What's the REAL down-time for Fraxel?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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...