Downtime from Fraxel Repair - What to Expect

asked 3 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Margaret Mann, MD
Question viewed 13,563 times
Tags: recovery

I am 45 and lately I've been feeling like I just look old so I wanted to try the Fraxel repair to go after some wrinkles, sun damage, et al. However my husband's class reunion is coming up and I don't want to look like a burn victim in public. How long does it normally take to heal after Fraxel repair? How long before you can at least cover up the redness with makeup? Does the peeling go on for a long time?

7 answers to Downtime from Fraxel Repair - What to Expect

Don't underestimate downtime

A great question is how much downtime will I have? That really depends on how aggressive the treatment is. I could treat someone with the Fraxel Repair at very low energy settings and have them back in action in 3-4 days. However, most people seeking this treatment are looking for the maximal results in the fewest number of treatments. At higher settings where we treat most people I recommend planning on 10-14 days of downtime. Most people can go out with make-up at day 10-14.... more

Jerome Potozkin, MD
Walnut Creek Dermatologic Surgeon

Fraxel Repair can take 7-10 days till back to normal

Recovery time is something I always go over with my patients during their initial consultation appointment so they can have realistic expectations about the procedure. In comparison to the traditional resurfacing lasers, Fraxel Re:Pair has much less recovery time. Recovery time depends on how aggressive yoru surgeon is in treating you. Downtime can range from 3-5 days for less aggressive treatments to 7-10 days for more aggressive treatment. It is normal... more

Margaret Mann, MD
Cleveland Dermatologic Surgeon

Fraxel Repair Downtime

Fraxel Repair is one of the most effective CO2 Fractionated Lasers on the market in terms of depth of penetration and results. The downtime is very dependent on how aggressive a treatment is performed. At the minimum, we tell patients to expect seven days before they can go back to work with makeup. If I think a patient needs extra passes on severe wrinkles, I tell them to expect those areas to be healed in an additional 2-3 days. We follow patients closely after... more

Grace Liu, MD
Newport Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

www.newportcoastdermatology.com

Clinically healed from Fraxel Repair in 5 days, redness can last 8 weeks

Usually by day 5-7, you can go out in public after a Fraxel Re:pair with makeup. Some people aren't comfortable at this stage and might wait 2 weeks. I've had patients back to work at day 6 or 7.

Steven F. Weiner, MD
Pensacola Facial Plastic Surgeon

3-7 days of down-time for Fraxel re:pair skin resurfacing

I tell my patients who come from Fraxel re:pair facial resurfacing at Central Ohio Plastic Surgery to expect 3-5 days of social downtime. During this time, patients are encouraged to stay home and give the skin time to heal from the treatment. After 5-7 days, most patients may still have some redness and mild swelling, but this is usually easily covered with makeup, if there are any concerns. In terms of planning for your husband's reunion, I would suggest... more

Jason Brett Lichten, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

Plan on at least 3-5 days downtime with Fraxel Repair

Plan on at least 3-5 days downtime, sometimes 7 days with Fraxel repair with another 1-2 weeks or redness and some swelling. You can get less downtime with some other fractionated lasers or with a lower power setting on the Fraxel repair but you won't get the same results.

Lorrie Klein, MD
Laguna Niguel Dermatologic Surgeon

www.ocdermatology.com

Profractional Laser downtime

There are quite a few fractionated lasers available, and I have experience with the Profractional Laser. The downtime from this laser is only 3-4 days before you are able to wear makeup and cover the pinkness that remains. The remaining pinkness usually resovles wihtin 7-10 days.

Christopher J. Ewart, MD
Augusta Plastic Surgeon

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