical Boards – Guidelines for the Oversight of Medical Spa and Cosmetic Procedures

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Williams, January 3, 2025