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What's the REAL down-time for Fraxel?

Posted 25 Aug 2007

I'm thinking about getting Fraxel done for acne scars on my cheeks. My dermatologist recommended it, and it looks like as long as I take several precautions, the results should outweigh the pain/discomfort. However, I'm nervous about the downtime. I am a high school teacher, so it's impossible for me to just hide in a cubicle or take a week off to recover from the procedure. I'm also nervous about the redness, swelling, and peeling many people have reported. I don't want people asking me, "What happened?!?!" The best I could do during the school year is either a 3-day weekend or wait until Christmas break. Any advice?

Comments (14)

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georgie (unregistered guest) 8 Sep 2007
I am on day two post op from fraxel. I have large h2o bags under my eyes. Any suggestions to reduce this? or please share your experience on how soon this will disapate.
Kathy Potter (unregistered guest) 11 Sep 2007
Try Benedryl and frozen peas placed on your eyes every 20 minutes. Thats what my doc recomends and works pretty well. Mine went away by the 3rd day. I also sleep almost sitting up on one of those bed chair pillows.
addicted 24 Apr 2010
Did you feel back after a while? I seem to have the same probelm as you, water bag swelling. I am still day one and very worried.
wanda (unregistered guest) 16 Sep 2007
I had one treatment of Fraxel 3 weeks ago and i still don't like the effect on my face.. it's made my skin look brownish ..i wonder if this was from the sun although i applied SPF 30 whenever i was outside..anyone knows how long this dark color would remain? and the acne scarring doesn't look anybetter yet.
LMT1022 (unregistered guest) 22 Sep 2007
I have had 4 fraxel treatments. After the first, I always made sure that I would not have to leave the house for 3 days. After 3 days, I was still slightly swollen, and I looked like I had a little tan, and I was a bit "peely" looking... but, most people that didn't know me, would not have noticed.
IM 3 Oct 2009
I just had my 5th fraxel yesturday. I had really bad scars on my face and I have nothing but good things to say about this procedure. There are those who need more treatments than others and the downside is the redness, peeling and feels like a sunburn but looks like a tan after 3-5 days later. you will have the healthy glow look. Eventually the tan look goes away and your face is just smoother than before. Unlike facials, this treatment is permanent and its quite expensive but its worth it. If your female you can get away with putting on powder makeup after 3-5 days. No one will notice the redness. I recommend it to everyone.
COLDWOMAN 28 Mar 2010
hi IM- im about to have my first fraxel in a few weeks...and I have read good and bad reports so far. the downtime isnt too concerning for me, i notice you say you have had 5 fraxels.. when did you first notice an imprivement- what were you treating with the fraxel, and how many treatments did your doc say you would need?
michchanel 18 Oct 2009
i would definitely wait until a 3 -day weekend to do this if i were you. i think each person reacts differently. I just got mine done Friday at 1pm ... it's sunday now and my face has just started peeling dramatically when i woke up. I've been putting moisturizer on it once every hour to minimize the peeling but it is very significant. I couldnt imagine trying to put make up on top of all this dead skin peeling off. I did take off work tomorrow just in case and i'm glad i did.....it looks like my skin will be ready to apply make on by tuesday morning. It is easiest to cover up the fraxel with makeup the first 2 days after treatment because the face hasnt started peeling yet. however, once the peeling starts...its pretty noticable.
michchanel 18 Oct 2009
I would definitely wait until a 3 -day weekend to do this if i were you. i think each person reacts differently. I just got mine done Friday at 1pm ... it's sunday now and my face has just started peeling dramatically when i woke up. I've been putting moisturizer on it once every hour to minimize the peeling but it is very significant. I couldnt imagine trying to put make up on top of all this dead skin peeling off. I did take off work tomorrow just in case and i'm glad i did.....it looks like my skin will be ready to apply make on by tuesday morning. It is easiest to cover up the fraxel with makeup the first 2 days after treatment because the face hasnt started peeling yet. however, once the peeling starts...its pretty noticable. It's pretty important to coordinate these types of treatments around work schedules...just in case. At least do ure first on a 3 day, then see how u heal from that one. There are a bunch of three day weekends starting jan...that would be best.
Jeanette01 14 Apr 2010
I just had my 2nd Fraxel treatment for acne scars. My down time has been about 5 days. The reason is because my scares are so deep the laser is set on a higher frequency. Everyones skin is so different it is hard to say what is right for one may not be right for someone else. I have had very little peeling but have very red skin for a few days. I can apply makeup after the 5 days and no one can see the redness. It does fade quickly. I am having my 3rd treatment in 4 weeks and am so looking forward to it. The little pain I have experienced is worth it! I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking of having it done. It it so much better than having the dermabrasion and have the skin scraped off your face with a wire brush!
Vanessa Novi 24 Apr 2010
I had my first fraxel treatment on Tuesday, April 20th. It has been 5 days and I still can't wear makeup. I am extremely dry and peeling. I also have a few blisters! I think this is because I told the doctor that I had a high tolerance for pain and to crank it! The following has been my day-by-day experience: Day 1: Very red and swollen for about 5 hours after treatment. I used cold towels all evening to cool my skin and try to prevent as much swelling as possible. Day 2: Not a lot of swelling, still red. Lots of "pin" scabs where the laser penetrated my skin. Day 3: Same as day 2. Day 4: Broke out with some blisters. My skin is extremely dry and peeling. Day 5: Same as day 4. Still not comfortable going out in public! Thankfully I am self-employed.
FraxelRock 8 May 2010
How is your skin looking now? Are you glad you did it?
addicted 24 Apr 2010
I am in day one and swelling a lot under eye area, I am starting to worry a lot, I don't know what level of power the doc applied... Praying...
Habari40 7 Apr 2012
I have had 9 fraxel treatments for pigmentation that was caused by me taking StJohnsWort and subsequently caused photosensitivity which led to brown patches all over my face. I highly recommend fraxel for this the pigmentation has gone snd its left me looking 10 yrs younger, everyone has commented on how grear my skin is looking. Yes the latest technique creates more flaking but its the body's way of stimulating more collagen and shedding the old skin and pigment. The treatment is worth every cent I paid nearly $900 per treatment.

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