What to expect after Frax 1550: healing, stage by stage

What does the Frax 1550 do to the skin?

The Frax 1550 is a non-ablative fractional laser. Non-ablative means it doesn't remove the top layer of skin. Fractional means it treats thousands of microscopic columns of skin and leaves the skin between them intact.

This prompts new collagen, the protein that gives skin its structure. That is why results build gradually, over three to four months.

There's more detail on our Frax 1550 page, and on our Texture & pores treatment page.

What happens during the appointment?

We apply numbing cream first and give it time to take effect. Then we treat the area in passes with the laser.

Before you leave, we go through your aftercare so you know what to do at home, and those instructions come before the general guide below.

What happens in the first day or two?

The skin looks pink and can feel warm. This is expected after treatment.

Some swelling is possible for a few days. Like the pink colour, it settles as the skin calms.

During these first days:

• Wash gently with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water.
• Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing.
• Use a gentle moisturiser whenever the skin feels tight.
• Wear SPF 30+ daily and stay out of direct sun.

What happens over the next few days?

The pink colour fades over a few days. As it settles, the skin feels rough or looks slightly bronzed as it renews.

Let the rough skin come away on its own, without picking or scrubbing.

Keep up the same routine of gentle cleanser, moisturiser and SPF 30+. Pause retinol, exfoliating acids and vitamin C, and we'll tell you when to restart them.

What happens once the skin has renewed?

Once the rough, bronzed stage passes, the skin feels comfortable again. The collagen change takes longer and builds over three to four months.

We'll tell you when to return to your normal skincare. Keep wearing SPF 30+ every day for the whole series.

When will I see results?

New collagen takes time to form. Results build over three to four months, not in the days after a single session.

Frax 1550 is typically done as a series of four to five sessions, about a month apart. Results vary from person to person, and you can see before and after photos on our results page.

Is healing different depending on the area?

The general pattern, pink for a few days and then rough or slightly bronzed, is similar wherever we treat. Areas on the body, which we treat for Stretch marks and Surgical scars, are often covered by clothing while they heal.

When should I contact the studio?

Some pink colour, warmth, swelling and a rough or bronzed look are expected. If something feels different from what we described at your appointment, or you're worried about how your skin is healing, contact us and we'll talk it through. If you think you need urgent medical care, seek it right away.

How do I know if Frax 1550 is right for me?

Every treatment starts with the 30-minute one-on-one consultation. We look at your skin and your goals and check whether Frax 1550 is a good fit.

At the end we'll tell you how many sessions you'll need and the price. Full-face Frax 1550 for texture and pores is from $449, and every treatment is listed on our prices page. Our studio is in Stoney Creek, Hamilton, and convenient for Burlington, Grimsby, Ancaster and Dundas.