Fraxel Laser Singapore — The Complete 2026 Guide
How Fraxel Dual works, what it treats, what it costs, recovery expectations, and how to protect your results
The guide in brief
Fraxel is a non-ablative fractional laser that treats only a fraction of the skin at a time — heating microscopic columns deep in the dermis to stimulate collagen while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This is what gives it real resurfacing results with far less downtime than ablative lasers.
REVAGI The Recombinant Serum — formulated with SCIRA™ recombinant collagen — is used at licensed aesthetic clinics in Singapore to support the skin through the collagen remodelling phase after fractional laser treatment.
What Is Fraxel?
Fraxel is a brand of fractional laser developed by Solta Medical. The term "fractional" refers to how the energy is delivered: instead of treating the entire skin surface at once, the laser creates thousands of tiny microscopic treatment zones — microthermal columns — surrounded by untouched healthy skin. That intact surrounding tissue acts as a reservoir of healthy cells that drives faster healing, which is the core reason fractional lasers carry less downtime than fully ablative resurfacing.
The most widely used system in Singapore is Fraxel Dual, which combines two wavelengths in a single platform:
- 1550 nm (Erbium glass) — a non-ablative wavelength that penetrates deeper into the dermis. It heats the dermal tissue to stimulate collagen remodelling, targeting acne scars, fine lines, and texture.
- 1927 nm (Thulium) — a superficial wavelength that targets the upper layers of the skin. It addresses pigmentation, sun damage, and dullness, effectively resurfacing the surface for a fresher, more even tone.
Because the two wavelengths address different depths, Fraxel Dual can be tuned by the treating doctor to prioritise pigmentation, texture, or both in a single session.
How Fraxel Works
Fraxel relies on a principle called fractional photothermolysis. Each microthermal column of laser energy creates a controlled zone of thermal injury in the dermis. The body responds to each of these micro-injuries as it would to any wound — by activating fibroblasts and synthesising new collagen and elastin to repair and replace the affected tissue.
Crucially, the epidermis is largely preserved with the non-ablative 1550 nm wavelength. Rather than removing the skin's surface (as an ablative CO2 or Er:YAG laser does), Fraxel heats beneath it. The damaged tissue within each column is gradually extruded by the skin as microscopic epidermal necrotic debris over the following days, giving the characteristic "sandpaper" texture and bronzed look during recovery.
What Fraxel Treats
| Concern | How Fraxel helps | Expected outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Acne scars — rolling & boxcar | 1550 nm remodels dermal collagen to fill shallow depressions | Good for shallow–moderate scars; multiple sessions needed |
| Pigmentation & sun spots | 1927 nm targets superficial pigment and accelerates cell turnover | Reliable improvement in tone and clarity |
| Melasma | Low-energy 1927 nm settings, conservatively dosed | Can help — but requires caution and an experienced doctor (see below) |
| Fine lines & early wrinkles | Dermal collagen stimulation softens fine lines | Moderate improvement; best for early ageing |
| Enlarged pores & texture | Collagen remodelling refines surface and narrows pores | Good progressive improvement |
| Sun damage / photoageing | Resurfaces damaged superficial layers, stimulates renewal | Strong indication — one of Fraxel's classic uses |
Fraxel Dual vs Fraxel repair
The Fraxel name covers more than one device. It helps to know the distinction:
- Fraxel Dual (1550/1927 nm) — non-ablative and fractional. This is the version most Singapore clinics mean when they say "Fraxel." Lower downtime, gentler, suited to pigmentation and early texture concerns.
- Fraxel repair — a fractional ablative CO2 laser. More aggressive, with deeper resurfacing and longer recovery, closer in profile to a fractional CO2 laser.
For a full overview of where Fraxel sits among the non-ablative options, see our guide to non-ablative lasers in Singapore. For the heavier-hitting category, see ablative lasers in Singapore.
Fraxel on Asian Skin
Most Singaporean patients fall within Fitzpatrick skin types III–V, which carry a higher baseline risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after any energy-based treatment. Fraxel is considered usable on Asian skin, but only with carefully modified, conservative settings — typically lower energy, lower density, and adequate spacing between sessions.
What to Expect
Before the Procedure
- A consultation to assess skin type, concern, and suitability
- Stop retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs 5–7 days before
- Diligent SPF in the weeks before to reduce active tanning and pigment
- Topical anaesthetic cream applied 30–45 minutes before treatment
During Treatment
The handpiece is passed across the treatment area in a grid pattern. Most patients feel a warm, prickling sensation managed by the numbing cream and a cooling airflow. A full-face session typically takes 20–30 minutes.
The Recovery Timeline
| Phase | What's happening | What you see |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0–1 | Acute thermal response; wound-healing cascade activated | Redness, warmth, mild swelling (sunburn-like) |
| Day 2–4 | Epidermis sheds treated micro-columns | Bronzing, fine sandpaper texture, mild flaking |
| Day 5–7 | Surface renewal complete; fresh skin emerges | Brighter, smoother tone; pigment lifting |
| Week 2–12 | Peak dermal collagen remodelling | Progressive texture, scar and line improvement |
Downtime & Recovery
Fraxel sits in the middle of the downtime spectrum — more than a gentle pico toning session, far less than ablative resurfacing. With the low-to-medium energy settings used for most pigmentation and rejuvenation cases, the majority of patients are back to work, with some makeup cover, after two to three days. Higher-energy settings for deeper scarring extend visible recovery toward five to seven days.
