Discover the guiding force behind our brand through the lens of our esteemed founder, Ashley McFarland. In this special segment dedicated to “Ashley’s Top Picks,” we dive into her personal favorites, handpicked with care and expertise. Ashley will unveil the products, treatments, and experiences that have earned her seal of approval. From game-changing skincare gems to rejuvenating treatments, Ashley shares her coveted recommendations, providing invaluable insights into her own skincare journey.
The world of skincare is constantly evolving, with new and innovative solutions emerging to address every conceivable skin concern. Leading the charge in this exciting realm is Ashley McFarland Aesthetics with its curated skincare line – the AM Skin Collection. One of the star products from this collection that has beauty enthusiasts buzzing is the Koji Glow Pads. Today, we delve into what makes these pads a must-have in every skincare arsenal.
The Power of Enzyme-Activated Arbutin
The core of the Koji Glow Pads’ effectiveness lies in its use of enzyme activated Arbutin. Arbutin, a naturally derived substance found in several plants, has been lauded for its ability to inhibit melanin production, making it a potent agent for skin brightening. However, in its enzyme-activated form, its potential is heightened, ensuring that you get the brightest, most radiant skin.
Synergistic Ingredients
But it’s not just the Arbutin that’s doing all the work. The Koji Glow Pads are a symphony of well-chosen ingredients that work in harmony:
Salicylic Acid: A well-known beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid helps to enhance the penetration of other ingredients, ensuring that every pad’s goodness sinks deep into the skin. Additionally, it aids in exfoliating the skin, keeping it free from blemishes.
Kojic and Ascorbic Acids: These acids pack a powerful antioxidant punch. While Kojic acid is famed for its ability to combat hyperpigmentation, Ascorbic acid (or vitamin C) fights against free radicals, ensuring your skin remains youthful and protected from environmental aggressors.
Freshness Matters
One of the standout features of the Koji Glow Pads is the promise of potency. Each pad is compounded freshly upon dispensing, ensuring that the actives are at their most effective when they touch your skin.
Usage and Storage
For optimal results, it’s recommended to use the Koji Glow Pads every night or every other night. To ensure that the pads retain their efficacy, always store them in a cool, dry place.
Koji Glow Pads are an embodiment of Ashley McFarland Aesthetics’ dedication to delivering exceptional skincare solutions. Incorporate them into your nightly routine and watch your skin transform with a radiant glow.
Fraxel treatments have been a buzzword in the aesthetic industry for quite some time now, and with good reason. This non-invasive laser procedure promises to target the very layers of our skin that cause aging, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. However, as with all things concerning our skin, timing and preparation are key.
Welcome to the Ashley McFarland Aesthetics guide on why this is the perfect season for a Fraxel treatment and how the AM Skin Collection will ensure your skin is in tip-top condition for it.
Why Now is the Perfect Time for Fraxel
The cooling temperatures of the season make it ideal for laser treatments. Sun exposure is one of the major factors that can affect the results of Fraxel, leading to potential complications and reduced efficacy. During this period, with shorter days and longer nights, you’ll likely spend less time under the harsh sun, making it the best time for recovery.
Understanding Fraxel: A Skin Revolution
Fraxel is a fractionated laser treatment that works on both the surface and deeper layers of the skin, promoting rapid cellular turnover and collagen production. Unlike other laser treatments that target the entire skin surface, Fraxel focuses on microscopic columns of skin, leaving surrounding areas untouched. This approach not only allows for quicker healing but also ensures a more targeted treatment.
The Fraxel Effect: From Deep Within
Collagen Boost: One of the primary functions of Fraxel is its ability to stimulate collagen production. Collagen, a protein found abundantly in our youth, diminishes with age, leading to sagging skin and the formation of wrinkles. Fraxel, by promoting collagen synthesis, helps in restoring skin’s elasticity and firmness, giving it a more youthful appearance.
