Fraxel FTX™ Laser Treatment in Danville, CA
Fraxel FTX Laser Treatment in Danville, CA
Fraxel FTX is a non-ablative fractional laser system with 1550 nm and 1927 nm wavelengths that can improve selected sun damage, uneven pigmentation, fine lines, acne scars, surgical scars and skin texture. It treats microscopic zones while leaving surrounding tissue intact, so recovery is generally shorter than fully ablative resurfacing, although several days of redness, swelling, bronzing and flaking are common.
Fraxel FTX is a laser that treats your skin in thousands of tiny separate dots, leaving the skin in between untouched to do the healing. It can improve sun damage, patchy colour, fine lines, acne scars, surgical scars and rough texture. Because it does not strip the whole surface, recovery is shorter than the old style of resurfacing, but expect several days of redness, swelling, a bronzed look and flaking.
Who performs your Fraxel FTX treatment
Who does the treatment
Dr. Gergana Gallacher performs every laser treatment at Dermatology and Laser Centre herself. Your Fraxel FTX session is not delegated to a nurse, an assistant or a technician. The physician who assesses your skin, chooses the wavelength, sets the energy and density, and decides how many passes your skin should take is the same physician holding the handpiece. She is a board certified dermatologist, fellowship trained, and has held faculty appointments at Stanford University and the University of California, Davis. With a fractional laser, where the result and the risk both sit in the settings and in the judgement behind them, that continuity matters.
Dr. Gallacher does every laser treatment herself. Your Fraxel is not handed to a nurse, an assistant or a technician. The doctor who looks at your skin, picks the setting, decides the strength and decides how many passes to do is the same person holding the handpiece. She is a board certified dermatologist, fellowship trained, and has taught at Stanford and UC Davis. With this kind of laser, the result and the risk both come down to the settings and the judgement behind them, so that matters.
Choosing the right device for the indication
Picking the right machine for the problem
Fraxel FTX is one device in a laser and energy suite that is selected per indication rather than used for everything. Dr. Gallacher chooses Fraxel FTX when the target is photodamage, uneven pigment, fine lines, scars or texture and a fractional non-ablative approach is the right level of treatment. Where a different technology answers the problem better, that is what she uses instead: CO2 resurfacing for deeper photoaging and heavier textural change, Thermage FLX where the goal is tightening rather than resurfacing, a vascular laser where the problem is redness, a pigment specific laser for certain discrete lesions. The point of holding several current platforms is being able to match the technology to the diagnosis instead of forcing one machine to cover every complaint.
Fraxel FTX is one machine among several here, and it is chosen for the jobs it is genuinely best at. Dr. Gallacher uses it when the problem is sun damage, uneven colour, fine lines, scars or rough texture, and this level of treatment is the right one. When something else suits the problem better, she uses that instead: CO2 resurfacing for heavier sun damage and deeper texture, Thermage FLX when the aim is tightening rather than resurfacing, a vascular laser when the problem is redness, a pigment laser for certain individual spots. Having several up to date machines means the treatment can be matched to the diagnosis, instead of one machine being stretched to cover everything.
Fraxel FTX: the essentials
The short version
Non-ablative fractional dual-wavelength laser system with 1550 nm and 1927 nm wavelengths
A laser that works in tiny dots, with two different kinds of light to choose from: one that goes deeper, one that stays near the surface.
Fine lines, sun spots/lentigines, dyschromia, melasma in selected patients, actinic keratoses under medical direction, acne scars and surgical scars
Fine lines, sun spots, patchy colour, melasma in some people, rough precancerous patches under medical direction, acne scars and surgical scars.
About 20 to 40 minutes of laser time depending on the area, plus time for numbing and preparation.
About 20 to 40 minutes of laser time depending on the area, plus time beforehand for numbing cream.
Commonly 3 to 5 sessions, about a month apart. The final plan is individualised.
Commonly 3 to 5 sessions, about a month apart. Your actual plan is worked out for you.
Commonly several days of redness, swelling, bronzing, dryness and flaking; intensity varies with wavelength and settings
Usually several days of redness, swelling, a bronzed look, dryness and flaking. How much depends on the settings.
