Improve Acne Scars, Sun Damage, Fine Lines & Uneven Skin Texture
Discover smoother, brighter, healthier-looking skin with Fraxel® DUAL laser resurfacing at Aura Skin Spa in San Francisco. Fraxel DUAL is an advanced, non-surgical fractional laser treatment designed to improve acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation, and uneven skin texture while stimulating natural collagen production.
With 20 years of experience in aesthetic medicine, Aura Skin Spa offers customized Fraxel laser treatments performed by experienced medical professionals. Our goal is to help patients achieve noticeable skin rejuvenation with natural-looking results and less downtime than traditional fully ablative laser resurfacing.
Call 415-788-3800 today to schedule your complimentary Fraxel DUAL consultation and discover if laser skin resurfacing is right for you.

Why Choose Aura Skin Spa for Fraxel® DUAL?
Since 2006, Aura Skin Spa has provided advanced aesthetic treatments to patients throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. Our experienced physicians and registered nurses focus on personalized treatment plans, patient safety, and results that enhance your skin’s natural appearance.
What sets Aura Skin Spa apart:
- 20 years of experience in aesthetic medicine
- Experienced physicians and registered nurses
- Advanced Fraxel DUAL 1550 nm and 1927 nm laser technology
- Customized treatments based on skin type, concerns, and goals
- Expertise in treating acne scars, sun damage, and signs of aging
- Complimentary consultations
- Convenient Jackson Square location in San Francisco
- Flexible payment options through Cherry financing
Whether you’re looking to improve acne scarring, reverse visible sun damage, or refresh your skin’s overall appearance, our team can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
What Skin Concerns Can Fraxel® DUAL Treat?
Fraxel DUAL is a versatile laser resurfacing treatment that addresses multiple skin concerns without surgery.
Acne Scars
Fraxel stimulates collagen remodeling to improve the appearance of certain atrophic acne scars, including rolling and boxcar scars. Multiple sessions may be recommended depending on scar depth and severity.
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
By promoting collagen production, Fraxel can help soften fine lines and improve skin texture, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, and mouth.
Sun Damage & Age Spots
Fraxel’s 1927 nm wavelength targets superficial pigmentation caused by years of sun exposure, helping create a clearer and more even-looking complexion.
Uneven Skin Tone & Texture
Fraxel improves roughness, dullness, and irregular skin texture, revealing smoother, more radiant skin as healing progresses.
Enlarged Pores
Collagen remodeling and improved skin texture may help reduce the visible appearance of enlarged pores.
Melasma & Hyperpigmentation
Fraxel may be considered for selected pigmentation concerns, including certain cases of melasma. However, melasma requires careful evaluation because heat-based laser treatments can sometimes worsen pigmentation or trigger recurrence.
Fraxel can treat the face and selected areas of the body, including the neck, chest, and hands, depending on skin condition and suitability.
Fraxel® DUAL Before & After Results






How Does Fraxel® DUAL Work?
Fraxel DUAL uses fractional laser energy to create microscopic columns of controlled thermal injury within the skin.
These treatment zones activate the body’s natural healing response, encouraging the replacement of damaged skin cells and stimulating new collagen formation.
Over time, this process helps improve skin texture, discoloration, and visible signs of aging.
Because surrounding tissue remains intact, the skin can generally recover more quickly than with traditional fully ablative resurfacing procedures.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Fraxel® DUAL?
Fraxel DUAL may be an excellent option for adults who want to improve their skin without surgery.
Ideal candidates may include individuals who:
- Have acne scars or uneven skin texture
- Want to reduce sun damage and age spots
- Are experiencing fine lines and early signs of aging
- Have enlarged pores or rough skin
- Want to improve overall skin quality
- Can accommodate several days of visible healing
Fraxel may not be appropriate for everyone. Patients with certain darker skin tones, active skin infections, recent tanning, or a history of pigmentation complications may require modified treatment settings or alternative procedures.
During your complimentary consultation, our providers evaluate your skin type, medical history, and aesthetic goals to determine whether Fraxel DUAL is appropriate.
What to Expect During Your Fraxel® DUAL Treatment
Before Your Treatment
Your provider will evaluate your skin and review your treatment goals, medical history, and skincare routine.
A topical numbing cream is typically applied before the procedure to improve comfort. Depending on your treatment plan, you may also be advised to temporarily discontinue certain active skincare products and avoid excessive sun exposure.
During Your Treatment
The Fraxel laser handpiece is passed across the treatment area, delivering controlled fractional laser energy into the skin.
Patients commonly describe the sensation as warmth, prickling, or a series of brief snapping sensations.
Most facial treatments take approximately 30–45 minutes of laser treatment time, although the complete appointment is longer when preparation and numbing are included.
After Your Treatment
Your skin may appear red, swollen, and feel warm or sunburned immediately following treatment.
Over the next several days, the skin may develop a rough, sandpaper-like texture as treated pigmentation darkens and superficial skin cells naturally shed.
Your provider will provide detailed post-treatment instructions to support healing and protect your results.
How Much Downtime Does Fraxel® DUAL Require?
Most patients should plan for approximately 3–7 days of visible recovery, depending on treatment intensity, skin sensitivity, and the areas treated.
A typical recovery timeline includes:
- Days 1–2: Redness, warmth, and swelling are common.
- Days 2–4: Skin may darken, feel rough, and develop a bronzed appearance.
- Days 4–7: Superficial flaking and peeling gradually reveal fresher-looking skin.
- Following weeks: Residual pinkness may persist, while skin texture and tone continue to improve.
More aggressive treatments may require additional recovery time.
Sun protection is especially important following Fraxel treatment. Patients should avoid picking or exfoliating healing skin and follow their provider’s recommended skincare routine.
When Will I See Results from Fraxel® DUAL?
Many patients notice improvements in skin tone and texture within 1–3 weeks, once the initial healing process is complete.
Pigmentation improvements may become visible relatively quickly, while acne scars, wrinkles, and deeper textural concerns often improve more gradually as collagen remodeling progresses.
Collagen-related improvements can continue developing over approximately 3–6 months following treatment.
The degree and timing of improvement vary depending on the condition being treated, treatment settings, and individual healing response.
How Many Fraxel® DUAL Treatments Will I Need?
The recommended number of Fraxel treatments depends on your skin concerns and desired results.
- Sun damage and pigmentation: Some patients notice improvement after 1–2 treatments.
- Fine lines and uneven texture: A series of approximately 2–4 treatments may be recommended.
- Acne scars: Often require 3–6 treatments or more, depending on scar severity.
Treatments are commonly spaced approximately 4–6 weeks apart, although your provider may recommend a different interval based on treatment intensity and healing.
At Aura Skin Spa, we customize each treatment plan rather than recommending the same number of sessions for every patient.

