Helping you face the day
CO2 Fractional Laser (Fraxel)
Jump To
Fraxel laser treatment at Westchester Center for Dermatology in Scarsdale, NY, helps rejuvenate dull, sun-damaged, or aging skin without the need for surgery. This non-invasive laser treatment gently resurfaces your skin to improve texture, reduce wrinkles, and fade scars, revealing smoother, more radiant skin over time.
What Is Fraxel Laser?
The Fraxel laser is a non-ablative fractional laser that treats small zones of skin at a time, stimulating collagen production while leaving the surrounding tissue untouched. This advanced laser resurfacing technology helps your skin naturally heal and renew from within.
Unlike ablative CO₂ lasers that remove surface layers, Fraxel laser treatment delivers controlled heat beneath the skin, promoting regeneration with less downtime.
How does Fraxel laser treatment work?
The Fraxel laser treats a fraction of your skin’s tissue at a time to give your skin the best results. By treating each part separately instead of all at once, the thousands of microscopic laser columns can penetrate deep into the layers of skin to rebuild it from the inside out. These laser columns stimulate your body’s natural healing process, replacing damaged skin with youthful, smoother, and healthier skin.
This fractional approach treats only a “fraction” of your skin at a time, allowing quicker Fraxel laser recovery and noticeable rejuvenation.
Before Treatment
After Treatment
What will these lasers do to my skin?
Your skin comprises several layers and substances, including the epidermis, dermis, collagen, and elastin. Collagen and elastin are proteins that keep your skin youthful, firm, and tight.
As you age, your body produces less collagen and elastin, which can cause the skin to sag and increase the appearance of wrinkles and lines. The microscopic laser columns penetrate your dermis to create tiny wounds, triggering your body’s natural repair system to heal them. This process accelerates the production of new collagen and elastin, resulting in rejuvenated skin with a tighter, younger appearance.
By only affecting a fraction of your skin at a time, your skin can heal much faster than if all of your skin were treated at once.
What conditions does the Fraxel laser treat?
Fraxel laser treats numerous skin conditions, such as:
- Sun damage
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Age spots
- Poor skin texture
- Discoloration
- Uneven pigmentation
Fraxel laser treatments can refine sensitive areas, such as the fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes. It also reduces the appearance of acne scars and surgical scars. The Fraxel laser will create smoother, healthier skin not only on your face, but also on your neck, chest, and hands.
Is Fraxel laser treatment safe?
Yes. The Fraxel laser is backed by a team of scientists, physicians, clinicians, and engineers dedicated to ensuring the safety of your skin. With over half a million procedures already performed, Fraxel has an excellent safety record.
Fraxel’s on-site biomedical engineering team always conducts ongoing clinical trials, testing, and research. Our team of cosmetic dermatologists is vastly experienced in administering these laser treatments.
Who Are the Ideal Fraxel Laser Candidates?
Fraxel is suitable for men and women of all ages who wish to enhance the appearance and texture of their skin. This treatment works safely across most skin types and colors because it does not target melanin directly.
Whether you are just starting to see wrinkles, want to reduce the deep lines in your face, or minimize long-standing acne scars, there is a Fraxel treatment for you at the Westchester Center for Dermatology.
Before Treatment
After Treatment
What Happens During the Treatment?
After your consultation, your doctor will determine which type of Fraxel laser treatment is best for your skin. The treatment will be done right in our Scarsdale dermatology office.
Upon arrival, the area of your skin to be treated will be thoroughly cleansed. A topical anesthetic ointment is then applied to the surface of your skin. It will take approximately 60-90 minutes for the anesthetic to take effect, and then your treatment will begin. Once your skin is ready, the Fraxel laser handpiece is gently passed over the treatment area, delivering precise pulses of light energy to targeted sections of your skin.
Each pulse treats a fraction of your skin’s surface, leaving surrounding tissue untouched. This controlled approach stimulates the production of collagen and elastin beneath the surface, allowing for faster healing. You may feel a mild warming or prickling sensation as the laser works, but most patients find it very tolerable.
The laser treatment will only take about 20-25 minutes for the entire face. The anesthetic will then be removed.
What Should I Expect from Recovery and Results?
