The Fraxel® Dual Advantage: Versatile Precision
The 1927nm Wavelength: The Pigment & Surface Refiner
The 1927nm Thulium wavelength focuses on the epidermal layers to clear discoloration and address texture concerns that affect the skin’s overall clarity.
Primary Targets: Sun damage, irregular skin texture, enlarged pores, fine lines, and melasma.
The Surface Effect
By treating the upper layers of the skin, the 1927nm wavelength stimulates the renewal of surface cells and collagen. This process effectively smooths fine lines and minimizes the appearance of pores, acting as a high-precision tool to refine skin texture and tone.
A Melanin-Safe Protocol for Melasma
For patients with melasma, Dr. Brownell utilizes a protective low-and-slow protocol. This meticulous approach allows existing pigment to be lifted without triggering the aggressive thermal response that can cause reactive skin to darken.
Actinic Keratosis (AK) Clearance
This wavelength is FDA-cleared for the treatment of actinic keratoses. It serves as a proactive therapy to clear both visible precancerous lesions and subclinical sun damage before it reaches the surface.
The Result: Clearer, more uniform skin with visible improvement in texture and a reduction in surface imperfections.
The 1550nm Wavelength: The Structural Architect
For patients requiring deeper intervention, the Fraxel® 1550nm wavelength can be used independently to rebuild the skin’s underlying framework. It is considered the gold standard for skin tightening, textural refinement, and structural remodeling.
Renewed Structural Strength
By encouraging the production of fresh, healthy collagen, the laser reinforces thinned skin and restores the supple, firm quality of healthy tissue.
The Collagen Window
While surface clarity is often visible within weeks, structural improvements continue to develop over the next three to six months. This collagen window is when deeper layers of the skin complete their remodeling process, resulting in gradual but significant improvement in firmness and scar texture.
Surgical Revision Excellence
Dr. Brownell utilizes the 1550nm wavelength to refine and smooth scars following a wide range of procedures, including:
- Aesthetic Surgery: Facelift incisions, tummy tuck scars, liposuction scars, and breast surgery incisions.
- Medical & Life Events: C-section scars, thyroidectomy incisions, and laparoscopic port sites.
- Trauma & Everyday Mishaps: Facial scars resulting from accidental injuries or household accidents.
Synergistic Combination Therapies
To achieve comprehensive, multi-layered rejuvenation, Fraxel® Dual can be strategically combined with other clinical modalities. Dr. Brownell often designs treatment protocols that address volume loss, skin laxity, and pigmentation concerns simultaneously.
- Structural Tightening & Volume Restoration: Fraxel® can be paired with Ultherapy® for deep tissue tightening or biostimulators such as Sculptra® and Hyperdilute Radiesse® to rebuild the skin’s foundation from within.
- Dynamic Wrinkle Resolution: Combining Fraxel® with Botox® or other neuromodulators smooths active expression lines while resurfacing resting lines.
- Comprehensive Color Correction: Because Fraxel® does not target vascular redness, it is frequently paired with Cutera Excel V+ or Laser Genesis to address broken capillaries, rosacea, and flushing while simultaneously improving pigmentation and texture.
Individualized Skin Care Protocols: Protecting Your Results
Achieving transformative results is a clinical partnership. Dr. Brownell views your individualized skin care protocol as the essential medical foundation for treatment success.
By transitioning to specific medical-grade topical products before and after treatment, your skin is properly prepared to receive laser energy and optimized to protect newly generated collagen.
This curated regimen is designed to:
- Soothe the skin
- Accelerate recovery
- Amplify long-term structural improvements
- Protect your investment in skin health
What to Expect During Your Treatment
Comfort Management
A medical-grade topical numbing cream is applied for 30–60 minutes before treatment to ensure a comfortable experience.
The Procedure
The laser treatment itself typically takes 15–20 minutes. Patients experience a sensation of heat, which is mitigated by the integrated Zimmer cooling system that delivers a continuous flow of chilled air throughout the procedure.
Post-Treatment Cooling
Immediately after treatment, we apply clinical-grade calming serums and medical-grade masks to soothe the skin and support recovery.
Post-Fraxel Activity & Lifestyle
Social Downtime
Most patients experience a three to five day period of social downtime. During this phase, the skin transitions from a warm, flushed appearance to a bronzed, sandpaper-like texture as damaged cells exfoliate.
Approximately one week after treatment, this texture naturally fades to reveal brighter, smoother, and more even-looking skin.
Sun Exposure
Strict sun avoidance is required for at least two weeks following treatment. Daily application of a physical sunblock containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is mandatory to protect newly refined skin and prevent pigment rebound.
Exercise
Exercise may be resumed after 48 hours. Avoid rubbing sweat from the skin with a towel and instead gently pat dry or air cool to prevent friction-related irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many treatments will I need?
The number of sessions depends entirely on your baseline condition and treatment goals.
- Pigment and Texture: Many patients notice visible improvement after a single session, though treatment plans vary based on the severity of discoloration and textural concerns.
- Structural Remodeling & Scar Revision: Acne scars, deep wrinkles, surgical scars, and stretch marks typically require a series of three to five sessions spaced several weeks apart.
Does Fraxel® treat redness?
Fraxel® Dual primarily targets pigment and texture. While the 1550nm wavelength may improve redness within scar tissue, it is not designed to treat generalized vascular concerns such as rosacea, broken capillaries, or facial flushing.
For these concerns, Dr. Brownell may recommend combination treatment with Cutera Excel V+ or Laser Genesis.
How long will my results last?
Most patients enjoy the benefits of Fraxel® Dual for up to two years when combined with a consistent maintenance plan and diligent daily sun protection.
Can Fraxel® Dual be used on areas other than the face?
Yes. Fraxel® Dual is highly effective for treating sun damage and signs of aging on the neck, chest, and hands. It is also frequently used for scar revision on the arms, legs, and torso.
Is Fraxel® Dual safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. Dr. Brownell utilizes a melanin-safe protocol specifically designed for deeper skin tones, allowing effective treatment while minimizing the risk of pigment-related complications.
How can I maintain and prolong my results?
Fraxel® Dual serves as a corrective foundation. To maintain results, Dr. Brownell often recommends lighter maintenance treatments such as Clear + Brilliant® or Microneedling with PRPFM between Fraxel® sessions.
How long does the appointment take?
While the laser treatment itself takes approximately 15–20 minutes, patients should plan for a total appointment time of around 90 minutes to allow for topical numbing and post-treatment cooling.
When is the best time of year for treatment?
Although Fraxel® Dual can be performed year-round, many patients prefer autumn and winter because strict sun avoidance is required during recovery.
Your Fraxel® Consultation at Westport MediSpa
Your experience begins with an unhurried, physician-led clinical assessment. Dr. Brownell takes the time to understand your long-term goals, ensuring your resurfacing plan is rooted in medical safety, skin health, and natural beauty.
Service Areas
Westport, Norwalk, Wilton, Easton, Ridgefield, Redding, Stamford, Southport, Weston, Fairfield, Darien, and New Canaan.