When it comes to resurfacing lasers, Fraxel is considered the gold standard for refreshing and repairing skin. It can improve tone, texture, fine lines, pigmentation, and even stubborn acne scars. At Dermatologists of Birmingham, your Fraxel treatment is performed only by our board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Northington and Dr. Bourgeois.
Unlike many practices where non-physician providers (NPs, RNs, or aestheticians) operate the device, here your skin is always in the hands of a physician. Both Dr. Northington and Dr. Bourgeois are highly trained in laser resurfacing. In fact, Dr. Northington first trained on Fraxel during her fellowship in California under renowned laser pioneer Dr. Fitzpatrick, bringing a depth of experience few can match.
Why Patients Call Us the “Queens of Comfort”
Fraxel is powerful, but comfort is where we truly stand apart. We’ve earned the nickname “Queens of Comfort” for the way we care for patients before, during, and after treatment.
1. Custom numbing cream: Our specially formulated numbing cream is applied by our staff, and you’ll relax in our dedicated numbing room until you’re fully comfortable. Depending on treatment depth, this may take about an hour.
2. Physician-selected settings: Different Fraxel settings allow us to target unique concerns — from fine lines to pigmentation to acne scars. Your dermatologist will explain which settings are being used and why.
3. Optional Pro-Nox: For extra peace of mind, we offer Pro-Nox — a self-administered nitrous oxide system (similar to “laughing gas”) that helps you relax while staying in control. It wears off quickly, so you can safely drive yourself home.
What to Expect
1. During treatment: The laser works in tiny fractions, creating thousands of microscopic treatment zones while leaving surrounding skin intact. This stimulates natural healing and collagen renewal.
2. Immediately after: Skin feels warm (like a sunburn) and may appear red or slightly swollen.
3. Day after: Redness and bronzing set in, with skin starting to feel like sandpaper as renewal begins.
4. Within a week: Flaking and peeling occur, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath.
Enhancing & Extending Your Results
We want your investment to go further, so we combine Fraxel with tools that support and extend results:
1. VISIA photos – We can take “before” images prior to your Fraxel and compare them to refreshed “after” photos.
2. DiamondGlow facial – A post-Fraxel DiamondGlow, performed by one of our Aesthetic Experts, helps polish and hydrate the skin as it heals.
3. Clear + Brilliant (C+B): Every full-face Fraxel includes a free Clear + Brilliant maintenance treatment. Typically scheduled about a month later, C+B helps lock in your Fraxel results and maintain them longer.
How Often Should I Have Fraxel?
Some patients love a yearly Fraxel as a fall refresh, while others choose a series of 3–4 treatments (spaced 4–6 weeks apart) for more dramatic improvement, especially for acne scarring or deeper sun damage. With each Fraxel you purchase, you’ll also receive a complimentary Clear + Brilliant treatment for ongoing maintenance.
Why Dermatologists of Birmingham?
1. Fraxel is performed only by board-certified dermatologists
2. Years of expertise — including fellowship-level laser training with pioneers in the field
3. Patient comfort is our priority: numbing cream, a dedicated numbing room, and optional Pro-Nox
4. Options to maximize results: VISIA imaging, DiamondGlow facials, Clear + Brilliant maintenance
At Dermatologists of Birmingham, your skin is always treated by a physician — with the skill, safety, and comfort you deserve.