Is Fraxel re:pair different from fraxel laser?

Hi Dr. P. I wrote awhile back about having the fraxel re:pair for my wrinkles and then having a problem with tiny bumps on my cheek. I thought it might be interesting for others to hear what I have since discovered. First of all, the cheek with all the little bumps is on the same cheek that experienced so much more pain than the other one. I don't know if there is a connection, but seems there might be. After the first few days of vinegar water and aquafur gel, the Dr. told me to start using the cetaphil cleanser and the cetaphil moisturizing cream. Everytime I used it, my face would turn a brilliant red which didn't leave and if fact got worse everyday, and the bumps seemed to get more raised. Then I started to notice this burnt look on my eyelids and around my chin. I tried everything I could think of as I began to realize that I might be allergic to the cetaphil. I finally cooked some rolled oats up but not too solid and strained them through a strainer. I took the oatmeal juice and after it cooled, plastered it all over my face. Instantly I felt some relief and suprisingly when I washed it away my face looked tons better. I went to the store and bought some Aveno moisturizer. The tube cost about three bucks and some aveno foam cleanser. I used this every morning and at night tried putting on the aquafur before bed. NOW! my skin is really healing properly. The bumps are getting smaller and fading more everyday and my skin is looking wonderful. Since then, after digging around on the net, I was suprised to find that there are a number of people who are allergic to cetaphil. Who knew???? Hope this helps. Diane

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Hi, my name is Kim, I'm an RN and manage a medspa in a plastic surgeons office. We will be doing the Fraxel Repair next month and I had a question... do you check the pts. vital signs pre, intra and post op? I'm trying to come up with our protocols for the procedure. I think your website is wonderful. Your answeres are always clear and concise and empathetic. I'm sure it takes up a lot of your time, but what a valuable service you are providing. Thank you, Kim Calerdine, R.N. UltraDerm MedSpa Santa Cruz, Ca.

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Hi Kim, We do not usually check patient's vital signs pre-, intra-, or post- treatment with Fraxel. When you are first starting out with Fraxel it would not hurt to check the vitals prior to any treatment, before the numbing gel is applied. We are very aware that topical lidocaine/tetracaine numbing gel can sometimes cause reactions; therefore patients are watched carefully during the period that the numbing gel is on. Don't ever leave a patient in a room alone with the door closed. We also limit the amount of numbing gel, although I have heard of reactions to lidocaine in relatively small doses. The Xanax that is given prior to the procedure helps to partially negate the lidocaine side effects. Much good luck with the new Fraxel re: pair in beautiful Santa Cruz. Thank you for your kind words. Dr. P

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Ok, I need to talk to someone...I was totally unprepared for this and I admit, I should have done more research. I went to the dermatologist to have a very tiny amount of botox in my forehead. I am getting married in ~6 months and I wanted to even out my skin tone and fraxel was suggested. Side effects were a mild sunburned appearance. It was not that painful, but OH MY GOD! I am freaking out. I am swollen, red, and now I have all these little whiteheads around my nose, mouth and cheeks. I was not told about the swelling or to ice so I have just left everything alone. I have washed with cetaphyl and am moisturizing 2x/day. I had this done yesterday and have been so upset ever since. I am really worried that the whiteheads will scar. Is that usually the case?? There are a lot of whiteheads and although they are tiny I have never seen anything like this before. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!

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Hi Jubilee, Congratulations on your upcoming marriage, I am sure that you are going to be a beautiful bride. It sounds like you had Fraxel re:store (non-ablative Erbium fractionated laser),a day or two before your post. Probably by this time your concerns have already passed. It is very common after Fraxel to have a minor "break out", particularly around the mouth area. The best thing to do is not to pick (just like Mom tells us). Keep washing with a mild cleanser. Hopefully you are not allergic to Cetaphil (if so Aveeno works well). Lots of moisturizer and sun block. If this was Fraxel re:store then it is a series of treatments. You can keep the swelling down in your next treatments by avoiding alcohol for a few days around the treatment, take bromolene (or fresh pineapple), sleep with your head elevated on a few pillows, and let your doc know about what happened. Lastly, once your skin is beautiful from the Fraxel treatments, be careful on your honeymoon if you are going to a "sun" resort (more sun screen). Dr. P

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I had Fraxel Re:Store performed 4 days ago. This is my second treatment. I was expecting pain, redness and swelling, as that was part of my first experience. Last time, by day 4 I was beginning to look and feel like myself again. However, this time, my face has patches of oozing/bleeding that I didn't experience with the first treatment. My entire face seems to crust over each morning. I feel like a burn patient that needs a debriding. My dr. did say that she was doing a stronger treatment this time (50mj/10depth/8 passes). But I am surprised at the reaction. Is this normal? And is there anything I can put on my face to help it heal? I am currently using a topical OTC antibiotic ointment that provides some relief.

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Hi Cynthie, Certainly speak with your treating physician first regarding post treatment care. The levels that you were treated with are very high, and that is why you are having the patches of oozing and bleeding. While you are oozing, a wet ointment/gel like Aquaphor is usually soothing. Once your skin is dry, the use of copious mild moisturizer will be essential along with sun block, but again speak with you treating doc before doing anything. The good news is that you will hopefully have a more impressive result on your deep lines and wrinkles. Depending upon how you heal and your result, you and your doc should determine the settings for your next treatment. Much good luck, and please let us know how you are coming along. Dr. P

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After reading the comments about the discomfort of the procedure, I think I will look around for a doctor that offers sedation to not feel pain. I want a good deep treatment to get the most for my time and money. I had dermabrasion back in the 1980's and it did wonders for my skin. I looked like a burn victim, it took about 7-10 days to heal, and I was red for months, and easily sunburned for the next couple of years. It was SO WORTH IT! I will trade more down time for better results. Now I am aging and need to do something again. I will give fraxel repair a try. I have a comment about breakouts and white bumps afterward. The oozing and ointments on the skin for days can cause that. If you can find products that let the skin breath more, and possibly water soluble it would help.

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Hi Bets, I agree with you. Skin Medica's TNS Ultimate Daily Moisture is a product that many of our patients like after Fraxel treatments. After a re: pair treatment while the skin is oozing for the first 48 hours, Aquaphor is the product that we recommend. Your point of wanting "the most" for your time and money is an important point that patients and physicians should discuss during their consultation to properly be prepared for the treatment and the recovery. We do offer sedation by a board certified anesthesiologist in our state certified outpatient center for those patients who do not want to feel a thing. Good luck. Dr. P

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Dr. P, Thanks for your post. I am on day 4 now and the swelling is gone. Redness has decreased by 70%. I will definitely talk with my doctor about being more upfront with the downtime and what to expect after the procedure. Thanks also for the words on keeping out of the sun...I will definitley wear hats and load up on the sunblock. THanks again.

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