I recently had Fraxel on my neck. I was told it would help tightening. Is that true?

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Hello,Thank you for your question. Yes fraxel laser will tighten your skin. It can take up to two months to see full results because it will grow your collagen. Enjoy! 

Fraxel is a fantastic laser for the face, neck and body.  It removes pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and scars.  It does not help tighten the skin.  Skin tightening is best done with the Thermage laser.  Many of my patients benefit from both Thermage first for skin tightening followed by Fraxel.  Please consult an expert in Thermage and Fraxel for the best cosmetic results.  Best, Dr. Green

Fraxel does help with skin tightening by increasing collagen which can take several months to see the full effect. Radio-frequency techniques can also tighten skin which is something you can consider. Adding a good skin care product like Obagi s Nuderm can give an added effect to your Fraxel treatment for continued skin tightening.

Fraxel is a bit confusing now, since it's a brand name and has a fractionated fully ablative CO2 laser in addition to their original and now improved dual non-ablative option.  There is no question that fractionated CO2 lasers all improve wrinkles and tighten your skin.  To that end, the non-ablative lasers will also tighten, but the difference is much less significant.  

My experience with the Fraxel is that it helps with pigmentation, wrinkles, and scars, but doesn't help with tightening. I believe that RF is needed for skin tightening. My go device for RF is Infini. Laser are limited in the energy given to the neck because skin on the neck is not as hardy as the skin on the face. This is partly due to less sebaceous glands on the neck.