Fraxel Dual FAQ

How does a Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatment work?

Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 laser treatment targets aging and sun-damaged skin. The Fraxel DUAL wavelength system implements the traditional non-ablative 1550mm Erbium fiber laser with microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into your skin to expedite your body’s remodeling of collagen. However, the addition of the 1927mm Thulium fiber laser provides superficial treatment as well, resulting in accelerated clearance of pigment and stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells.  Often termed the “microscopic facelift,” these lasers work in tandem to create tiny wounds in the dermis. The body naturally heals these by refreshing and remodeling collagen and elastin, resurfacing skin from the inside out and since the laser treats only a fraction of tissue at a time, it leaves the surrounding tissue intact, which promotes very rapid healing.

What precautions should I take after a Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatment?

Wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, avoid direct sun exposure for at least 3 months after your last treatment, and wear a wide-brimmed hat when you’re in the sun.

How long do the positive effects of Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatments last?

It depends on your particular condition and how you care for your skin. Once your skin is treated, continue to protect it as described above. Your physician will give you specific advice based on your individual needs.

What side effects can I expect after a Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatment and how long will they last?

Swelling and redness are the most common side effects from a Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatment. Any swelling is typically minimal and subsides within a day or two, and any redness typically fades within a few days. Other temporary side effects may include minor itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking, and a bronzed skin appearance. There is a limited risk of infection, hyperpigmentation, or scarring. The intensity and duration of side effects depend on the aggressiveness of a treatment and on your particular healing characteristics. Your physician will provide specific instructions about what to expect and how to minimize any side effects. Please see our commitment to safety statement for a list of potential side effects.

What should I expect after a Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatment?

During the first 24 hours after a treatment, your skin may feel as though it is sunburned, and it will appear pink or red. You can wear make-up to reduce the sunburned appearance. Your skin will naturally bronze over the next week or two, and as you continue treatment, the sunburned-to-bronzed appearance will repeat. As with a sunburn, your skin will flake and exfoliate normally. Use a moisturizer to reduce the appearance of dry flakes.

Does a Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatment hurt?

Most patients describe an increased sensation of heat during the treatment. To minimize discomfort, topical anesthesia is applied before the procedure and cold air is used on the treatment area during the procedure. After the treatment, most patients feel like they have a sunburn, which usually diminishes in 1 to 3 hours.

How many Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatments will I need and how will they be spaced?

Clinical studies suggest that on average, an effective treatment regimen is 3 to 5 sessions spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart. Depending on your condition and schedule, you and the physician may choose to space treatment sessions further apart. Results are immediate and progressive, with optimal improvement usually visible in 2 to 3 months. This time frame and treatment structure allow for complete healing and the production of new collagen and elastin to replace damaged tissue.

How are Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatments performed?

First, your skin will be cleansed. Then, about 60 minutes prior to treatment, a topical anesthetic ointment will be applied to the treatment area. The Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 procedure takes 20 to 25 minutes for a full face.

What FDA clearances has Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatment received?

• Wrinkles around the eyes (periorbital wrinkles)
• Acne scars
• Surgical scars
• Age spots/sunspots (pigmented lesions)
• Melasma (irregular patches of brown skin on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip and nose)
• Actinic Keratoses (precancerous lesions)
• Skin resurfacing

What are the benefits of Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatments?

• Smoother, fresher, younger-looking looking skin
• Improved tone and texture
• Erasing of unwanted brown spots
• Reduced fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
• Improved appearance of acne scars and surgical scars

How much does a Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 treatment cost?

Treatment pricing will vary depending on individual skin conditions and desired clinical outcomes, as well as regional location and preferred provider.

When do the results appear, and how long do they last?

The results are both immediate and progressive. Soon after the treatment, the surface of your skin will feel softer and smoother, look brighter and show a more even tone. The next 3-6 months will bring more improvement as the deeper layers of the skin continue to create new collagen. Results are long lasting depending on your lifestyle, age, and skin condition and skin care regimen.

How many treatments will I need?

Desired outcomes are typically reached in multiple treatments. The specific number of treatments is tailored to your goals and desired results as well as your lifestyle. We will work with you to identify the appropriate level of treatment and your preferred downtime.

What should I expect after treatment?

Depending on the level of the treatment, you may experience redness or swelling after the procedure which diminishes as quickly as the next day or over the next several days. Your skin will naturally bronze over the next week or two. As you continue with the treatment sessions, the sunburned-to-bronzed appearance will repeat after each treatment. As with sunburn, your skin will flake and exfoliate normally, revealing fresher, glowing and smoother looking and feeling skin.

Is it safe?

Fraxel® treatment is a safe option backed by extensive research. Of course, as with any laser procedure there is always some risk* and/or downtime. You should discuss this with Dr. Ishoo prior to treatment.Fraxel is the trusted name in fractional laser skin resurfacing in the world.

What is treatment like?


Similar to the Fraxel Re:Store system, the Fraxel Re:Store Dual is a quick procedure with no downtime. It involves minor redness and swelling that can be decreased with after-care protocol. The Dual system has an attached cooling system, eliminating the need for an assistant and ensuring that spot cooling is consistent and accurate. After an hour of topical numbing cream, Dr. Rokhsar will complete the procedure in around 15 minutes.

What is recovery like?


You may look like you have a sunburn in the days afterward, and it is important to keep the skin moist and coated with sunscreen. Decreasing salt, increasing water intake, and sleeping at an incline can also help speed the healing process. However, unlike more intense laser treatments, the Fraxel Re:Store Dual requires minimal, simple, quick aftercare and virtually zero downtime.