Fraxel Dual

Superficial melasma and unwanted pigmentation has traditionally been a difficult problem to treat and has required multiple treatments, peels or long term and persistent use of melanin suppressor products.

The Fraxel Restore Dual was developed with the Thulium laser wavelength which specifically targets discoloration in the upper levels of the skin.

The Fraxel Dual has received FDA approval for the treatment of superficial pigmentation (Melasma). A unique handprint laser which very quickly can treat your entire face in about 20 minutes. Also can be used to treat pigmentation on the chest, arms and hands.


Photo Source Solta Medical Aesthetic Center

Combined with the Fractional Resurfacing of the Fraxel Restore Erbium laser wavelength, the Fraxel Dual offers two distinct but synergistic procedures to increase the overall improvement of anyone wishing to improve sun damaged skin.

What pigmentation problems will the new Fraxel Dual treat ?

• Superficial Melasma
• Superficial Pigmentation from Sun Exposure
• Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
• Pigmentation Issues for all Skin Colors
• Diffuse superficial pigmentation irregularities on the skin of the face, hands, chest and arms

What can I expect after a Fraxel Thulium treatments?

Your skin will be somewhat reddened for about 2 days with a thin peel over the following 4 to 5 day period. The new skin beneath will be cleared and more evenly toned.

Good skin protection with SPF 30 or higher sunblock will protect your new skin and help prevent recurrence of pigmentation. Sunblock products with the triple ingredients of ecamsale (trade name mexoryl), avobenzone and zinc oxide will provide the most protection.

Is the treatment painful?

Most patients describe an increased sensation of heat during the treatment. To minimize discomfort, apply topical anesthesia before the procedure and cold air during the procedure. The cold air flow follows the handpiece so cooling is more effective than before. After the treatment, most patients feel like they have a sunburn, which usually diminishes in 1 to 3 hours.

Will I need more than one treatment to get rid of pigmentation?

Patients with superficial pigmentation should get satisfactory results after one treatment. Patients with long term melasma or deep level pigmentation issues will likely need 2 or 3 sessions over a period of time as deep pigmentation must "rise" to the surface skin levels before it is affected by laser.

How long must I wait after Fraxel Thulium for Fraxel Resurfacing?

There is not wait time between laser treatments. The dual wavelength lasers are designed to be easily compatible and can be used in a single session. Typically the Thulium laser treatment is delivered as the first procedure when both pigmentation and either sun damage, aged skin texture or scarring are also present.

Fraxel Dual FDA Clearances

• Photodamage
• Mild to moderate periorbital wrinkles
• Acne scars
• Surgical scars
• Melasma
• Actinic Keratosis
• Soft tissue coagulation

When would I want to move up to Fraxel Repair CO2 laser?

The Fraxel Repair is for deeper wrinkles, more profound sun damage and to some degree, skin laxity. It is a single session procedure and is performed with short-term general anesthesia  with a certified anesthesiologist. Fraxel Repair patients are treated in a surgical suite to ensure total patient comfort, safety and controlled protection from contaminants. Fraxel Repair CO2

Dr. Pilest is a training physician for the Fraxel Laser systems and has used the Fraxel lasers since their initial entry into the dermatology field in 2004.

More About the Fraxel Dual

Fraxel Website

Other Pigmentation and Related Treatments:

Cosmelan MD DePigmentation Program for resistant pigmentation of chloasma and melasma
Skin Rejuvenation Treatments such as Obagi or Chemical Peels
Fotofacial (IPL) for diffuse sun-induced hyper-pigmentation
Photo Dynamic Therapy for actinic keratoses and resistant acne and scarring
Vbeam Laser for veins and redness