Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing at Dana Goldberg MD

Sun damage, fine lines, stubborn pigmentation, and acne scarring can make your skin look older than you feel. Fraxel® fractional laser resurfacing is a powerful, non-surgical treatment that helps renew your skin from the inside out—with minimal downtime compared to traditional resurfacing.

At Dana Goldberg MD in Jupiter, Florida, we offer Fraxel to safely target signs of aging and skin damage on the face, neck, chest, and more, helping you achieve smoother, clearer, more radiant skin.

What Is Fraxel?

Fraxel is a fractional laser technology that treats a “fraction” of the skin at a time with thousands of microscopic laser columns. These tiny treatment zones penetrate deep into the skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact, which promotes faster healing.

This controlled micro-injury:

Stimulates collagen and elastin production
Improves skin texture and tone
Helps fade pigmentation and sun spots
Softens fine lines and acne scars

Over the weeks following treatment, your body’s natural healing response reveals fresher, healthier-looking skin.

What Can Fraxel Treat?

Fraxel is a versatile option that can address multiple concerns in a single series of treatments, including:

Fine lines and early wrinkles
Sun damage and brown spots
Melasma and uneven skin tone (in properly selected patients)
Enlarged pores and rough skin texture
Acne scarring and other mild scars
Overall dull, tired-looking skin

It’s commonly used on:

Face
Neck
Chest (décolletage)
Hands
Shoulders and sun-exposed areas

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for Fraxel if you:

Want noticeable skin improvement without surgery
Have mild to moderate sun damage, pigmentation, or texture concerns
Can accommodate a few days of social “downtime” (redness/peeling)
Are committed to sun protection after treatment

During your consultation, we’ll review your skin type, medical history, and aesthetic goals to ensure Fraxel is the safest, most effective option for you. In some cases, we may recommend combining Fraxel with other treatments (such as medical-grade skincare, peels, or injectables) for more comprehensive rejuvenation.

How Fraxel Works: Fractional, Not Full-Field

Traditional resurfacing lasers remove the entire top layer of the skin, which can mean dramatic results but longer healing and more risk. Fraxel is fractional, meaning it delivers energy in a grid-like pattern, creating thousands of microscopic treatment zones surrounded by untouched skin.

That healthy surrounding tissue:

Helps speed the healing process
Reduces downtime compared to fully ablative lasers
Allows us to customize the intensity for your skin and goals

You get significant improvement in texture, tone, and clarity with a more manageable recovery.

Your Fraxel Treatment Experience

Before Your Appointment

We’ll review your skincare routine and may ask you to stop certain products (like retinoids or exfoliants) a few days prior.
Photos may be taken for your medical record and to track progress.
Topical numbing cream is applied before treatment to keep you comfortable.

During the Treatment

Once you’re numb, your provider will glide the Fraxel handpiece across the treatment area.
You’ll feel a warm, prickling sensation and may experience a feeling similar to a sunburn.
Most treatments take about 20–40 minutes, depending on the size of the area.

Immediately After

Skin typically appears red, warm, and slightly swollen—similar to a sunburn.
You can usually leave the office without bandages.
A soothing product and sun protection are applied before you go home.

Recovery & Downtime

Healing time will vary depending on the strength of your treatment and your skin type, but many patients experience:

Day 1–2:

Redness, warmth, and swelling
Skin may feel tight and sensitive

Day 3–5:

Bronzing or “sandpaper” texture as pigmented spots come to the surface
Light flaking or peeling as old, damaged skin sheds

Day 5–7 and beyond:

Redness continues to fade
Skin looks brighter, smoother, and more even

Makeup can often be worn after the first 24–48 hours, depending on your comfort and our specific post-care instructions.

We’ll give you detailed aftercare guidelines, but in general you should:

Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning
Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer
Apply broad-spectrum SPF every day
Avoid picking, scrubbing, or exfoliating until fully healed

When Will I See Results?

You may notice an early glow within the first week, but Fraxel results continue to improve over time as new collagen forms.

Initial improvement: Within 1–2 weeks
Ongoing collagen remodeling: Up to 3–6 months after a treatment series

Most patients benefit from a series of 3–5 sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal, long-lasting improvement.

Is Fraxel Safe?

Fraxel is FDA-cleared and has been widely used for many years when performed by trained providers. As with any laser treatment, there are potential risks, such as:

Temporary redness and swelling
Peeling or dryness
Changes in pigmentation (especially in darker skin types)
Rare risks of infection or scarring

During your consultation, we’ll discuss your individual risk profile and tailor the treatment to your skin type to maximize safety and results.

Fraxel vs. Other Laser & Resurfacing Options

At Dana Goldberg MD, we offer a variety of skin-rejuvenation technologies and treatments. Fraxel may be recommended if you:

Want more improvement than you’d get from lighter peels alone
Prefer shorter downtime than some fully ablative lasers
Are focused on texture, pigmentation, and early wrinkles

If you have deeper wrinkles, more advanced laxity, or more severe scarring, we may suggest combining Fraxel with other procedures or exploring more aggressive options. Your provider will guide you to the best plan for your goals and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fraxel hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as hot and prickly, but very tolerable with topical numbing. We’ll discuss additional comfort measures if needed.

How long does a Fraxel appointment take?
Plan for about 60–90 minutes in the office, including numbing time. The actual laser portion is often 20–40 minutes.

How many treatments will I need?
Many patients see improvement after one session, but a series of 3–5 treatments typically provides the most dramatic, long-lasting results.

Can Fraxel be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Fraxel pairs beautifully with medical-grade skincare, injectables (such as neuromodulators and fillers, timed appropriately), and other energy-based treatments. We’ll design a personalized treatment plan for you.

Ready to Refresh Your Skin with Fraxel?

If you’re ready to smooth fine lines, fade sun damage, and restore a brighter, more even complexion, Fraxel may be the perfect next step.

Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn whether Fraxel laser resurfacing is right for you. We’ll discuss your goals, examine your skin, and create a customized plan to help you feel confident and radiant in your own skin.