What Fraxel Laser Does for Fine Lines and Scars

Fraxel is one of the most recognized names in laser resurfacing, and it has earned that reputation by consistently delivering meaningful results for a wide range of skin concerns. Unlike gentler maintenance lasers, Fraxel targets deeper textural issues like acne scarring, sun damage, and more established lines. It requires more commitment in terms of downtime (5 to 7 days) than lighter options, but for many people the visible improvement in skin quality justifies the investment. With more than a decade of clinical evidence behind it, Fraxel remains a trusted workhorse in the laser resurfacing category.

How It Works

Fraxel is a fractional laser that treats a fraction of the skin's surface at a time while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This fractional approach accelerates healing because the untreated skin acts as a scaffold for recovery.

The laser creates thousands of microscopic columns of thermal energy that penetrate into the dermis, triggering an intensive wound-healing response. This response builds new collagen and replaces damaged tissue with healthier, more evenly structured skin. The Fraxel Dual system combines two wavelengths: the 1550nm wavelength penetrates deeper for structural concerns like scarring and wrinkles, while the 1927nm wavelength targets shallower issues like pigmentation and sun damage.

Your provider will customize the energy level, density, and number of passes based on your specific goals. A single full-face session typically takes 20 to 30 minutes of active treatment time, and most treatment plans involve a series of 3 to 5 sessions spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart.

What It May Help With

• Appearance of fine lines and deeper texture changes: the creasing and roughness that develops across the face over time, particularly around the eyes and mouth
• Appearance of acne scarring: the shallow to moderate depressed scars (rolling, boxcar, or ice-pick) that remain after breakouts have resolved
• Appearance of sun damage: the discoloration, rough texture, and mottled pigmentation from cumulative UV exposure
• Appearance of uneven skin tone: the blotchy, inconsistent coloring that makes the complexion look tired or aged
• Appearance of overall skin quality: the general loss of smoothness, luminosity, and firmness that lighter treatments cannot fully address

Good Candidates

People who tend to see the best results from Fraxel are those with moderate textural concerns who want meaningful improvement but prefer a less aggressive approach than fractional CO2 laser. It is a particularly strong choice for individuals in their thirties through fifties dealing with accumulated sun damage or mild to moderate acne scarring.

Fraxel works well for Fitzpatrick skin types I through III, and experienced providers can treat type IV with adjusted settings and careful monitoring. Those with very deep scarring may need to consider more intensive options like fractional CO2. People taking isotretinoin (Accutane) should wait at least 6 months after their last dose before treatment. Active breakouts, cold sore history (which may require antiviral medication beforehand), and recent sun exposure should all be discussed during consultation.

Pros and Considerations

Benefits:

• Delivers meaningful improvement in texture, tone, and scarring with a well-established safety profile
• Customizable settings allow your provider to balance intensity with recovery time
• Non-ablative approach means faster healing than CO2 laser
• Dual wavelength system addresses both structural and pigmentation concerns in one session
• Extensive clinical research supports its effectiveness

Things to weigh:

• Requires 5 to 7 days of visible downtime with redness, swelling, and peeling
• Typically needs 3 to 5 sessions for optimal results, making it a time and financial commitment
• Cost ranges from $800 to $2,000 per session in the GTA
• Mild to moderate discomfort during treatment despite numbing
• Risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for darker skin tones

What a Session Looks Like

1. Consultation. Your provider assesses your skin concerns, reviews your medical and skincare history, and creates a treatment plan. They will discuss the recommended number of sessions, expected results, and how Fraxel compares to other resurfacing options for your specific goals.

2. Preparation. A topical anesthetic cream is applied 45 to 60 minutes before treatment. This step is important because Fraxel is more intense than lighter fractional lasers like Clear + Brilliant. Some providers also recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever beforehand.

3. Procedure. The Fraxel handpiece is guided across the treatment area in a systematic pattern. You will feel heat and a prickling sensation; some areas (particularly around the nose and forehead) may be more sensitive than others. A full-face treatment takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

4. Wrap-up. Cool compresses and a soothing ointment are applied immediately after. Your provider will give you a detailed recovery plan that includes specific products to use, activities to avoid, and a timeline for what to expect over the coming days.