Fraxel® DUAL vs. Other Skin Rejuvenation Treatments
Aura Skin Spa offers several advanced skin rejuvenation technologies. Choosing the right treatment depends on your primary concerns, skin type, desired results, and tolerance for downtime.
Fraxel DUAL vs. Clear + Brilliant
Clear + Brilliant is generally a gentler fractional laser option for improving early signs of aging, mild pigmentation, and overall skin radiance.
Fraxel DUAL typically provides more intensive resurfacing and may be better suited for patients with significant sun damage, acne scars, or more noticeable textural concerns.
Fraxel DUAL vs. Morpheus8
Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen and address concerns such as skin laxity, texture, and certain acne scars.
Fraxel DUAL is often preferred when pigmentation, sun damage, and surface texture are the primary concerns.
Fraxel DUAL vs. IPL
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is commonly used to improve certain brown spots, visible blood vessels, and redness.
Fraxel DUAL offers fractional laser resurfacing with collagen remodeling, making it useful for textural concerns and acne scars in addition to pigmentation.
Your provider can help determine which treatment or combination of treatments best addresses your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraxel® DUAL
Fraxel DUAL can be a worthwhile treatment for patients seeking improvement in acne scars, sun damage, fine lines, and uneven skin texture without fully ablative laser resurfacing. The value depends on your skin concerns, expectations, and willingness to undergo the recommended treatment series and recovery.
Most patients experience some discomfort during treatment, often described as heat, prickling, or snapping sensations. Topical numbing cream is applied beforehand to help improve comfort. Sensitivity varies depending on the treatment area and laser settings.
Most patients experience approximately 3–7 days of visible redness, swelling, roughness, and peeling. More intensive treatments may require additional recovery time, and some residual pinkness can last longer.
Many patients with acne scars benefit from approximately 3–5 treatments, although deeper or more extensive scars may require additional sessions or combination treatments. Results depend on scar type, severity, and individual collagen response.
Yes. Fraxel DUAL stimulates collagen remodeling and can soften the appearance of fine lines and certain wrinkles. It is particularly useful for improving skin texture, although deeper expression lines may respond better to other treatments such as Botox.
Fraxel DUAL may be considered in selected cases, but it is not appropriate for every patient with melasma. Laser-related heat and inflammation can sometimes worsen melasma or cause recurrence. A thorough evaluation and ongoing pigment management are essential.
Fraxel may be used in selected patients with darker skin tones, but the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be higher. Treatment settings, skin preparation, and provider experience are important. Some patients may benefit from alternative treatments.
Results can last for months to years, depending on the condition treated, skincare habits, sun exposure, and natural aging. Consistent sunscreen use and an appropriate skincare routine can help maintain improvements. Periodic maintenance treatments may be recommended.
Fraxel may be used to improve fine lines and crepey texture around the eyes when performed with appropriate settings and specialized eye protection. Suitability depends on the patient’s anatomy and skin condition.
The 1550 nm wavelength penetrates deeper to stimulate collagen remodeling and improve acne scars, fine lines, and texture. The 1927 nm wavelength works more superficially and is commonly used for sun damage and pigmentation. Fraxel DUAL incorporates both wavelengths for customized treatment.
Makeup should generally be avoided immediately after treatment and until your provider confirms that the skin barrier has recovered sufficiently. The recommended timing varies with treatment intensity and healing. Avoid applying makeup to raw, irritated, or peeling skin.
Yes. Fraxel may be incorporated into a broader skin rejuvenation plan that includes Botox, injectable treatments, or other skin procedures. However, treatments must be appropriately spaced to allow healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Fraxel DUAL pricing varies depending on the treatment area, intensity, and number of sessions recommended. At Aura Skin Spa, we offer complimentary consultations to evaluate your concerns, discuss pricing, and create a personalized treatment plan. Cherry financing options are also available for eligible patients.
Aura Skin Spa offers Fraxel DUAL laser resurfacing at 118 Columbus Avenue in San Francisco’s Jackson Square neighborhood, conveniently located near the Financial District, North Beach, and downtown San Francisco. Our medical team provides personalized consultations and treatment plans for acne scars, sun damage, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture.
Schedule Your Fraxel® DUAL Consultation in San Francisco
Ready to reveal smoother, brighter, more youthful-looking skin?
At Aura Skin Spa, our experienced medical professionals combine advanced Fraxel DUAL technology with personalized care to help you achieve your skin rejuvenation goals.
Whether you’re concerned about acne scars, sun damage, fine lines, or uneven skin texture, we’ll help you explore the most effective treatment options for your skin.
Discover why patients throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area have trusted Aura Skin Spa for advanced aesthetic treatments since 2006.
