Fraxel is the first and only non-ablative fractional laser skin resurfacing treatment in Houston!
That sounds like a lot, but it’s really very simple: this laser treatment uses light and heat energy to induce collagen growth in the skin.
The laser works by fragmenting the treatment area into sections, which leaves the surrounding tissue intact, reducing downtime!
Laser resurfacing also known as: laser skin resurfacing, laser treatments, skin resurfacing \ LAY-sir re-SURF-is-ing \
A medical aesthetics treatment that uses the power of laser to remove dead and damaged skin cells, replacing them with healthy, regenerated cells.
Procedure options: Fraxel, Laser resurfacing
Addresses Fine lines and wrinkles, Surface scarring, Pigmentation, Sun damage, Acne
Procedure Time 50 - 70 minutes
Eligibility Female & Male, 18+
Possible Side Effects Redness, Slight swelling
Our highly personalized approach to Fraxel laser skin resurfacing in Houston means we can achieve a smooth, clear look that eliminates sun damage and other signs of aging long term. View All Before & Afters
Laser skin resurfacing is a nonsurgical treatment that uses controlled light energy to improve skin tone, texture, pigmentation, and visible signs of aging. Fractional technology treats microscopic sections of skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact, supporting faster healing and progressive collagen renewal.
At Studio Essex at Heights Plastic Surgery, Fraxel® laser skin resurfacing offers a precise way to refresh sun-damaged, scarred, or uneven skin. Treatment settings are selected according to your skin tone, concerns, treatment area, and tolerance for downtime. Some patients want a subtle polish. Others are ready for more corrective resurfacing. The treatment plan should reflect that difference.
Fraxel can be used on the face and select areas of the body, including the neck, chest, and hands. These high-exposure areas often reveal accumulated sun damage and textural changes before the rest of the skin does.
Laser skin resurfacing treats concerns that develop within the skin itself. It’s especially useful when topical products and lighter facials no longer create the level of correction a patient wants.
Laser resurfacing does not replace a facelift or other procedure designed to reposition loose tissue. Its strength is skin quality. It helps the surface look clearer, smoother, and more refined while encouraging gradual remodeling beneath it. Fraxel laser skin resurfacing may improve:
Fraxel creates controlled microscopic treatment zones instead of resurfacing the entire skin surface at once.
This fractional approach allows surrounding tissue to support healing while the treated areas begin a renewal process. For many patients, the appeal is refinement rather than reinvention. The skin looks better rested, more even, and more polished in natural light. When it comes to the benefits of laser skin resurfacing Houston patients may notice:
Use our interactive virtual consultation tool to explore the medical aesthetic procedures that might best fit your unique concerns.
For those in Houston laser skin resurfacing may be appropriate for healthy adults who want to improve texture, pigmentation, scarring, or early signs of aging without surgery.
Fraxel can be considered for a wide range of skin tones, but treatment settings and pigment risk must be evaluated individually. Patients with a greater tendency toward post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may need additional preparation, more conservative settings, or another treatment option.
You may be a good candidate if you:
Certain pigmentation concerns, including melasma, require careful evaluation because heat and inflammation can aggravate them in some patients. A consultation allows our providers to determine whether Fraxel is the appropriate choice. Treatment may need to be postponed or reconsidered for patients with:
Thoughtful preparation helps reduce irritation, pigment changes, and unnecessary delays in healing.
Your appointment begins with a review of your skin, treatment goals, and the areas being addressed. The skin is thoroughly cleansed, and protective eyewear is used throughout the laser portion of the visit.
A topical numbing cream is typically applied before treatment. Once the skin is ready, your provider moves the Fraxel handpiece across the selected area in a controlled pattern. The device creates microscopic treatment zones at the chosen depth while leaving surrounding skin intact.
Most patients describe the sensation as increasing warmth, prickling, or quick elastic-like snaps. Integrated cooling helps manage heat during treatment. The “ouch factor” is generally moderate and brief, though comfort varies by treatment intensity and individual sensitivity.
The full visit may take approximately 50 to 70 minutes, including preparation and numbing. Treating multiple areas may require additional time. Before you leave, your provider will review skincare, sun protection, and the expected stages of recovery.
Fraxel results develop in stages as surface renewal and collagen remodeling progress.
Some patients notice a meaningful change after one session. A series of three to five treatments, often spaced several weeks apart, may be recommended for more significant sun damage, scarring, or texture concerns. Results vary with treatment intensity, skin condition, and the body’s healing response.
The skin may initially look pink, swollen, or slightly bronzed. It can feel warm and tight, similar to a sunburn. Flaking or a rough, sandpaper-like texture may develop as damaged cells move toward the surface.
Once the initial recovery phase settles, many patients notice brighter color, smoother texture, and a fresher overall appearance. Pigmented spots may temporarily darken before fading or shedding.
Collagen remodeling continues beneath the surface. Fine lines, scars, and textural irregularities may soften gradually, with more complete improvement often visible two to three months after treatment.
Fraxel generally involves less recovery than fully ablative laser resurfacing, but “minimal downtime” does not always mean invisible downtime.
Redness, warmth, mild swelling, and tenderness are common immediately after treatment. These effects may feel similar to a sunburn and usually begin easing within several hours.