Fraxel Cost in Singapore (2026)
| Treatment | Price range (SGD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fraxel Dual — full face (per session) | $450 – $950 | Trial/first sessions sometimes discounted; varies by energy and concern |
| Targeted area (e.g. cheeks, around eyes) | $300 – $600 | Smaller zones priced lower |
| Course of 3–5 sessions (acne scars) | $1,800 – $4,000 | Package pricing typically lower per session |
Pricing is indicative, based on published Singapore clinic rates as of 2026. Final pricing depends on the clinic, the treating doctor's seniority, the area treated, and the number of sessions. Obtain a formal consultation and quote before proceeding.
The Post-Procedure Skincare Protocol
After Fraxel, the skin moves through two overlapping phases: a short visible surface-recovery phase (Days 1–7) and a longer, invisible dermal remodelling phase (Weeks 2–12) during which new collagen is synthesised and organised. Most patients focus only on the first and neglect the second — yet the remodelling phase is where the durable result is built.
Supporting this phase means using a serum that signals fibroblast activity without irritating freshly resurfaced skin. Recombinant collagen — bioengineered to be structurally identical to human Type I collagen — provides a biomimetic scaffold signal that helps guide the quality of newly synthesised collagen, while being free of the acids and retinoids that compromised post-laser skin cannot tolerate.
Photo above with application of REVAGI immediately post-fraxel laser
- Days 1–3: Recombinant collagen serum only, over a gentle cleanser. No other actives.
- Days 3–7: Add SPF 50+ every morning (non-negotiable). Continue the serum morning and evening.
- Week 2–4: Reintroduce moisturiser and niacinamide. Keep the collagen serum as the base layer.
- Week 4–12: Resume your full routine; retinoids from Week 4–6 once skin has normalised. Continue the serum through the remodelling phase.
Why this matters in detail: why use a collagen serum after laser treatment.
Post-laser recovery serum
REVAGI The Recombinant Serum
SCIRA™ recombinant collagen · Supports the Weeks 2–12 remodelling phase · Recommended by plastic surgeons and dermatologists at licensed clinics in Singapore
No retinoids · No AHAs/BHAs · No fragrance · Recombinant Collagen serum
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Immediately Post-Treatment (Day 0)
Post-Treatment Day 1–3
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Fraxel vs Other Treatments
| Fraxel Dual | Multifrax | Pico Laser | CO2 Laser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Non-ablative fractional | Non-ablative fractional (dual-wave) | Photoacoustic | Ablative fractional/full |
| Best for | Pigment + texture + early scars | Pigment + tone + texture, gentle | Pigmentation, melasma, tone | Deep scars, deep wrinkles |
| Downtime | 2–5 days | Hours – a few days | 1–3 days | 7–14 days |
| PIH risk (darker skin) | Low–moderate (settings-dependent) | Low | Low–moderate | High |
| Sessions | 3–5 | 3–5 | 3–6 | 1–2 |
How Many Sessions?
For pigmentation and rejuvenation, many patients see improvement after 3–4 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart. Acne scars and deeper texture concerns generally require 4–6 sessions. Because Fraxel builds collagen progressively, results accumulate across the course and continue to develop for several weeks after the final session. Maintenance treatments once or twice yearly help preserve results.
Is Fraxel Right for You?
| Profile | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Pigmentation, sun damage, dull or uneven tone | ✔ Strong indication — especially the 1927 nm wavelength |
| Shallow–moderate acne scars, texture, pores | ✔ Good indication over a course of sessions |
| Want results with limited downtime | ✔ Well suited — a middle path between toning lasers and ablative resurfacing |
| Deep, severe acne scarring or deep wrinkles | ⚠ Ablative options may be more effective — discuss with your doctor |
| Active melasma | ⚠ Possible with caution and conservative settings — experienced doctor essential |
| Active acne, skin infection, or open wounds | ✘ Contraindicated — treat first |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding | ✘ Not recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fraxel safe for Asian skin?
Yes, when performed with appropriately conservative settings by an experienced doctor. Singaporean skin (Fitzpatrick III–V) carries a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so lower energy and density settings, adequate session spacing, and strict sun protection are used to manage that risk.
How is Fraxel different from a fractional CO2 laser?
Fraxel Dual is non-ablative — it heats the dermis without removing the skin's surface, so downtime is shorter and PIH risk lower. A fractional CO2 laser is ablative — it vaporises microscopic columns of the epidermis and dermis, delivering more dramatic resurfacing for deep scars and wrinkles but with longer recovery.
Does Fraxel hurt?
Topical numbing cream is applied beforehand and manages most discomfort. Patients typically describe a warm, prickling sensation with a cooling airflow during treatment. The skin feels warm, like sunburn, for a few hours afterward.
When will I see results?
Surface brightening and smoother tone appear within the first week as the skin renews. The deeper benefits — collagen-driven improvements in texture, scars, and fine lines — develop progressively over the following 2–12 weeks and build across a course of sessions.
What should I put on my skin after Fraxel?
Keep it simple and gentle: a mild cleanser, a non-irritating recombinant collagen serum to support recovery and the collagen remodelling phase, and strict SPF 50+. Avoid acids, retinoids, and vitamin C for the first 5–7 days. See the post-procedure skincare guide.
Further reading: non-ablative lasers in Singapore, Multifrax digital peel guide, and what recombinant collagen is and why it matters.
Liu TS et al., Regen Biomater. 2024.