Pigment and texture changes appear after healing; collagen remodeling continues over subsequent weeks to months
Colour and texture improve once the skin has healed. The rebuilding underneath carries on for weeks to months afterwards.
What is Fraxel FTX?
What is Fraxel FTX?
Fraxel FTX is the current-generation Fraxel fractional laser system. It uses 1550 nm and 1927 nm wavelengths to create microscopic treatment zones while leaving surrounding tissue intact, allowing skin repair to occur without fully ablating the entire surface.
Fraxel FTX is the current version of the Fraxel laser. It treats the skin in thousands of microscopic dots, leaving the skin between them untouched, so your skin can repair itself without the whole surface being stripped off.
Fraxel FTX™ is the current name of the Solta fractional laser platform discussed on this page.
Fraxel FTX is simply the current name of this machine.
What is the difference between Fraxel FTX 1550 nm and 1927 nm?
What is the difference between the two settings?
The wavelengths reach different depths and are selected according to the treatment target: 1550 nm penetrates more deeply for remodeling and scar/texture concerns, while 1927 nm is more superficial and is commonly used for epidermal pigment and sun-damage targets.
The machine has two kinds of light, which reach different depths. One goes deeper, and is used for rebuilding, for scars and for texture. The other stays nearer the surface, and is used for the colour left behind by sun damage.
| Wavelength | General depth/target | Cleared indications summarized from current labeling |
|---|---|---|
| 1550 nm | Deeper non-ablative fractional treatment | Skin resurfacing, dyschromia and selected lesions including lentigines/solar lentigines, actinic keratosis and melasma; periorbital wrinkles, acne scars and surgical scars |
| 1927 nm | More superficial fractional treatment | Actinic keratosis and pigmented lesions including lentigines, solar lentigines and freckles |
The deeper light Goes further into the skin. Cleared for resurfacing, for evening out colour, for sun spots and certain other marks, for rough precancerous patches, for melasma, and for wrinkles around the eyes, acne scars and surgical scars.
The surface light Stays nearer the top. Cleared for rough precancerous patches and for coloured spots, including sun spots and freckles.
Diagram comparing Fraxel FTX 1550 nm and 1927 nm treatment depths
A diagram comparing how deep the two Fraxel settings reach.
What can Fraxel FTX improve?
What can it improve?
Fraxel FTX is most useful for photodamage, uneven pigmentation and textural concerns that match its cleared wavelengths.
It is most useful for sun damage, uneven colour, and texture problems that match what it is cleared to treat.
- Fine lines and periorbital wrinkles
- Sun spots, freckles and other selected benign pigmented lesions
- Uneven pigmentation and dyschromia, and selected melasma treatment plans
- Acne scars and surgical scars
- Overall texture and skin quality through fractional remodeling
- The appearance of enlarged pores, treated as part of overall texture rather than as a separate cleared indication
- Stretch marks, where fractional remodeling is used to soften texture and colour. Improvement here is partial rather than complete, and stretch marks are not separately named in the Fraxel clearances
- Fine lines, including the ones around the eyes.
- Sun spots, freckles and certain other harmless coloured spots.
- Patchy uneven colour, and melasma in some carefully chosen plans.
- Acne scars and surgical scars.
- Overall texture and skin quality, from the rebuilding it sets off.
- The look of large pores, improved as part of the general texture change rather than as a separate treatment.
- Stretch marks, where the same rebuilding is used to soften the texture and the colour. Expect an improvement rather than removal. Stretch marks are not on the official cleared list for this laser.
What happens before a Fraxel FTX treatment?
What happens beforehand?
Fraxel FTX is performed in the office using only a topical anesthetic. There are no injections, no nerve blocks and no sedation. Numbing cream is applied first and left on long enough to work, which is why the appointment is longer than the laser time itself. The treatment area is thoroughly cleansed immediately before the procedure, so that nothing is left on the skin surface, and eye protection is fitted before the laser is switched on. Dr. Gallacher reviews your medications, your recent sun exposure and your history of pigment change or scarring before treating, and will postpone rather than proceed if the skin is not in the right state.