Targeting Sun Damage and Pigmentation: Years of sun exposure can leave our skin with sunspots, uneven tone, and other pigmentation issues. Fraxel is exceptionally adept at targeting and treating these irregularities, giving you a clearer and brighter complexion.
Refining Texture: Fraxel isn’t just about the deeper layers; it’s equally effective on the surface. Those struggling with rough texture, enlarged pores, or superficial scars can expect a smoother, more refined skin texture post-treatment.
Addressing Deep-Set Wrinkles: While surface-level fine lines might be easier to tackle, deep-set wrinkles require a more potent approach. Fraxel, with its penetrative capabilities, can reach these deeper layers, softening even the most stubborn of wrinkles.
Pre-Treatment: Setting the Stage with Skincare
Before diving into any aggressive skin treatment, preparation is paramount. Think of your skin as a canvas – the smoother and more primed it is, the better the end result.
This is where the AM Skin Collection comes in. Founded by Ashley McFarland, this line was meticulously crafted to ensure that your skin receives optimal nourishment and care, especially in preparation for something as transformative as Fraxel.
1. Koji Glow Pads: The star product in our collection, these pads are infused with Kojic acid, which works wonders for brightening the skin, reducing dark spots, and providing an even skin tone. Using this in the weeks leading up to your Fraxel treatment can help ensure that the laser works on a skin that’s already radiant and even.
2. Silk Serum: Packed with a cocktail of hydration and skin-loving ingredients, this serum ensures your skin remains plump, reducing the appearance of fine lines. Its silky texture also ensures optimal hydration, a must before undergoing Fraxel.
3. Night Magic: As the name suggests, let this serum work its magic overnight. It aids in skin regeneration, ensuring that your skin’s natural repair mechanisms are functioning at their best.
4. Get Glowing Serums: For that extra boost of Vitamin C, the Get Glowing serum promises just what its name suggests. Perfect for ensuring your skin is in its best state.
Aftercare and Beyond
Once you’ve undergone your Fraxel treatment, the AM Skin Collection continues to be your ally. Ensuring that your skin remains hydrated and nourished post-treatment can significantly impact the final results, making our range an ideal choice for both pre and post-treatment care.
If you’ve been contemplating Fraxel now truly is the golden window, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our AM Skin Collection Night Magic Serum, created by our founder – Ashley McFarland. Incorporating a product like our Night Magic Serum with Retinoids into your routine can help support these natural processes, ensuring that your skin stays radiant, resilient, and youthful.
Picture this: you wake up, run your fingers over your face, and feel a surface that is smooth, supple, and bouncy. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? For many, this dream can become reality with the magic of retinoids, a true powerhouse in the realm of skincare. Retinoids are not only acclaimed for their skin-transforming benefits, but they are also the star ingredient in our AM Skin Collection Night Magic Serum with Retinoids. Ready to transform your skin? Let’s start your journey to glowing, healthy skin with the magic of retinoids.
Demystifying Retinoids
Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, have stood the test of time in the world of dermatology and skincare, holding their own amongst an ever-evolving roster of ingredients. But what exactly are retinoids and why are they so impactful?
Retinoids are potent compounds that promote cell turnover and collagen production. In essence, they help your skin shed dead cells more efficiently and replace them with fresh, new cells. This promotes a smoother skin surface, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and can even help combat acne. Retinoids also help boost collagen, a protein that provides structural support to your skin. This leaves you with skin that’s not just glowing, but also firmer and more resilient.
How Do Retinoids Work?
Retinoids work on a deep, cellular level. They essentially “communicate” with your skin cells, sending signals to accelerate the growth of new cells while eliminating the old ones. Additionally, retinoids also hinder the breakdown of collagen, which is often responsible for the onset of visible aging signs. By ensuring the health and vitality of your skin’s cells and supporting collagen integrity, retinoids help keep your skin youthful and vibrant.
Why Try the AM Skin Collection Night Magic Serum?
