Fraxel Laser

If you've noticed fine lines settling in around your eyes, uneven texture from old acne scars, or sun damage that won't fade with skincare alone, you're not alone. Many patients come to us looking for a way to improve their skin without surgery and without starting over from scratch. That's where Fraxel laser comes in.

Fraxel is a fractional laser treatment that works beneath the surface of your skin to stimulate your body's natural healing process. It's a non-surgical skin resurfacing option that can address multiple concerns at once, from wrinkle reduction to acne scar treatment, with results that develop gradually over the weeks following your session.

What Fraxel Laser Does

Fraxel is a type of laser skin therapy that treats thousands of microscopic columns of skin at a time, leaving surrounding tissue untouched. This triggers collagen production and allows your skin to repair itself from the inside out.

• Uses fractional technology to resurface skin without treating the entire surface area
• Targets deeper layers where wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation begin
• Stimulates your body's natural collagen and elastin production
• Can improve tone, texture, fine lines, acne scars, and sun damage
• Safe for use on the face, neck, chest, and hands

This anti-aging laser treatment is one of the most versatile tools we use at Physician Artistry. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach. We adjust the intensity and depth based on what your skin needs and how much downtime you can accommodate.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

Before your session, we apply a topical numbing cream to keep you comfortable. The treatment itself takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on the area being treated. Most patients describe the sensation as warm and prickly, but not painful.

• Session length: 20 to 30 minutes
• Downtime: 3 to 7 days of redness and flaking, similar to a sunburn
• Results timeline: Gradual improvement over 2 to 3 months as collagen rebuilds
• Number of sessions: Many patients see results after one treatment, but 3 to 5 sessions may be recommended for deeper concerns like acne scars

Your skin will feel warm and look pink immediately after treatment. Over the next few days, you may notice some light peeling or flaking as the treated skin renews itself. This is normal and part of the healing process. We'll provide detailed aftercare instructions to help your skin recover smoothly.

Who Fraxel Is For

Fraxel works well for patients who want meaningful skin rejuvenation but aren't ready for more invasive procedures. It's particularly effective for concerns that develop over time and don't respond well to topical treatments alone.

• Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead
• Acne scars or other textural irregularities
• Sun damage, age spots, and uneven pigmentation
• Loss of skin tone and elasticity
• Patients looking for gradual, natural-looking improvement
• Those who can plan for a few days of social downtime

We do not recommend Fraxel if you have active acne, are currently pregnant, or have certain skin conditions. During your consultation, we'll review your skin history and goals to make sure this treatment is the right fit.

Why Patients Choose Physician Artistry for Laser Treatments

Fraxel is a powerful tool, but it's only as effective as the person using it. At Physician Artistry, every laser treatment is performed under the guidance of Dr. Bruce Thomas, our medical director, and delivered by trained professionals who understand how to customize settings for your skin type and goals.

We don't push packages or oversell treatments. If Fraxel isn't the best option for what you're trying to achieve, we'll tell you. Our approach is honest, patient-focused, and built around long-term results. Many of our patients have been with us for years because they trust us to give them straightforward advice and deliver consistent outcomes.

If you're in Sterling, Ashburn, Herndon, Reston, or anywhere in Northern Virginia and you're curious whether fractional laser treatment is right for your skin, we'd be happy to walk you through it. Call us at (703) 433-1700 or request a consultation online.