Fraxel is done in the office with numbing cream only. No injections, no nerve blocks, no sedation. The cream goes on first and has to be left long enough to work, which is why the appointment takes longer than the laser itself. Your skin is cleaned thoroughly right before the treatment, so nothing is left on the surface, and you are given eye protection before the laser is turned on. Dr. Gallacher checks your medicines, any recent sun, and any history of scarring or colour change beforehand. If your skin is not in the right state, she will put the treatment off rather than go ahead.
What happens during a Fraxel FTX treatment?
What happens during the treatment?
The skin is cleansed, topical anesthetic is commonly applied, eye protection is used, and the handpiece delivers a controlled pattern of fractional laser energy across the treatment area with integrated cooling for comfort.
Your skin is cleansed, numbing cream usually goes on first, you wear eye protection, and then the handpiece is passed over the area, laying down a pattern of tiny treated dots. Cooling built into the handpiece keeps it bearable.
The laser part usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on the size of the area. The whole appointment is longer, because numbing and preparation come first.
The laser part usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how big the area is. Allow longer for the whole appointment, because the numbing has to go on first.
Once your skin is clean, the numbing cream is off and your eye protection is on, the handpiece is rolled gently over the area, laying down its pattern of tiny treated dots. Dr. Gallacher works section by section and adjusts the strength as she goes, rather than using one setting for the whole face. Most people feel the heat building up as the passes add up. The numbing cream beforehand and the cooling used on the skin during the treatment are what keep it comfortable. The laser part usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how big the area is.
With the skin cleansed, the numbing cream removed and eye protection in place, the handpiece is gently rolled across the treatment area, laying down a controlled pattern of microscopic treatment zones. Dr. Gallacher works area by area, adjusting energy and density as she goes rather than applying one fixed setting to the whole face. Most patients describe a building sensation of heat as the passes accumulate. Comfort is managed with the topical anesthetic applied beforehand and with cooling directed at the treatment area during the pass. The laser part of the appointment usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on the size of the area.
How many Fraxel FTX treatments will I need?
How many sessions will I need?
A series of about 3 to 5 sessions, roughly a month apart, is common. The number should be individualised by what is being treated, the wavelength, the settings and the response.
A course of about 3 to 5 sessions, roughly a month apart, is common. The actual number should be worked out for you, based on what is being treated, which setting is used, and how you respond.
Current manufacturer materials note that visible improvement may occur after one treatment while multiple treatments can be needed for best results.
The manufacturer notes you may see some improvement after a single treatment, and that several are often needed for the best result.
How long do the results last?
How long does it last?
Once the skin has healed, pigment and texture changes are visible, and collagen remodeling continues over the following weeks to months. In Dr. Gallacher's experience the improvement can last for years when it is supported by proper skincare and consistent sun protection. What shortens it is sun exposure. Skin also continues to age, so some patients choose an occasional maintenance session rather than repeating a full series.
Once your skin has healed, you see the change in colour and texture, and the rebuilding underneath carries on for weeks to months. In Dr. Gallacher's experience the improvement can last for years, provided you look after your skin and stay consistent with sun protection. Sun exposure is what cuts it short. Your skin also keeps ageing, so some people have an occasional single session later rather than another full course.
What is Fraxel FTX recovery like?
What is the recovery like?
Expect a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour after treatment, and then virtually no discomfort. Your skin will have a pinkish tone for five to seven days. New epidermal skin develops within 24 hours, because the untreated skin between the microscopic treatment zones supplies the healing. The visible part of recovery is bronzing and flaking, and how long that lasts depends on the treatment level.
For about an hour afterwards it feels like mild sunburn. After that, most people feel virtually nothing. Your skin stays a bit pink for five to seven days. New surface skin forms within 24 hours, because the untreated skin between the tiny treated dots does the healing. The part other people notice is the bronzing and the flaking, and how long that lasts depends on how strong the treatment was.
