YOU may have thought about getting Fraxel a million times and changed your mind again. You certainly want instantly smoother, brighter and plumper skin — it’s because lasers are off-putting.

Here, we have New York-based cosmetic and medical dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum to clear things up for us. If you’ve tried every wrinkle cream or fading gel and you want to find a faster and more effective solution for your dark spots and fine lines, here’s the breakdown on the skin-resurfacing treatment people are talking about.

What is Fraxel?

Fraxel is a non-invasive, microscopic laser that penetrates your skin to encourage new collagen and elastin growth. Translation: It smooths wrinkles and scars, fades brown spots, and basically resurfaces your entire skin tone. Unlike really aggressive lasers, Fraxel is a fractional skin resurfacing treatment, which means it only targets a fraction of the skin at a time.

What does Fraxel do?

The Fraxel dual laser uses two wavelengths (1550 and 1927) to address different skin concerns on the face, neck, chest, hands, legs — just about anywhere, according to Nussbaum. With the 1927 wavelength, you can lift away discoloration, while the 1550 wavelength is designed to target and smooth your skin’s texture.

Is the Fraxel laser safe?

Although Nussbaum says the laser is safe for all skin tones, it might not be the best choice for anyone with melasma (a complex form of hyper pigmentation), since melasma can worsen under the effects of a Fraxel laser. Of course, your dermatologist will let you know whether or not your skin can handle the laser, so definitely schedule a consultation regardless.

How should you prepare?

Nussbaum tells her patients to stop using any retinoids, peels, acids, or products that can cause skin sensitivity for a full a week before your treatment.

If you’re in the middle of a really intense breakout, your dermatologist may want to postpone until your zits have calmed down, so let the office know ahead of time if you find yourself in an acne showdown.

How long does it take?

The laser treatment itself is relatively quick — about 15 to 25 minutes — but you should expect to factor in at least another 45 minutes for the topical anesthesia (numbing cream) to kick in before getting started.

Is the Fraxel laser painful?

Lasers don’t exactly feel great, but since you’ll be numbed up beforehand, Nussbaum says you’ll likely only feel a little stinging. Of course, pain tolerance is subjective, and many people consider Fraxel to be quite intense and painful, even with the numbing cream.

How long does it take for the skin to heal?

The downtime to Fraxel is typically a week. During the first two days, you can expect redness, throbbing, and swelling (like a sunburn), then between days three to five, your skin will start to roughen up and peel. As tempting as it is to pick at the flakes, resist the urge and allow your skin to heal on its own or you’ll risk scarring. And, as a note, the chest usually takes a little bit longer to recover, so don’t be alarmed if the process seems slow.

How long do the results last?

According to Nussbaum, how long the results last depends on the patient’s hair color, eye color, and complexion. On average, though, the results of a Fraxel treatment last at least a year, but it varies wildly from patient to patient.

After treatment tips

Nussbaum stresses that you shouldn’t try to cool your skin with an ice pack, which could cause an ice burn on top of everything else.

If you desperately need to put something on your face to alleviate some of the heat, Nussbaum recommends making a 50/50 mixture of whole milk (because the lactic acid and fat help heal the skin) and ice water (because it’s naturally soothing). Dip a washcloth in the milky water and use it as a compress to cool yourself down.

Nussbaum recommends washing your face twice a day during recovery to keep the area clean and making sure to only use a gentle cleanser.

Once you get a Fraxel treatment, it’s SPF 30, a hat, and the shade for you. Not only will your new skin be more vulnerable to the sun, but you’ll also want to stay covered to prevent the pigment from coming right back.

(SD-Agencies)