Recovery and Results

Fraxel involves more significant downtime than gentle fractional lasers. Immediately after treatment, the skin appears red and swollen, similar to a sunburn. Over the next 3 to 5 days, the skin develops a bronzed, rough texture as the micro-columns of treated tissue work their way to the surface. Peeling and flaking are normal during this phase.

Most people feel comfortable returning to their regular activities and wearing makeup by day 5 to 7. Redness may linger as a subtle pinkness for a week or two beyond that, but it is easily concealed with tinted moisturizer or foundation.

The real results emerge over the following weeks and months as new collagen remodels the treated areas. Many people notice a visible improvement in texture, tone, and smoothness within 2 to 3 weeks, with continued refinement over 2 to 3 months. For optimal results, most providers recommend a series of 3 to 5 sessions. Each session builds on the last, producing cumulative improvement that becomes more pronounced over time.

Questions to Ask Your Provider

• How many Fraxel sessions will I need for my specific concerns? The number of treatments varies significantly based on the depth of scarring, extent of sun damage, or severity of textural changes you want to address.
• What does the recovery process look like day by day? Understanding the timeline helps you plan around work, social commitments, and childcare responsibilities.
• How does Fraxel compare to fractional CO2 laser for what I want to address? Both are powerful resurfacing tools, but they differ in intensity and downtime. Your provider can explain which approach is better matched to your goals and tolerance.
• Are there specific skincare products I should use during recovery? The right post-treatment routine supports healing and protects your investment. Many providers supply a recovery kit or product list.
• What risks should I be aware of for my skin type? Darker skin tones may require adjusted settings and additional precautions to reduce the risk of pigmentation changes.
• Do I need to take antiviral medication if I have a history of cold sores? The heat from the laser can trigger a flare, so prophylactic medication is commonly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

How painful is Fraxel?

With 45 to 60 minutes of topical numbing, most people rate the discomfort as moderate and manageable. The sensation is often described as intense warmth combined with a prickling or stinging feeling. Sensitive areas like the upper lip and forehead tend to be more uncomfortable. The active treatment lasts only 20 to 30 minutes.

How much does Fraxel cost?

In the Greater Toronto Area, a single Fraxel session typically costs $800 to $2,000. Since most treatment plans involve 3 to 5 sessions, the total investment often ranges from $2,400 to $8,000. Many clinics offer package pricing or financing options.

What is the difference between Fraxel and Clear + Brilliant?

Fraxel delivers more energy at greater depth, producing more significant results per session but requiring more downtime (5 to 7 days versus 1 to 2 days). Clear + Brilliant is a lighter, maintenance-focused treatment. Think of Clear + Brilliant as preventative care and Fraxel as corrective treatment.

Can Fraxel remove acne scars?

Fraxel can significantly improve the appearance of mild to moderate acne scarring, with many people seeing 30 to 50 percent improvement over a series of treatments. Deep ice-pick scars may require additional approaches. Your provider can set realistic expectations during consultation.

How long do Fraxel results last?

The collagen stimulation from Fraxel produces results that can last several years, particularly when supported by consistent sun protection and a good skincare routine. Ongoing aging and sun exposure will eventually create new textural changes, and some people schedule annual maintenance sessions.

Is Fraxel safe during pregnancy?

Fraxel is not recommended during pregnancy or nursing. If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss the timing of your treatment series with your provider to ensure completion before conception.

When can I return to work after Fraxel?

Most people take 5 to 7 days off from work and social activities. By day 5, peeling has typically subsided enough to apply concealing makeup. If your work does not involve public-facing interactions, you may feel comfortable returning sooner.

Can Fraxel treat areas other than the face?

Yes. Fraxel is commonly used on the neck, chest (decolletage), and hands to address sun damage and textural changes in those areas. These zones may require adjusted settings and have slightly different recovery timelines.