| Time | Common pattern |
|---|---|
| First hour or so | A mild sunburn sensation, then virtually no discomfort. Most patients find it has settled within one to three hours |
| First 24 hours | Redness and swelling are at their most noticeable. New epidermal skin develops within this window |
| Days one to seven | The skin holds a pinkish tone, typically for five to seven days |
| Up to fourteen days | A bronzed appearance, lasting up to two weeks depending on the treatment level |
| During the bronzing phase | The skin exfoliates naturally and vigorously as reorganized epidermal skin replaces the dead tissue. Flaking resembles minor sunburn peeling, without the pain |
| Following weeks and months | The body repairs the deeper dermal tissue that the fractional treatment reached, which is where the change in skin quality comes from |
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| The first hour or so | A mild sunburn feeling, then almost nothing. For most people it has settled within one to three hours. |
| The first day | Redness and swelling are at their worst. New surface skin is already forming. |
| Days one to seven | Your skin stays pink, usually for five to seven days. |
| Up to two weeks | Your skin looks bronzed. Up to fourteen days, depending on how strong the treatment was. |
| While it is bronzed | The skin flakes off strongly on its own as the new skin pushes the old off. It looks like peeling after mild sunburn, but it does not hurt. |
| The weeks and months after | Your body repairs the deeper layer the laser reached. That is where the change in skin quality comes from. |
Living with the bronzing and flaking
Coping with the bronzed look and the flaking
The bronzed appearance and the flaking are the expected result of treatment working, not a complication. Two practical points make this phase easier. First, a moisturizer will mask the appearance of flaking, so use one generously through the peeling days. Second, do not pick at the flaking skin, and do not try to scrub or exfoliate it off. The skin sheds on its own timetable as the new epidermis replaces the old, and interfering with it is what risks pigment change and scarring. Plan any social or professional commitments around the bronzing window rather than around the day of treatment.
Looking bronzed and then flaking is what a treatment that has worked looks like. It is not a complication. Two things make this stage easier. First, moisturiser hides the flaking, so use plenty of it while you are peeling. Second, do not pick at it, and do not try to scrub it off. It comes away on its own as the new skin replaces the old, and picking is exactly what causes marks and colour changes. Plan anything social or work related around the bronzed stage, not around the day of the treatment itself.
How should I care for my skin after Fraxel FTX?
How do I look after my skin afterwards?
Gentle skin care and strict sun protection are central to recovery and are what prevent most avoidable pigment problems.
Be gentle with your skin, and keep the sun off it. That second part prevents most of the problems people run into with patchy colour.
- Use the cleanser, moisturizer and post-procedure products recommended by the practice. Moisturizer also masks the appearance of flaking
- Use a zinc oxide sunblock of SPF 30 or higher, through the healing phase and for several months after treatment
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat whenever you are outdoors, as added protection on top of sunblock
- Avoid direct sun exposure. Dr. Gallacher asks for this because pigment settling after fractional treatment is vulnerable to sun for far longer than the skin looks fragile
- No deliberate tanning at any point during the treatment series or the healing period
- Do not pick or aggressively exfoliate flaking skin
- Follow the individualized instructions you are given about retinoids, acids, exercise, makeup and other products
- Use the cleanser, moisturiser and aftercare products we give you. Moisturiser also hides the flaking.
- Use a zinc oxide sunblock, SPF 30 or higher. Keep that up while you heal and for several months afterwards.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors as well as the sunblock, not instead of it.
- Stay out of direct sun. Dr. Gallacher asks for this because your skin colour keeps settling long after your skin stops looking fragile.
- No sunbathing or tanning at any point during the course or while you are healing.
- Do not pick at flaking skin, or try to scrub it off.
- Follow the specific advice you are given about retinoids, acids, exercise, make up and other products.
Who is a good candidate for Fraxel FTX, and who may not be?
Who is it suitable for, and who is not?
A good candidate has a concern that matches Fraxel’s indications, realistic expectations, and the ability to follow sun-protection and aftercare instructions.
Someone whose problem is one this laser actually treats, who knows what to expect, and who will genuinely follow the sun protection and aftercare.
- Patients with recent tanning, active infection, open wounds or skin that has not healed from another procedure may need to postpone treatment
- History of keloid/excessive scarring or significant pigment change after procedures requires careful review
- Current isotretinoin or similar medications, systemic steroids and other relevant medications require physician review based on current labeling and medical judgment
- Melasma requires individualized counseling because heat/inflammation can sometimes worsen pigmentation even though certain Fraxel wavelengths have cleared pigment indications
- Anyone recently tanned, with an infection, an open wound, or skin still healing from something else, may need to wait.
- A history of thick raised scars, or of significant colour change after procedures, needs going through carefully first.