If you’re ready to give retinoids a try, there’s no better way to start than with our AM Skin Collection Night Magic Serum. It’s a meticulously formulated serum that harnesses the power of retinoids, combined with other essential ingredients, to optimize their skin-rejuvenating benefits.
Our Night Magic Serum includes a retinoid that is gentle yet effective, making it suitable for those who are just starting to incorporate this powerful ingredient into their routine. We understand that every skin type is unique, and while retinoids have an array of benefits, they can also be potent. That’s why our Night Magic Serum includes calming and moisturizing ingredients to soothe and hydrate your skin.
The magic doesn’t stop there. Our serum also boasts antioxidants, which provide an additional layer of defense against environmental aggressors that contribute to aging. This synergistic blend of ingredients creates a powerful, yet balanced, formula that caters to a broad spectrum of skin types and concerns.
Taking Your Skin Health Seriously with the Night Magic Serum
Your skin is a living, breathing organ, and like the rest of your body, it deserves care and attention. As you age, your natural cell turnover and collagen production slow down. Incorporating a product like our Night Magic Serum into your routine can help support these natural processes, ensuring that your skin stays radiant, resilient, and youthful.
Remember, the path to healthy skin isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. Consistency is key when using retinoids. Over time, you’ll start to see a visible transformation in your skin’s texture, tone, and overall health.
Experience the magic of retinoids and our Night Magic Serum today and embark on your journey towards a more confident and glowing you. After all, there’s nothing more magical than feeling comfortable and beautiful in your own skin.
We believe that aging gracefully is an art form, and Botox is our secret weapon. If you’re considering diving into the world of injectables, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re going to spill the beans on why, when, and how you can start your fabulous Botox journey. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on an exciting adventure towards a smoother, more radiant you!
Why Start Botox?
Picture this: you’re gazing into the mirror, and you notice those fine lines and wrinkles that seem to have magically appeared overnight. Well, fear not! Botox is here to save the day. It’s like a superhero for your skin, battling those pesky signs of aging and helping you regain your youthful glow.
Botox is a marvelous little concoction made from a purified protein that works by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for creating those unwanted lines. It smooths out wrinkles, erases crow’s feet, and even lifts sagging brows. Say goodbye to worry lines and hello to a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance!
When to Start Botox?
The truth is there’s no universal “perfect” age to start Botox. It’s all about your personal journey and preferences. Some individuals begin their Botox adventures in their 20s as a preventive measure, while others wait until their 30s or beyond when wrinkles start becoming more noticeable.
Remember, Botox is your partner in crime against the inevitable signs of aging. So, whenever you feel ready to take that leap and give your face a little pick-me-up, that’s the perfect time to start!
How to Start Botox?
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of how to begin your Botox voyage. First and foremost, find yourself a skilled and reputable aesthetic professional who can guide you through the process. At Ashley McFarland Aesthetics, we pride ourselves on having a team of experts dedicated to creating natural-looking results that enhance your unique beauty.
During your initial consultation, Blair or Ashley will assess your facial features, discuss your concerns and goals, and create a tailored treatment plan just for you. They’ll explain the procedure, address any questions, or concerns you may have, and ensure you feel comfortable every step of the way.
The actual Botox treatment is quick, virtually painless, and requires no downtime. The practitioner will strategically inject the solution into specific facial muscles, and voilà! You’re on your way to smoother, wrinkle-free skin.
Embrace the Journey
Starting Botox is like opening a door to a world of newfound confidence and self-expression. It’s not just about looking younger; it’s about feeling fabulous in your own skin. So, embrace the journey, and don’t forget to celebrate every milestone along the way!
Our team at Ashley McFarland Aesthetics is committed to helping you achieve your aesthetic dreams while preserving your unique beauty. We’ll be your partners in creating a masterpiece that is uniquely you.
So, whether you’re looking to prevent wrinkles or turn back the clock, Botox is your trusty sidekick in this exhilarating adventure. Take the leap, discover the magic of Botox, and unleash your inner radiance.