Some patients feel comfortable returning to work or routine activities quickly. More corrective sessions may produce several days of redness, bronzing, dryness, or flaking. Patients preparing for photographs, meetings, or special events should leave enough room for the skin to settle.
Your provider may recommend temporarily avoiding:
Varies according to the treatment area, settings used, and your skin’s sensitivity. Following the individualized plan matters more than following a generic timeline.
Freshly resurfaced skin needs protection and restraint. A simple routine usually serves it best during the early healing phase.
Houston sun exposure makes diligent protection especially important. Consistent sunscreen use helps protect healing skin, limit new pigmentation, and preserve the improvement created by treatment.
After treatment:
The cost of laser skin resurfacing in Houston depends on the size and number of treatment areas, the intensity of the session, and the number of appointments recommended.
Some patients achieve their desired improvement with one more intensive session. Others benefit from a progressive series that creates change with a lighter recovery after each appointment. Personalized pricing is provided after consultation, once your skin and treatment goals have been evaluated.
Pricing may be influenced by:
Begin your laser skin resurfacing session with a one-on-one consultation. We take the time to get to know you—your goals, medical history, skin type, and tone.
Houston laser skin resurfacing experts Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks collaborate on every patient case to advise you on the best options for addressing your concerns. We craft a customized treatment plan that may include a combination of both laser skin resurfacing and other aesthetic treatments to achieve the best possible results.
Before you receive laser skin resurfacing Houston aestheticians will thoroughly clean your skin and apply a topical anesthetic and eye protection. Once numb, we glide the Fraxel handpiece across the treatment area, distributing the light into the targeted pigmentation and vessels. Fraxel comes with an integrated cooling process, which helps keep you comfortable and reduce downtime!
At this time, we can schedule you for follow-up laser skin resurfacing, or any other recommended procedures you'd like to enhance the effects of your initial skin resurfacing.
Studio Essex, the medical aesthetics clinic led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks, is proud to offer medical aesthetic technologies & services to residents of Houston. Our ultimate goal is to offer you a welcoming environment, a phenomenal patient experience, and cutting-edge technology that you won’t find anywhere else in Texas.
Laser skin resurfacing is a minimally invasive, non-surgical cosmetic treatment that evens out your unwanted hyperpigmented skin and uneven skin texture for the ultimate smooth complexion. At Studio Essex, we use the Fraxel® laser to improve your overall skin tone, reduce your sun damage, and improve the appearance of your acne scarring. The Fraxel® laser technology is designed with cooling technology to give you smoother and younger-looking skin with minimal discomfort and minimal downtime.
The average cost of laser skin resurfacing with the Fraxel® laser in Houston typically starts at $2500. The total cost for your laser skin resurfacing treatment will depend on factors such as your surgeon’s fee, the location of your procedure, and other miscellaneous medical expenses.
At Studio Essex, we accept cash and all major credit cards. We are also happy to offer financing through CareCredit® for patients.
Before your laser skin resurfacing treatment Houston aesthetic experts Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will prepare your skin by thoroughly cleaning and applying a topical anesthetic to your desired treated area. This will ensure you will remain as comfortable as possible throughout the entirety of your treatment.
Once numb, Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will lay you down on one of our comfortable procedure tables and provide you with protective eyewear. She will then start applying bursts of the Fraxel® laser onto your desired treated area. While many patients are fairly comfortable throughout this procedure, most describe the feeling as though their skin is being snapped with a rubber band. Each treatment session typically takes under an hour to complete.
Because laser skin resurfacing with the Fraxel® laser is a minimally invasive treatment, there is no formal downtime or recovery period associated with the procedure. Most Houston laser skin resurfacing patients are able to return to their normal daily activities, including work, following their laser skin resurfacing treatment. Following treatment with the Fraxel® laser, many patients experience their skin being red, swollen, and sensitive to the sun for the next few hours. This is normal and typically resolves on its own. Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks advises you to moisturize your face and apply a medical-grade sunscreen every day to ensure a smooth and swift recovery.
While many patients may start to see the results of their laser skin resurfacing treatment after just one session, Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks typically recommends a series of three to five treatments spaced two to four weeks apart to achieve ultimate results.
Good candidates for Fraxel® laser skin resurfacing treatments are in good general health and have realistic expectations of the results they can expect from their treatment. Ideal candidates for Fraxel® laser skin resurfacing often desire to treat the following concerns.
Heights Plastic Surgery Membership Plans
When skin maintenance and aesthetics-inspired wellness protocols become part of your regular routine, your body stays nourished, collagen production stays active, and you feel refreshed, day in and day out. Our Heights Plastic Surgery membership offerings remove the guesswork of your next visit, making it easy to stay true to your plan while enjoying preferred pricing on treatments.
The Diamond Club membership includes one clinical treatment each month (such as a Hydrafacial, chemical peel, or IPL photofacial), plus an exclusive 10% discount on surgical cases and additional medical spa services.
The Essex Society membership provides a personalized approach to longevity, offering comprehensive baseline lab panels, monthly body composition tracking, complimentary wellness injections, and tiered savings on peptide regimens and medspa treatments.
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