If you’d love your skin to look fresher without surgery or long downtime, Fraxel® fractional laser is one of the most proven ways to do it. Performed by our medical team in Tauranga, Fraxel treats the visible signs of sun exposure and ageing—softening lines, evening tone, and improving texture—while helping your skin rebuild itself from within.
Below is a clear guide to what Fraxel is, what it can treat, what to expect, and why having it with a specialist dermatology clinic matters.
What exactly is Fraxel?
Fraxel is a non-surgical, fractional laser treatment. “Fractional” means the laser delivers thousands of microscopic columns of light into the skin, leaving surrounding tissue untouched. Those tiny treatment zones trigger a precise wound-healing response: old, damaged cells are shed and new collagen is produced, revealing smoother, clearer, more even-toned skin as you heal.
Because only a fraction of skin is treated in each pass, Fraxel can deliver meaningful results with shorter recovery than traditional fully ablative lasers.
What concerns can Fraxel improve?
Fraxel is a versatile platform used by dermatologists to address:
• Fine lines & wrinkles (e.g., crow’s feet, brow lines)
• Acne and other surface scars (softening edges and depth)
• Uneven pigment & age spots (photo-ageing)
• Sun damage and rough texture
• Actinic keratoses (AK) — a common pre-cancerous change caused by UV exposure, assessed and treated under medical supervision
Fraxel can be used not just on the face, but also neck, chest and hands, where sun damage frequently shows.
“Ablative vs non-ablative” — where does Fraxel sit?
Historically, laser rejuvenation fell into two camps:
• Ablative (more aggressive, more downtime): excellent results, but weeks of recovery.
• Non-ablative (gentler, minimal downtime): safer day-to-day, but typically needs many sessions.
Fraxel’s fractional approach blends the best of both: noticeable change with manageable downtime. You still look like you—simply refreshed and more radiant, not “over-done.”
What a typical treatment plan looks like
• Consultation: Your Skin Centre dermatologist will examine your skin, discuss goals, medical history, sun exposure, and any pigmentation tendencies. We’ll tailor a plan and set realistic expectations.• Number of sessions: Most people need 1–3 sessions for tone and texture; 3–5 when treating scarring. Sessions are usually spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
• Procedure time: Allow 45–60 minutes including topical anaesthetic; laser time is often 15–30 minutes, depending on area.
• Sensation: You’ll feel heat and a prickly, “elastic-snap” sensation. Cooling and numbing cream keep this comfortable.
Downtime & recovery (what to expect)
Everyone heals a little differently, but a common timeline is:
• Day 0–1: Redness and warmth (like sunburn).
• Days 2–4: Bronzing or “sandpaper” feel as micro-dots appear; light flaking/peeling begins.
• Days 4–7: Flaking settles; skin looks brighter and feels smoother.
• Weeks 3–12: Collagen remodelling continues—this is when texture, lines and scars keep improving.
You can usually return to normal activities within a few days, applying gentle skincare and high-SPF sun protection.
Results you can expect
• Tone: more even, fewer visible sun spots and blotches
• Texture: smoother feel, refined pores, improved glow
• Lines & scars: softening that continues over several months as collagen builds
Results accumulate with a series, then maintenance (e.g., once or twice a year) can help keep improvements going—especially in sunny Bay of Plenty conditions.
Is Fraxel right for me?
Fraxel suits people who want real change without surgery or extended downtime. Good candidates:
• Have UV-related changes (freckling, sun spots, roughness), fine lines, or acne scarring
• Can commit to diligent sunscreen during healing and beyond
• Prefer a medical-grade treatment with measurable, gradual improvement
We’ll assess skin type and history (e.g., melasma, keloid tendency, medications, recent isotretinoin, pregnancy/breastfeeding) and may adjust settings or recommend alternatives if needed—especially for darker skin tones where the risk of post-inflammatory pigment change is higher. That’s why specialist oversight matters.
Safety, side effects & aftercare
Common, short-term effects include redness, swelling, bronzing and flaking. Less commonly, there can be temporary darkening or lightening of pigment, prolonged redness, or a breakout/flare if you’re prone; very rarely, infection or scarring. You’ll receive detailed aftercare, but in brief:
• Cleanse gently, avoid scrubs/actives until peeling resolves
• Moisturise often to support barrier recovery
• SPF 50+ daily and strict sun avoidance while healing
• Avoid hot yoga/sauna, intense exercise, or pools until your clinician says you’re ready
Because we’re a dermatology-led clinic, your plan and settings are customised to your skin, and any medical issues are managed promptly.
Why choose Skin Centre (Tauranga) for Fraxel?
Specialist expertise: Treatments performed by professional dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons with deep experience in laser physics, skin cancer, pigment biology and scar revision.
Custom protocols: We tailor energy, density and passes to each concern and skin type—face, neck, chest, hands.
Safety first: Medical screening, photographic tracking, and evidence-based aftercare for predictable healing.
Real-world results: Noticeable improvement without a “done” look, and thoughtful maintenance plans to protect your investment.
Frequently asked questions
Will I look “fake”?
No. Fraxel stimulates your own collagen and replaces sun-worn surface cells. You’ll look like you—simply smoother, brighter and more even.
How soon can I wear makeup?
Usually after 2–3 days, once the initial warmth subsides and skin isn’t weeping. We’ll advise you at review.
Does it hurt?
We use topical anaesthetic and cooling. Most patients describe it as hot and prickly but tolerable.
How long do results last?
Collagen gains are long-lived, but UV exposure and time continue. Maintenance treatments and diligent sunscreen help results last and build.
Ready to see if Fraxel is right for you?
Book a consultation at Skin Centre Tauranga. Our dermatologists will assess your skin, discuss whether Fraxel (or a combined plan) best meets your goals, and map out a schedule that fits your life—with minimal downtime and maximum, natural-looking change.