Our client, Sara, coming to see all that we have to offer!
During the Summer months, it’s important to focus on protecting your skin from the harsh sun and environmental factors. While sun protection is essential, we also want to continue skin treatments to rejuvenate the skin.
At Ashley McFarland Aesthetics, we offer a wide range of safe and effective skin treatments to help you achieve a vibrant and youthful complexion during the summer months. Our treatment selections include Vivace Microneedling, SkinPen’s Microneedling with PRP, Advalight Laser treatments, multiple facials, IV Therapy, and Chemical Peels.
Additionally, we emphasize the importance of investing in sun protection, including purchasing medical-grade sunscreens available in our office. Let’s explore these treatments and the significance of sun protection for maintaining healthy skin during the summer months.
Vivace Microneedling
Vivace Microneedling is an innovative treatment that stimulates collagen production, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin texture. This procedure utilizes advanced technology to create controlled micro-injuries, prompting the skin’s natural healing response. The Vivace system combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy, resulting in enhanced collagen remodeling and tissue tightening.
By promoting the production of new, healthy skin cells, Vivace Microneedling helps you achieve a radiant and youthful complexion, making it an excellent choice for a safe and effective summer skin treatment.
Microneedling SkinPen with PRP
Microneedling SkinPen with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a powerful combination treatment for skin rejuvenation. Microneedling with the SkinPen device creates tiny microchannels in the skin, stimulating collagen production and cellular turnover. This process improves skin texture, reduces the appearance of scars and fine lines, and enhances overall skin tone.
Adding PRP to the treatment involves extracting your own platelet-rich plasma from a small blood sample, which is then topically applied or injected into the treated area. PRP contains growth factors that further accelerate the healing process, boost collagen synthesis, and improve overall skin rejuvenation.
The Microneedling SkinPen with PRP treatment provides a natural and safe approach to achieving a refreshed and youthful complexion for the summer season.
Advalight Laser Treatments
At Ashley McFarland Aesthetics, we offer several Advalight Laser treatments, including AM Red Clear, AM Glow, and AM Acne Clear. These non-invasive laser therapies target specific skin concerns such as redness, pigmentation irregularities, and acne.
The Advalight Laser system delivers precise energy to the skin, promoting collagen synthesis and improving overall skin tone and texture.
With minimal downtime and effective results, these treatments are an excellent choice for achieving a rejuvenated summer glow. This treatment is also great to help maintain Fraxel results in the summer months.
Facials for Every Skin Need:
Our clinic offers a variety of facials tailored to address specific skin concerns.
The Geneo’s Glo2Facial rejuvenates and oxygenates the skin, leaving it nourished and revitalized.
DiamondGlow Facials provide deep exfoliation and hydration, revealing a smoother and more radiant complexion.
Hydrafacials cleanse, extract, and hydrate the skin, while ZO Professional Facials (including ZO Brightening Facial, ZO Acne Facial, and ZO Express Facial) offer customized solutions for specific skin conditions.
These facials are designed to enhance your skin’s health and appearance, providing a refreshed and luminous look for the summer season.
IV Therapy for Optimal Health
To boost overall wellness and maintain a healthy glow to the skin, our IV Therapy Anti-Aging option is the Fountain of Youth with Glutathione.
This treatment delivers essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants directly into your bloodstream, ensuring maximum absorption and effectiveness.
IV Therapy can replenish your body’s nutrients, enhance skin radiance, and support overall vitality, making it an ideal addition to your summer skincare regimen.
Chemical Peels for Skin Renewal
Chemical peels are effective in addressing various skin concerns and promoting skin renewal. Our practice offers a selection of chemical peels, including the ZO 3 Step Peel, VI Precision Plus Peel, Bright and Tight Skin Peel, and Glow and Go Skin Treatment. These treatments gently exfoliate the skin, revealing a smoother, brighter complexion.
Chemical peels can improve skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, minimize fine lines, and enhance the skin’s overall texture, helping you achieve a rejuvenated look for the summer season.