- Being on isotretinoin now or recently, on steroid tablets, or on certain other medicines, needs reviewing with the doctor.
- Melasma needs a careful individual conversation, because heat and inflammation can sometimes make pigment worse, even though this laser is cleared to treat it.
Fraxel FTX treatment at Dermatology and Laser Centre, with laser eye protection for patient and doctor.
A Fraxel FTX treatment here. Both patient and doctor wear laser eye protection.
What are the benefits and risks of Fraxel FTX?
What are the benefits and risks?
Fraxel offers fractional resurfacing with less surface injury than fully ablative resurfacing, but it still carries laser risks and does not guarantee a specific degree of improvement.
It resurfaces without stripping the whole surface, so there is far less to recover from than the old approach. It is still a laser, with laser risks, and no one can promise a particular amount of improvement.
| Potential benefits | Possible risks / limitations |
|---|---|
| Improved pigment, texture, fine lines or scars when the indication is appropriate | Redness, swelling, dryness, flaking, itching and temporary bronzing |
| Fractional delivery leaves surrounding tissue untreated to support healing | Less common blistering/burn, infection, prolonged redness, pigment change, delayed healing, scarring or eye injury |
What you can gain
Better colour, texture, fine lines or scars, where the problem matches what it treats.
Untouched skin between the treated dots, which is what makes healing quick.
What you are accepting
Redness, swelling, dryness, flaking, itching and a bronzed look for a while.
Less commonly: blisters or a burn, infection, redness that drags on, a change in skin colour, slow healing, scarring, or eye injury.
What are alternatives to Fraxel FTX?
What else could I do instead?
Alternatives depend on whether the main target is pigment, redness, scars, texture or deeper photoaging.
It depends whether the main target is colour, redness, scars, texture, or heavier sun damage.
- Pico or other pigment-targeting lasers for selected benign pigment concerns
- VBeam for primarily vascular redness
- Erbium YAG or CO2 resurfacing when a more ablative approach is appropriate
- RF microneedling for selected scar/texture concerns
- Topical skin care, chemical peels or other non-laser treatments when they better match the diagnosis
- A pigment laser such as Pico, for certain harmless coloured spots.
- VBeam, when the main problem is redness from blood vessels.
- Erbium or CO2 resurfacing, when something stronger is appropriate.
- RF microneedling, for certain scars and texture.
- Creams, chemical peels, or something else entirely, when those fit the diagnosis better.
Illustrative result
What a result can look like
These are Fraxel results, shown to illustrate what fractional resurfacing does to pigment, texture and scarring, not to predict your own outcome. Results vary with skin type, the concern being treated, the number of sessions and how consistently sun protection is followed. Drag the divider to compare, or open any picture for the detail.
These show Fraxel results. They are here to show what this kind of resurfacing does to colour, texture and scarring. They are not a prediction of your result. Outcomes vary with your skin type, what is being treated, how many sessions you have, and how consistent you are with sun protection. Drag the line across to compare, or open any picture to see it larger.
Questions patients ask
Is the correct name Fraxel FTX or Fraxel FLX?
Is it Fraxel FTX or Fraxel FLX?
Fraxel FTX™ is the current product name in Solta Medical materials and FDA clearance.
FTX. That is the current name of the machine.
What does Fraxel FTX feel like?
What does it feel like?
Most patients describe an increasing sensation of heat during the treatment. Topical anesthetic is applied beforehand and cooling is used on the treatment area to keep it manageable. Afterwards most patients feel as though they have sunburn, and that usually diminishes within one to three hours. After that, most report virtually no discomfort.
Most people feel the heat building up while it is being done. Numbing cream beforehand and cooling on the skin during it keep that manageable. Afterwards it feels like sunburn, and that usually eases within one to three hours. After that, most people feel virtually nothing.
How much downtime does Fraxel FTX have?
How much time will I need off?
Visible redness, swelling, bronzing, dryness and flaking commonly last several days. The exact recovery depends on wavelength, energy, treatment level and body area.
Visible redness, swelling, bronzing, dryness and flaking commonly last several days. Exactly how long depends on which setting was used, how much energy, how strong the treatment was, and which part of the body.
How many Fraxel FTX treatments are needed?
How many sessions will I need?
