You might notice sun spots first. Then, in a photograph or a different light, you realise your skin looks a little less firm too. When more than one change is bothering you, choosing a treatment can feel confusing. Do you start with tightening, or focus on the texture and colour of your skin?
At BC Laser & Skincare in Surrey, ThermaFrax brings Thermage and Fraxel together in the same appointment. For suitable skin, it gives us a way to work on firmness and surface concerns within one treatment plan. Here’s how the two fit together, and what to think about before booking.
Two treatments with different jobs
Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to heat deeper layers of the skin and encourage collagen remodelling. It’s the part of ThermaFrax that focuses on the appearance of loose skin and wrinkles, with changes developing gradually. 1
Fraxel DUAL focuses on concerns such as sun damage, uneven tone, fine lines and certain acne or surgical scars. Its fractional laser treats microscopic areas of skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact to help with healing. 2, 3
That difference is what makes the pairing interesting. If you’d like firmer skin but also want to address years of sun exposure or an uneven texture, we can look at both goals together. Read more about Thermage here and read more about Fraxel DUAL here.
Would your skin benefit from both
Tell us what you notice when you look in the mirror. It might be softer contours around your jaw, brown spots on your cheeks, or skin that no longer feels as smooth. You don’t need to know the name of a treatment before you come in. Those everyday observations help us understand what matters to you.
We’ll assess your skin and explain what each treatment could realistically improve. Sometimes a combination makes sense. Sometimes one treatment is enough, or separate appointments are a better fit. Having both on the same day doesn’t automatically mean a better result for every person.
Give yourself room to recover
A combined appointment can make scheduling simpler, but you’ll still need to plan for healing. Fraxel can leave skin red, swollen and temporarily dry or peeling. Recovery varies with the treatment and your skin, so tell us about any weddings, holidays or other plans before choosing a date. 3, 4
We’ll talk through comfort measures, which may include topical numbing for Fraxel, and what your appointment will involve. Afterwards, follow the cleansing, moisturising and sun protection instructions we give you. Let peeling skin shed on its own, and check with us before restarting active skincare. 2, 4
What we need to know before treatment
Tell us about medications, previous skin treatments, cold sores and any history of unusual scarring or pigment changes. We also need to know about pregnancy, breastfeeding and implanted electrical devices. Thermage isn’t suitable for someone with a pacemaker or another electrical implant. 1, 2
We’ll review the risks with you, including burns, colour changes, infection and scarring, so you can make an informed decision. If something feels wrong or a reaction is getting worse after treatment, contact us. Don’t stop prescribed medication unless your prescriber advises it. 1, 2, 4
A few things you may be wondering
Will I see the full result straight away?
No. Your skin needs time to settle after Fraxel, while changes in firmness from Thermage develop gradually. We’ll explain when to look for changes and when it makes sense to review your progress. 1, 4
Does one visit mean my treatment is finished?
Not necessarily. Same day describes the appointment, not the whole plan. Depending on your goals and response, we may discuss additional Fraxel sessions or future maintenance.
Talk to us about ThermaFrax in Surrey
If you’re weighing up skin tightening and resurfacing, book a consultation with us. We’ll help you understand whether ThermaFrax fits what you’d like to change. Find BC Laser & Skincare at 13805 104 Avenue, Suite 101, Surrey, BC. Call 604-580-2464 or email infobclaser@dermapure.com.