While Chemical Peels are one of our favorite treatments, we do require that you avoid the sun for one week for optimal results and to protect your new skin from the sun!
Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen
In addition to our comprehensive range of treatments, we consistently stress the importance of sun protection in maintaining healthy and youthful skin. Sunscreen is an indispensable part of your skincare routine, especially during the summer months when sun exposure is heightened. We offer a hand-selection of premium sunscreens in our office, carefully designed to provide broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you in choosing the ideal sunscreen that suits your skin type and lifestyle, ensuring optimal sun protection and preserving the results of your skincare treatments.
We are fully dedicated to helping you achieve safe and effective skin treatments that will enhance your natural beauty. Our services are designed to address various skin concerns and promote a radiant complexion. Visit our practice to experience a summer of healthy, glowing skin and indulge in a personalized skincare regimen tailored to your needs.
Easiest way to achieve the skin of your dreams? Join one of our skin clubs below!
Tricia, meeting with a client to discuss their interest in a Skin Club Membership.
Do you want to hold yourself accountable for getting the regular self-care you deserve? Our annual memberships are an investment in yourself and your skin. Enjoy monthly treatments, big savings, and exclusive offers at each level. All you have to do is pick the one that fits you best!
With several options and price points to choose from, we are able to give you and your skin the monthly TLC it deserves. We also are super flexible when it comes to swapping services if you aren’t interested in doing a certain thing during a particular month.
The best part about our skin clubs? It takes the work off of your plate, all you have to do is show up and your skin will soon be elevated to new levels!
Read below to see the differences between each membership, and how we can help get your skin to where you want it to be!
A client getting a Dermaplane included in their Glow-Up Membership.
Glow Up Membership ($109/month)
Looking to get glowing? This membership is one for everyone, especially those who are looking to keep their skin consistently bright and refreshed.
For $109 a month, you will receive the following treatments:
Deep cleanse
Dermaplane
Aloe mask
LED Light Treatment
ZO Accelerated Serum
BONUS: You will recieve 15% off all skin care products, all year long.
We are now offering upgrades to your Glow Up Membership in 2023. It’s been so popular, that we wanted to give back to those who are taking the time each month in getting their skin feeling and looking amazing.
During any month, feel free to upgrade to any of the below services for a discounted rate:
Deluxe HydraFacial for $175
VI Peel for $200
Microneedling with ZO serum for $350
Microneedling with PRP for $450
AM Glow laser treatment for $400
A client getting a Deluxe Hydrafacial included in their Anti-Aging Membership.
Anti-Aging Membership ($369/month)
Our Anti-Aging Membership has done some amazing transformations to our clients. You want to know the secret? It’s because they are prioritizing their skin health and come in multiple times each month! This is the best value out of all of the memberships because you truly get quite the spread of treatments to target specific parts of the aging process.
For $369 a month, you will receive the following treatments:
3 PRP Microneedling treatments
3 VI Precision Plus Peels
6 Deluxe Hydrafacials
Monthly Dermaplane treatment
BONUS: You will receive 15% of all skin care products, all year long.
Additional bonus: You can choose to do discounted upgrades to Fraxel, Vivace, and AM Glow Laser Treatment.
We always want to make sure you are getting what you want. We will recommend anything we think you may need, as we go along in this membership journey together. We offer exclusive discounts for any upgraded treatment. Our providers are great at leading you in the right direction.
Tricia getting her client ready for their chemical skin peel treatment that is included in her Acne Membership.
Acne Membership ($125/month)
Active acne and acne scarring are two things that can be a real stressor to people. This is one of our favorite memberships because 1.) We can take all of the work out for you and 2.) The results we’ve seen from this membership are exceptional.
For $125 a month, you will receive the following treatments:
Monthly deep cleansing facial
Extractions
Chemical peel skin treatment
BONUS: You will receive 15% of all skin care products, all year long.