Roughly 3 to 5 treatments about a month apart is a common plan, though the number should be individualised. Manufacturer information notes some improvement can be visible after one treatment, and that several may be needed for the best result.
Roughly 3 to 5 treatments, about a month apart, is a common plan, but the number should be worked out for you. The manufacturer notes you may see some improvement after one, and that several are often needed for the best result.
Can Fraxel FTX treat acne scars?
Can it treat acne scars?
Yes. The 1550 nm Fraxel wavelength is cleared for acne scars and surgical scars. The scar pattern still matters, and deeper tethered or ice-pick scars may need additional procedures.
Yes. The deeper setting is cleared for acne scars and surgical scars. The type of scar still matters, and deep tethered or ice pick scars may need something else as well.
Can Fraxel FTX treat melasma?
Can it treat melasma?
The 1550 nm wavelength has labeling that includes melasma, but melasma is biologically complex and can worsen with inflammation or heat. Treatment should be individualized and combined with strict pigment-control and sun-protection strategies.
The deeper setting is cleared for melasma. But melasma is complicated, and heat and inflammation can sometimes make it worse. Treatment has to be planned individually, and combined with strict pigment control and sun protection.
What anesthetic is used?
What numbing is used?
Only a topical anesthetic. Fraxel FTX is performed in the office without injections, nerve blocks or sedation.
Numbing cream only. It is done in the office, with no injections, no nerve blocks and no sedation.
What precautions should I take after a Fraxel treatment?
What should I be careful about afterwards?
Wear a zinc oxide sunblock of SPF 30 or higher, avoid direct sun exposure, and wear a wide-brimmed hat when you are in the sun. This is the single most important thing you can do to protect the result.
Use a zinc oxide sunblock, SPF 30 or higher. Stay out of direct sun. Wear a wide-brimmed hat when you are out. Nothing else you do protects the result as much as this.
How long will my skin look treated?
How long will my skin look treated?
Pinkness typically lasts five to seven days. A bronzed appearance can last up to fourteen days, depending on the treatment level, and the flaking happens during that window. The stronger the treatment, the longer and more obvious this phase is, which is one of the things Dr. Gallacher takes into account when planning your settings and timing.
Pinkness usually lasts five to seven days. The bronzed look can last up to fourteen days, depending on how strong the treatment was, and the flaking happens during that time. Stronger treatment means a longer and more obvious recovery. That is one of the things Dr. Gallacher takes into account when she plans your settings and your timing.
How long do the results last?
How long does the result last?
In Dr. Gallacher's experience results can last for years with proper skincare and sun protection. Continued sun exposure is what shortens them, and your skin continues to age regardless of treatment.
In Dr. Gallacher's experience, results can last for years if you look after your skin and protect it from the sun. Sun exposure is what cuts them short. Your skin also carries on ageing either way.
Who will actually perform my treatment?
Who actually does my treatment?
Dr. Gallacher, personally. She performs all laser treatments at Dermatology and Laser Centre herself and does not delegate them.
Dr. Gallacher herself. She does all the laser treatments here personally and does not hand them to anyone else.
Can Fraxel FTX improve enlarged pores or stretch marks?
Can it help large pores or stretch marks?
Both are addressed here as texture and remodeling goals. Fractional treatment can soften the appearance of enlarged pores as part of a broader improvement in skin texture, and can improve the texture and colour of stretch marks. Neither is separately named in the Fraxel clearances, improvement is partial rather than complete, and stretch marks in particular usually need a series. Whether Fraxel is the right choice for either is decided at consultation.
Yes, in the sense that both improve as the texture improves. Large pores look smaller as the overall texture gets better, and stretch marks can improve in texture and colour. Neither is on the official cleared list for this laser, the improvement is partial rather than complete, and stretch marks usually need a course of treatments. Whether it is the right choice for you is decided at your consultation.
Talk it through with a physician first.
Every plan starts with an assessment of your skin, your anatomy and what you actually want to change.
This page is general health information, not medical advice. It cannot tell you whether a treatment is right for you. Approved uses, risks and results differ from person to person, and product labelling changes. Ask us at Dermatology and Laser Centre about your own situation, or make an appointment, and seek urgent care for any serious symptom.