After your Fraxel laser treatment, you can expect your skin to feel warm and appear slightly flushed, much like a mild sunburn. It is a normal response that indicates your skin’s natural renewal process has begun. Most patients return to normal activities within one to two days, and makeup can typically be applied the next day if desired.
Over the following week, your skin may gradually feel smoother and look brighter as new, healthy skin cells replace the treated ones. Visible improvements often appear within a few weeks and continue to develop over several months as collagen production increases beneath the surface.
Results from the Fraxel laser treatment are long-lasting, especially when paired with a good skincare routine and regular sun protection. Many patients schedule periodic maintenance sessions to sustain their rejuvenated skin tone and texture.
Benefits of Fraxel Laser Treatment
Fraxel laser treatment can address several concerns, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage and age spots
- Acne scars and surgical scars
- Uneven tone or texture
- Enlarged pores
Fraxel laser results often show smoother, brighter, and younger-looking skin that continues to improve for several months after treatment.
How Much Is the Cost of Fraxel Laser Treatment?
The Fraxel laser cost depends on the treatment area and the number of sessions needed to achieve your goals. We will give you a personalized quote during your consultation.
Why Choose Westchester Center for Dermatology
At Westchester Center for Dermatology in Scarsdale, NY, Fraxel laser treatments are performed by experienced physician assistants Jessica Goez, PA-C, and Dawna Dennis, PA-C. Both have extensive experience in laser dermatology and provide safe, personalized care tailored to each patient.
The practice is led by Dr. David Kriegel, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the center, known for his expertise in medical and cosmetic skin care. Our team combines advanced laser technology with a patient-first approach to deliver natural, healthy-looking results.
Dr. Kriegel was selected by his peers as an outstanding practicing doctor in New York in 2024. After an extensive nomination and research process conducted by MSP Communications, the results were published in “New York Super Doctors,” a special advertising section in the May 4, 2025 issue of The New York Times Sunday Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The number of sessions required depends on the individual’s skin condition and goals. Most patients see significant improvements after three to five laser skin resurfacing treatments spaced several weeks apart.
Side effects are typically mild and temporary, including reddness, swelling, and some peeling. Downtime is minimal, and you can apply makeup the following day if desired.
Fraxel laser treatment is safe and effective for most skin types. However, a consultation with our experienced dermatologist will determine your candidacy and the most suitable treatment plan.
Yes, the Fraxel laser treatment can effectively reduce the appearance of stretch marks, particularly when they are red or pink. The laser stimulates collagen production, which can help improve the texture and color of the marks.
While Fraxel laser treatments can provide long-lasting results, they do not stop the aging process. Maintenance treatments may be recommended to sustain the benefits, and results can vary from person to person.
Typically, there is no need for extended downtime after a Fraxel laser acne scar treatment. You may experience some redness and swelling for a few days, but most people can resume their regular activities immediately and apply makeup if desired.
Yes, Fraxel laser treatment can be combined with other cosmetic services like Dysport, dermal fillers, or chemical peels to address multiple aspects of skin aging and rejuvenation. Your dermatologist will recommend the best approach based on your goals.
Most patients report mild discomfort during the procedure, often described as a warming or prickling sensation. A topical anesthetic is applied before the treatment to minimize any discomfort.
Results can vary, but many patients notice improvements in skin texture and tone within a few weeks. Collagen production continues over several months, so the full benefits may take a few months to become apparent.
Your dermatologist will provide specific post-treatment care instructions, which may include sun exposure and using gentle skincare products. Following these guidelines ensures the best results and minimizes the risk of side effects after Fraxel laser skin resurfacing.
Schedule a Consultation
Want to learn more about Fraxel laser treatments? Consult with our experts at the Westchester Center for Dermatology in Scarsdale, NY. We can’t wait to hear from you and help you discover a brand-new you through the procedures we offer. Just fill out our contact form to get in touch with us and schedule a consultation.
“
“I have nothing but glowing reviews for Westchester Center for Dermatology. The entire staff was very attentive and the customer service was excellent. My appointment was with Holly H. Morris and I highly recommend her. She was professional, knowledgeable and addressed all of my concerns. I left with a peace of mind and look forward to returning to see her in the future. Top notch dermatology center!”
Related Procedures