With this membership, you will stop stressing about the stubborn active living on your face, and will start to love the skin you’re in. We are happy to do a consultation beforehand if you are struggling with the active or scarring.
Blair, getting blood from client’s IV to be used for PRP hair restoration injections included in the Hair Club Membership.
Hair Club Membership ($399/month)
Our Hair Club Membership is for people who have had a hard time getting their hair growth to where they want it to be. We have seen hundreds of patients who feel stuck and don’t know what their next steps should be. Luckily, we’ve created this membership to help those who need assistance in getting their hair back with their very own blood.
For $399 a month, you will receive the following treatments:
If you want to start a new chapter in your skin health journey, this is the perfect place to start. Here is what you need to know about this procedure.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a device with tiny, shallow needles that create hundreds of invisible and controlled puncture wounds on the top layer of the skin. If it sounds painful and aggressive – it is not because you will be numbed before the procedure starts!
These micro-wounds trigger the body to produce new collagen, elastin, and capillaries, plumping the skin and breaking up scar tissue. Which will then target fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, sagging skin and scarring.
The more procedures you get done, the more improvement you’ll see in your skin texture, firmness, and the level of hydration in your skin.
What can I expect during treatment?
If you give us an hour of your time, we can make magic happen with this Microneedling tool.
Step 1: One of our skin providers will prep your skin by cleansing and numbing your face.
Step 2: They will then apply a serum to make sure the skin is hydrated and protected.
Step 3: Then the microneedling will begin!
Step 4: The provider will protect your skin with post-procedure cream and an SPF.
How does it feel?
The best part about this procedure, is that you are completely numb from Step 1. This makes it easier for our providers to go deeper into the skin without you feeling the needles that are working their magic.
Your skin will turn red and may even bleed a bit, which is completely normal. You’ve got to remember that this procedure is creating those controlled puncture wounds on the top layer of the skin. Without it doing that, then your skin wouldn’t be able to produce bring up all that new and fresh collagen.
What will my recovery be like?
The day of treatment: Once you are done with treatment, your skin will most likely be red for the remainder of the day. Anytime your skin is healing like this, you’ll want to avoid heat and sweat on your face. Meaning, no exercise, hot tubs, and saunas for 24 hours.
24 hours after treatment: Your skin may feel a little tight! However, the redness will have faded. One of the things you want to understand is that the mico-wounds heal very quickly. It’s like how a paper cut heals within a day or two. Feel free to apply makeup 24 hours after your treatment.
48 hours after treatment: You may experience dryness, scaling, redness and swelling 2 days after treatment, but that is completely normal and should go away within the next few days. If your skin is peeling, use a mild exfoliant to remove the dead skin from your face.
After every procedure, make sure to keep skin hydrated and to always wear SPF. Your skin is especially attracted to the sun after a procedure like this, so make sure to protect it! Also be sure to avoid retinols and brightening ingredients while your skin continues to heal.
When will I see the results?
Get ready to watch your skin turn from dull to glowing, from dull to smooth, and from dry to hydrating.
If your skin is especially stubborn, it may take multiple treatments to get your skin to where it needs to be – but that is something that one of our providers will plan with you.
What is PRP and how do people use this with Microneedling?
If you haven’t heard about PRP yet, then you are about to get really excited about what this “liquid gold” can do to your skin.
Platelet-rich plasma, also known as PRP, is a great addition to microneedling treatments because it makes your skin transform in ways by the help of your own skin.
PRP is taken from your very own blood. People often think it’s red because it’s coming from your blood, but we separate the blood and the PRP comes to life as a golden color, which is why we call it “liquid gold”. We call it this because of its extraordinary rejuvenating properties in healing the skin faster and repairing it quicker.
Ashley drawing bloodAshley using the centrifugeAshley retrieving the “liquid gold”
How does PRP work?
Step 1: We draw your blood in the office and then separate it in a centrifuge. It takes a few minutes to get it completely separated.
Step 2: The PRP is then applied to your face after the numbing cream and can also be injected beneath the skin’s surface to stimulate new collagen production and to promote healing. If you have deeper lines and creases in your face, then this is the perfect combination for you.
All of our providers think this is a great procedure if you’re interested in starting your skin health journey. Give us a call today to get scheduled! 615-663-0072
It is that time of year we have all been waiting for! Cool weather, sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes and FRAXEL!
Fall and winter are the absolute best seasons to remove unwanted pigment and sun damage from our skin. If you have overindulged in the summer sun, fear not. We have your solution. Fraxel!
What is Fraxel? Fraxel is a brand of laser that delivers fractional skin resurfacing. Fraxel Dual in particular, features two wavelengths of 1927 and 1550 to treat sun damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and acne scars. It can completely change the overall tone and texture of a person’s skin. Fraxel delivers tiny dots of laser, only treating a fraction of the skin, leaving healthy skin in between the treated areas, which speeds healing and minimizes downtime. It is the “Gold Standard” in laser skin resurfacing. Compared to other more invasive treatments, the downtime for Fraxel is way more desirable considering the dramatic results it can deliver. Patients receiving Fraxel are back to a normal routine within a week.
Things you should know before you schedule your Fraxel…
A consultation is always recommended before scheduling any laser treatment. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for laser treatments.
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least one month prior to (and after) your treatment
Let our office know if you are prone to getting cold sores. You will need to prep with a prescription of an antiviral to prevent an outbreak in the treated area.
You will need to discontinue use of all exfoliating products (retinols, glycolics, salicylic) 10 days prior to treatment.
Some patients prone to hyperpigmentation will need to prep with a product containing hydroquinone or another brightening agent to suppress their melanin (pigment) for a few weeks prior to treatment and post treatment.
What to expect the day of a Fraxel Treatment…
Your provider will cleanse your skin and take before pictures.
Numbing cream will be applied for approximately one hour prior to treatment
Our office offers the option to add nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to any Fraxel treatment for an additional charge. This is a favorite, especially for those who tend to get a little anxious with treatments! It gives a more carefree experience, and it wears off in minutes, making it completely safe to drive home afterwards. We recommend eating some food prior to nitrous use.
Fraxel in our office always includes PRP (platelet rich plasma). PRP is such a fantastic way to increase your results! In case you are new to PRP, it is simple. Your blood will be drawn during the numbing process and spun down to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. Plasma contains platelets which contain growth factors. These growth factors will help to stimulate your own collagen and help healthy cells reproduce. The result is thicker, more elastic skin! Applying PRP after Fraxel will help calm skin quicker and speed up the healing process. Basically, a no brainer! One of our experienced injectors can also inject the PRP underneath the skin. Injecting it under the eyes for example can improve crepiness and hollowness. It is also a wonderful way to improve “smoker lines” around the mouth.
A post care kit will be sent home after the first treatment and your provider will go over all post care with you.
Immediately after treatment, the skin will feel sunburned and will be intense for about 3 hours. After 3 hours, intensity subsides greatly and will be very tolerable.
Swelling is expected post Fraxel. In fact, the swelling is what creates the collagen we all want and need.
After Fraxel….
Downtime with Fraxel varies from patient to patient, depending on treatment parameters and settings. The deeper the treatment, the more swelling expected. Usually by day 3, the skin will feel rough and have a sandpaper like texture. These are all microscopic scabs that will appear dark and eventually slough away, leaving fresh new skin. Gentle products only for the week following, and a good physical sunscreen are important. Avoid sweating for approximately 72 hours and make sure to wear a hat when outdoors. You are generating new baby skin and it is VERY susceptible to sun damage.
A series of 3 is always a good rule of thumb when planning Fraxel. Spacing the treatments 4 to 6 weeks apart will maximize outcome. Results will last longer with a proper at home regimen, including a retinol, sunscreen, and antioxidants. Your aesthetician will be happy to recommend some great products to get the most from your Fraxel.
